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FAITH FELLOWSHIP
interfaith tea
The event to bring together women of many faiths began in 1946.
YOUNGSTOWN — Carol Sherman greeted those attending the annual Interfaith Tea at Congregation Rodef Sholom with this verse from Psalm 133, “How very good and pleasant it is when sisters [kindred] live together in unity.”
The program chairwoman of the Interfaith Tea told the crowd of about 75 that the event brings together “women of faith and commitment” and “helps strengthen the ties” of interfaith connections.
She noted that the Interfaith Tea, which began in 1946, was the idea of Marion Roth, then president of Rodef Sholom Sisterhood. The program booklet explained that “Marion’s idea was for the Sisterhood to initiate an interfaith movement that would promote better understanding between various faiths, help overcome religious prejudice and create bonds of fellowship among the women of the Youngstown community. She believed that every religious heritage should be represented and that respect should be accorded to all religious beliefs.”
Teas continue to take place annually, and are hosted on a rotating basis by women of Jewish, Catholic, Protestant and Eastern Orthodox traditions in the greater Youngstown area.
The group gathered in the sanctuary at Rodef Sholom, 1119 Elm St., where Rabbi Franklin Muller spoke. He said the interfaith movement promoted “compassion and caring” among those of many faiths. The rabbi said it was unfortunate that religious beliefs were often at the root of “brutal conflicts and fueled hatred instead of love.”
Rabbi Muller said people should be cautious about “interpreting ancient words with a modern filter.”
The rabbi mentioned “inclusive spirituality” as a way to heal wounds of people and the planet.
He pointed out that every day people interact with those of another culture or religion. “Not talking about our differences doesn’t help,” he said. “Healing needs to take place.”
Rabbi Muller said he believed education and music were two means by which people can learn to understand one another and connect.
The rabbi also took some time to explain the meaning of the symbols on the stained glass windows, which feature the 12 tribes of Israel. The rabbi talked about how each tribe is represented by a symbol and color.
Rabbi Muller said the stained-glass windows fulfill one of the requirements of a synagogue, the other two are an ark for the Torah and an eternal light. “The windows remind us of the outside world,” Rabbi said.
He also told the group that the Torah, prayer and acts of benevalence are the most important elements in Jewish life.
Rabbi Muller along with Dr. Sherry Linkon, a professor at Youngstown State University, and Hilari Lipkin, a teacher at E.J. Blott Elementary School in Liberty, form Kolot Rinah, Joyous Voices of Song. The trio presented a musical interlude before the tea. Among selections, “Open Up Our Eyes,” and the verse, “Open up our eyes, teach us how to live” related to the interfaith theme. In “BaYom Hahu” (“On That Day”), the group invited the audience to sing along. And in its lyrics, “... Each stranger’s face becomes the face of God” also touched on the theme of acceptance.
Marilyn Oyer, general chairwoman of the tea and a member of Rodef Sholom for 51 years, voiced the opinion that “we’re all one people” and “we need to get along for the greater good of the world.” She said she felt similarities among people were more prominent than differences and that should be the focus. “The tea brings women of various faiths together,” she said, noting the long-standing tradition in the faith community.
“I’ve poured tea with Marion Roth,” said Mildred Payne, a member of Third Baptist Church, recalling teas of the past and remembering how long she has attended them. “I only wish we have progressed more.”
The Rev. Gwendolyn Johnson, pastor of Reed’s Chapel, African Methodist Episcopal Church, said, “This is an opportunity to experience what others of different faiths do in worship.
“The fellowship allows us to appreciate the uniqueness of each denomination,” she said. “I like to see this diversity.”
Shirley Megown, president of Church Women United of Youngstown area and one of the hostesses, said the tea is an opportunity for women of many faiths to get together and share.
Jeanne Cotters Monroe of Liberty, a member of First Presbyterian Church, said, “I appreciate the ecumenical aspect of the event. We’re more alike than unlike.
“This also makes me appreciate what women have done” to promote interfaith understanding.
Sponsors were Beth Israel Sisterhood in Warren; Temple Beth Israel Sisterhood in Sharon, Pa.; Children of Israel and El Emeth sisterhoods in Liberty; Ohev Tzedek Sisterhood in Boardman; and Rodef Sholom Sisterhood. Reception committee members were Jodie Damioli, Bonnie Lehman, Lisa Levy and Kandy Rawl. Hostesses were Mary Lou Finesilver, Phyllis Friedman, Shirley Megown, Jill Smythe and Christine White.