Food With Friends

Last Friday, leaders from the Jewish Federation had dinner with leaders of the Triangle Hindu & Indian community. The event was the first in a Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC)  initiative called “Food with Friends,” in which leaders from the Jewish community share a meal and guided conversation with members of another community in Greater Raleigh. The objective is to build stronger relationships and partnerships with communities across Greater Raleigh.

The dinner was held at the Hindu Society of North Carolina, with around 40 people attending. Gunvant Bhakta of Triangle Area Hindu Temples welcomed the group. Rabbi Allan Tufs explained Shabbat and its traditions, then led the blessings over the candles, grape juice, and challah. He concluded his talk by leading the crowd in singing “Hineh Ma Tov,” describing it as “a song about how good it is to sit with your brothers and sisters.” Next, a Hindu priest lit a candle and said a series of prayers, and then we were enlightened by Duke professor Pria Amaresh, who shared some of the basic tenets of Hinduism.

The group enjoyed a sumptuous vegetarian Indian dinner; then the participants broke into two groups where they discussed a number of shared challenges, including the importance of supporting community members in need, increasing security concerns, and pushing back against discrimination in our K-12 schools.

“There's something truly special about sharing a meal with a stranger and breaking bread together,” said Federation Senior Director of Engagement Mindy Lawton. “By the end of the evening, we realized that we shared far more similarities than differences.”

Jewish community member Nina Segal’s biggest takeaway was learning the deeper meaning behind the customary Hindu greeting Namaste. “It’s used like “Shalom,” because you say it when you greet and when you leave,” said Segal. “When you say Namaste to someone, you are actually saying to them, ‘My soul is honoring your soul.’ I went to Nepal 40 years ago and said this, but I had no idea what I was saying until that night.”

According to JCRC Chair Mark Goldhaber, "The evening was one of fellowship, education and open engagement. I left with a feeling that the green shoots of a strong partnership is possible. Now it is critical that we build on the good beginnings and develop a long-lasting relationship.”

If you would like to be involved in organizing a future Food with Friends with another community group, contact jcrc@shalomraleigh.org.