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Aberdeen: Interfaith Tea

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Event

A  small community received a much-needed boost by hosting a tea celebrating their 70th anniversary that was attended by members, local councillors and the Lord Provost. Members exhibited pride in their faith as they explained Jewish practices to civic leaders.

Objectives:

To help build bridges with the wider Aberdeen and NE Scotland community, in line with the outward-looking attitude of the Shul’s committee.

Evaluation from Debby Taylor (wife of the President):

“As the Lord Provost of Aberdeen was invited to the consecration ceremony in 1945, it felt appropriate that the title’s current incumbent – and councillors – be invited to join the community in its celebrations. It was a great chance to build relationships, as many locals have never engaged with Jews. That a few members, who hadn’t visited the shul in at least a decade, decided to come, was an unexpected delight. This was a special event that was a bit different, and allowed us to explain Judaism on our ‘home turf’ to an interested party.”

Participant Feedback:

  • As my first time in a Jewish place of worship, I had a very positive experience (City councillor).
  • The tea gave me a better understanding of how the council supports local faith communities.
  • We demonstrated our practices and our purpose as a community in order to reinforce ties with the local council. Councillors and the Lord Provost enjoyed their visit enormously.
  • I can now appreciate and treasure the importance of the Hebrew Congregation as a practical presence for good.

To discover how CRE can benefit your community contact Rachel Shababo