By Shelley Neese
The Greater Miami Jewish Federation (GMJF) and the American Christian Leaders for Israel network (ACLI) hosted an inspiring interfaith event, bringing together 30 local pastors, rabbis, and faith leaders for a morning of connection and dialogue. This unique gathering fostered understanding and unity between Miami’s Jewish and Christian communities.
ACLI played a pivotal role in initiating and supporting the event. A project of the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem’s USA branch, ACLI is a network of influential Christian leaders, dedicated to strengthening the bond between Christian and Jewish communities through advocacy and relationship-building. This event exemplified their commitment to fostering dialogue and supporting Israel.
The event was initiated by a heartfelt moment shared by ACLI’s Allison Griffin, who expressed her dedication to advocating for Israel but acknowledged she had never experienced a traditional Shabbat dinner. This honest revelation inspired Jenni Person of GMJF to extend an invitation, marking the beginning of a collaborative effort to deepen interfaith relationships.
Participants engaged in meaningful conversations over bagels and coffee, guided by thought-provoking prompts like, “How did you recognize your calling to the rabbinate/ministry?” and “What is your favorite service project you’ve ever implemented?” These exchanges cultivated mutual respect and highlighted the shared values between the communities.
The morning’s discussions were led by prominent faith leaders including Dr. Susan Michael, director of ACLI and president of ICEJ USA; Rabbi Stuart Weinblatt of the Zionist Rabbinic Coalition; Rabbi Fred Klein of the Rabbinical Association of Greater Miami; and Jenni Person, JCRC Community Relations Manager.
“This event exemplifies the power of authentic dialogue in building lasting connections,” said Susan Michael. “The willingness of both communities to listen, learn, and stand together is a testament to the strength of our shared values.”
Looking ahead, attendees established a WhatsApp group to maintain their newfound connections and expressed enthusiasm for future collaborations. Many are also planning to attend the upcoming May Advocacy Day in Washington, DC, furthering their shared mission of advocacy and support.
This successful gathering marks a significant milestone in fostering unity and understanding, underscoring the commitment of both Jewish and Christian leaders to stand together in friendship and solidarity.
