In the picture from left: Rev Alan Griggs, Rev Eleanor Smith, The Very Rev Dr Peter Robinson, Rev Anita Mathews, the Ven Phil Williams, Rabbi Gili Zidkiyahu, Eve Sacker and Louise Griggs.
Also in attendance (but not in the picture) Revd Andy Fyall, Chair for Notts and Derby District of the Methodist Church.

CCJ volunteers Eve Sacker from the newly formed Derbyshire Jewish Community and Rev Alan Griggs from Derby Diocese saw their first interfaith event take place on Saturday 30th August, with clergy from Derbyshire, the Diocese of Nottingham and Notts and Derby District of the Methodist Church visiting the Nottingham Liberal Synagogue. The event offered an opportunity to take part in the Shabbat service, to learn about the sifrei Torah, and to spend time in conversation with members and Rabbi Gili. Seven clergy from a variety of Christian traditions took part alongside a good number of Nottingham Liberal Synagogue members including members of the Derbyshire Jewish Community.

Alan says, “At a time when interfaith relations has hit rocky ground, it is so important to reach out to the Jewish community in Derbyshire and make meaningful connections. It was clear from our conversations with Rabbi Gili and others that there is a desire for interfaith dialogue to dig deeper and remain open to listen and learn in a polarising world. I was particularly struck by Rabbi Gili’s reflection on Psalm 27 and the call to wholeheartedness in Jewish life. A wholeheartedness that requires a commitment to live with uncertainty, doubt, questions, disagreement, and see beyond our own religious worlds”

Eve says, “We shared meaningful time together at the service and afterwards. The Kiddush provided a wonderful opportunity for Synagogue members to share their love for our building and traditions. Our conversation with Rabbi Gili explored some of the difficulties facing bridge building and interfaith in the current climate but left us feeling hopeful of new possibilities. During the service I read from the words of Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel & these words remind us of the shared humanity that lies at the heart of what we hope to do in Derbyshire. “To meet a human being is an opportunity to sense the image of God, the presence of God. According to rabbinical interpretation the Lord said to Moses “wherever you see the face of man there I stand before you”

Alan and Eve are looking forward to shaping future CCJ events and would love to hear from anyone in Derbyshire and the surrounding areas who might be interested in being contacted as the work develops.