ABOUT 100 PEOPLE from Portland Christian Center, Multnomah Preschool, Lativan Evangelical Lutheran Church, Estonian Lutheran Church and St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church visited Congregation Neveh Shalom Nov. 16 to see the building expansion and renovations completed by their neighbor. At left, Rabbi Emeritus Joshua Stampfer, gesturing behind table, addressed the group. Below, the autumn weather was perfect for a leisurely stroll through the congregation’s lushly landscaped courtyard.

Neveh Shalom welcomes interfaith members

By DEBORAH MOON

article created on: 2008-12-01T00:00:00

Three weeks after inviting the Jewish community to explore its expanded and renovated home, Congregation Neveh Shalom invited its Christian neighbors to do the same.

Neveh Shalom invited clergy and members of Portland Christian Center, Multnomah Preschool, Lativan Evangelical Lutheran Church, Estonian Lutheran, all of which adjoin Neveh Shalom, and St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church to tour the synagogue Nov. 16.

Though St. Andrew’s is a quarter-mile away on Dosch Road, the invitation was extended to them because they open their parking lot to Neveh members during the High Holy Days.

The event was co-chaired by Past President Sandy Axel and Julie Brophy who estimated about 100 people turned out and toured the expanded synagogue.

“The event really was a big success,” said Axel, who served as president of Neveh Shalom during most of the construction phase of the project. “Clearly a lot of folks, particularly from the Portland Christian Center up the hill, had a great deal of interest in our facility, and even more, in getting to know us.”

Brophy agreed: “Everyone was curious about our synagogue and Jewish life, and very happy to be invited to their neighbor’s house of worship. Several of our congregants gave tours of our facilities, and nearly all the guests took a tour. They had many questions about Judaism, and some wanted to know if our services were open to the public.”

The event included brief presentations by Neveh Shalom Rabbi Emeritus Joshuah Stampfer and Assistant Rabbi Bradley Greenstein as well as Pastor Ray Noah from the Portland Christian Center. Neveh Shalom Rabbi Daniel Isaak currently is on sabbatical in China.

Axel noted that Neveh Shalom and Portland Christian Center “share” the watershed area between the two facilities. She said she believes the two congregations each have an interest in restoring the area and possibly installing a bridge for easier access between the congregations.

She said easy access would be helpful because Neveh Shalom allows the PCC to use its parking lots on Christmas and PCC returns the favor on the High Holy Days.

Brophy said she hopes to repeat the event every year.

Axel said that most likely would occur during Sukkot since that holiday emphasizes welcoming guests.