Interfaith Shabbat a shining light
'While some chose to open their hearts and walk into a synagogue to learn, others chose destruction and hate.'
Melbourne Hebrew Congregation welcomed friends and neighbours from St John’s Toorak to come together for a special Shabbat service and dinner on July 4.
St John’s Vicar, Reverend Dr Peter French, said on the night, “I know I speak on behalf of my congregation when I say that it is profoundly moving to be with you, to pray alongside you, and to be so welcomed into this magnificent synagogue.” He added, “Your welcome this evening to our church is all the more powerful – and timely – when too many in our world and our community seek to hate rather than love, divide rather than unite, disturb or denigrate rather than comfort and raise up.”
Reverend French said he had reached out to MHC’s Rabbi Shlomo Nathanson to express his concern with antisemitism in Melbourne. “I expressed to him our disgust at such behaviour, our unequivocal and unwavering support, and to assure him that you have a friend in us on Toorak Hill.”
Rabbi Shlomo Nathanson told The AJN, “It was a night to celebrate the light, wisdom and warmth of our Jewish tradition, and to share those gifts with our neighbours from the St John’s Anglican Church community. Their presence at our shule was a testament to what it means to choose understanding, friendship and shared humanity.
“Together with the Vicar and members of St John’s Anglican Church, we welcomed in Shabbat, sang timeless melodies, shared words of Torah, and experienced the sacred together. It was a powerful reminder of our calling as Jews to be a light unto the nations, to lead with compassion, faith and moral clarity.”
At the same time that this multi-faith expression of tolerance and peace took place, those present were made aware that East Melbourne Synagogue experienced an arson attack and that Israeli restaurant Miznon was targeted by anti-Israel protesters.
“While some chose to open their hearts and walk into a synagogue to learn, others chose destruction and hate,” Rabbi Nathanson remarked. “But we will not be deterred. We remain proud of who we are, proud of our heritage, and committed to sharing its light with dignity and strength.
“That night was a reflection of what Judaism truly is, a faith rooted in holiness, hope and harmony and we will continue to live and share it with pride.”