Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, January 2, 1994 TAG: 9401020094
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH LENGTH: Medium
The two religious communities that worship in very different ways have come to share more than sanctuary space since they started the arrangement eight years ago.
"It's a house of God," said the Rev. William J. Dale, founding pastor of the Ascension parish. "Focusing on the common elements of our worship does not do a disservice to either community."
"Our separate uniqueness ought not to be an obstacle," said Rabbi Israel Zoberman, whose Beth Chevarim, a reform congregation, worships at Ascension. "Rather, it should help us discover one another's unique gifts."
Zoberman says his research shows his is the only Jewish congregation in the world that worships regularly in a Catholic church.
He says Beth Chevarim's 250 families couldn't feel any more welcome there. They share in religious and social events, have a place on the church sign and plan to maintain ties even after they build their own place of worship.
The arrangement has proved confusing in the past. Dale said a Jewish woman once approached him at the church and, despite his dark clothes and Roman collar, asked whether he was the rabbi.
"I knew she hadn't been at temple for a while," Dale said.
Zoberman removes what Christian banners and other symbols that he can in preparation for his congregation's worship. On high holy days, Dale even pitches in to help.
The two groups have forged the kind of bond their communities worldwide are just starting to work on with last Thursday's historic opening of full diplomatic relations between the Vatican and Israel.
A leader of the nation's Jewish community sees real change happening on the local level - especially in America, with its tolerance for opposing views, and especially at places like the Church of the Ascension.
"Eight years together is probably a record, and one with which they can be proud," said Rabbi Alexander Schindler, president of the reform church's parent body in New York.
Bishop Walter F. Sullivan, leader of the Catholic diocese of Richmond, agreed: "You can't sign agreements artificially unless you first have a real trusting between individuals."
The tall wooden cabinet that contains the torah, the scroll of laws that is the focus of Jewish worship, has a permanent storage place in full view of the sanctuary, next to a wrought iron cross.
From the start, Dale said, he has heard only acceptance for these visible symbols of Judaism: The parish's reaction when he broke the news that Jews would be worshiping alongside them was to break out in applause.
by CNB