As mentioned in our last newsletter, the ESCC has renewed its engagement in fostering interfaith and intercultural dialogue. In January, we partook in a first dialogue with Jean Duhaime of the Christian Jewish Dialogue of Montreal (CJDM). It resulted in our learning of Reverend Andrew Bennett’s work on building bridges across faith communities (a Canadian framework to be implemented and tested as of summer 2025). Rev. Bennett is Cardus program director for Faith Communities and notably works to promote the importance of public faith. More immediately, CJDM and ESCC enthusiastically committed to keeping each other abreast of opportunities to witness and collaborate toward promoting palliative care and youth / young adult wellbeing.
In relation to the Temple Emanu-El-Beth-Sholom having been the target of antisemitic graffiti in February and Rabbi Lisa Gruschow’s testimonial on the “silence of their non-Jewish friends”, we conveyed our support. Rabbi Grushcow’s gratitude for the outpouring of support the Temple received from all its friends reinforced the ESCC’s intent to act on some of the pragmatic ways of expressing solidarity she suggested. Our participation in a March 28 CJDM members’ meeting at the Temple is a first step. The evening allowed for insights into the Temple’s history, its leadership in interfaith dialogue and gatherings, and a tour of the Aron Museum which houses many ceremonial art objects from around the world. Our participation in the Shabbat service was deeply inspiring as was the time for sharing over refreshments.
In the context of its March meeting, the ESCC Board unanimously agreed to consider integrating the Canadian Christian Declaration on Antisemitism within its DEIA commitments.
Photo by D. Benjamin Miller – Own work, CC0