Article Published in the Jewish News of Greater Phoenix

December 12, 2008/Kislev 15, 5768

Volume 61, No. 11

Interfaith Encounter

Valley Jews, Christians Tour Israel

Rabbi Jessica Zimmmerman

Frank Shirvinski, Ph.D. (ABD)

As we stood in a circle, waiting to board our flight to Tel Aviv, we were surrounded by reminders of the uniqueness of the journey we were beginning.  On one side of the boarding area, a group of ultra-Orthodox men in long black coats buzzed and hummed through their morning prayers, as they gently swayed back and forth.  On the other side of the boarding area, security guards opened suitcases, inspected the contents of bags and asked questions as travelers slowly made their way through the careful screening process.  And we, Gesher, an interfaith group of twenty-one Jews and Christians eager to continue our studies together and to deepen our exploration of interreligious dialogue, stood in a tight circle, sharing the traditional words of tefilat ha derekh—the Jewish travelers’ prayer—and a Christian blessing for a safe and meaningful journey. 

Gesher:  An Interfaith Bridge to Understanding is an organization co-founded by Rabbi Jessica Zimmerman and Rev. Frank Shirvinski.  Based in text, learning and respectful dialogue, Gesher’s programs have provided Jews and Christians with the opportunity to study texts from both faith communities.  The programs are designed to help participants deepen an understanding of their own religious traditions and texts, by exploring them in the context of “the other.”  Learning together is not intended to diminish differences between the two faiths, but rather, to enable people to explore and dialogue about those differences, so that a clearer understanding of one’s own beliefs is reflected back. 

Gesher’s Interfaith Israel Encounter was the first of its kind.  An opportunity for people in Phoenix/Scottsdale to study together over several months before the trip allowed for deep connection and a shared vision of the trip’s purpose.  The foundation, carefully laid during pre-trip sessions, was built upon during an extraordinary fourteen day journey to Israel and Jordan. 

We travelled through most of Israel, spending extensive time in the Galilee—the northern areas where Jesus taught and gave his Sermon on the Mount.  We explored Jerusalem in all of its color and vibrancy, as we encountered both the ancient, historic parts of the city, and the modern, diverse capital of Israel.  Then we headed into the desert, visiting the Arava and the Negev, by way of the Dead Sea, Eilat and Jordan’s beautiful ancient Nabatean city, Petra.

Like on any visit to Israel, we came face to face with the exciting, challenging and miraculous history of the Jewish people; the diverse customs and cultures of the region; and the sacred sites which make up the Land of Israel.  But unlike other explorations of the Holy Land, Gesher’s journey opened conversations that forced us to think deeply about who are and what we believe, in the context of “the other.”  Our visit to Independence Hall—and a profound contemplation of Zionism—presented us with an opening for intense dialogue about the ideas of homeland and nation, as they are defined by Jews and Christians differently.  Our visit to Yad Vashem demanded that we ask painful questions of ourselves and each other:  What are the obligations that come with being people of faith?  And our visits to sites where Jesus taught caused us to ask ourselves and each other about the role of sacred places in our traditions.

Without question, each of us came home from this journey changed.  For many, it was the first trip to Israel—an exploration of a land filled with peoples, languages and foods that were unknown.  For some, it was a visit to Israel after many years—a reconnecting with a place that is constantly changing, growing, evolving.  It is hard even to predict how this encounter will affect each of us.  The conversations which took place while meandering among ancient ruins or floating in the salty Dead Sea; the tears which formed at Yad Vashem or under the trees at Ben Gurion’s gravesite; the openness to new foods, new scents and new friendships—all of this becomes part of the fabric woven on our journey.  It is a tapestry of beliefs, visions and people of many different backgrounds.  Gesher’s trip to Israel was built on vision and belief in endless possibilities.  The friendships established through this experience will serve as the basis for many more dialogues and sacred encounters in interreligious cooperation in Phoenix/Scottsdale and beyond.

At this dark time of year, as our hemisphere tilts further and further away from the sun, we anticipate the Festival of Lights, which we will soon celebrate.  As our chanukiyot light up our dark windows, we are reminded of what the prophet, Zacharia, taught, “Not by might and not by power, but by spirit alone shall all people live in peace.”  Through deep bonds of friendship, learning and increased understanding, we bring light to the darkness which comes from misunderstanding and ignorance.  As we learn to share our own beautiful traditions with one another, we create a world where tolerance, dialogue and community work together to make the prophet’s words guide our steps.

We hope to continue to bring people together to learn and to explore.   For more information, or to make a tax deductible donation to further this important work, please contact Gesher:

director@gesherinterfaith.org.

When Rabbi Jessica Zimmerman lived in Scottsdale, serving as a rabbi at Congregation Beth Israel from 2004 to 2006, she and the Rev. Frank Shirvinski, the senior minister of Chaparral Christian Church in Scottsdale, started Gesher: An Interfaith Bridge to Understanding. Zimmerman, who now lives in New York, and Shirvinski have been teaching together for four years, first through a curriculum about the Jewish holiday cycle and Jewish and Christian texts on those themes, and then on Isaiah and other topics. They created Gesher to continue interfaith teaching and interreligious dialogue.