Interfaith Outreach

Fostering interfaith understanding and friendships in our community

The Interfaith Outreach Committee cultivates educational opportunities and connections with non-Jewish faith-based communities within the Research Triangle.  As Beth El’s liaison to Durham Congregations in Action (DCIA), we facilitate meaningful engagement and collaborations.

Our recent initiatives have included participation in Street Reach, a Walltown/Trinity Park event with seven local churches.  About 250 people enjoyed free food, games, music and bargain tables with proceeds donated to the food bank at St. John’s Baptist Mission Church.  

For the first time in 50 years, Beth El Synagogue was included in the Trinity Park Home Tour.  Our committee’s docents gave tours of our sanctuary with explanations of Jewish prayers, rituals, and religious objects.  Also featured were 10 banners from Jewish Heritage North Carolina which portray the 400 plus year history of Jewish life in our state.  We welcomed 220 enthusiastic visitors on the tour.

Another well-received event was “Taste of our Holidays” where visitors from five local churches sampled foods related to major Jewish holidays, learned the holidays’ significance, and how families celebrate at home.  Attendees made new acquaintances with Beth Elians and enjoyed meeting folks from other churches.  Afterwards, we received notes requesting that we repeat this program next year.

In 2024, Beth El hosted a Thanksgiving lunch with congregants from Trinity Avenue Presbyterian Church.  Rev. Katie Crowe gave the D’var at the Shabbat service preceding lunch.  This luncheon is a yearly event, alternating between the two congregations.  This year, Beth El is invited to attend TAPC’s Sunday service, where Rabbi Greyber will give the sermon, followed by lunch.

Several Beth Elians attended the Divan Center’s Ramadan dinner in Cary, where we learned about Muslim worship, and enjoyed live music, dinner and conversation with their members.

The Divan Center encourages diversity, interfaith friendship and acceptance of different beliefs.

Join us in our endeavors - we welcome your ideas and participation.  In-person and Zoom planning meetings are held in conjunction with events.  To become involved, please contact Lynne Grossman.  Help us in fostering interfaith understanding and friendship in our community.