On Martin Luther King Day (which also happened to be Tu BiShevat), of all days, the Stated Clerk of the Presbyterian Church USA, Dr. J. Herbert Nelson II, issued the following statement, “The continued occupation in Palestine/Israel is 21st-century slavery and should be abolished immediately. Given the history of Jewish humble beginnings and persecution, there should be no ambiguity as to the ethical, moral, and dehumanizing marginalization and enslavement of other human beings.”
Given the rocky relationship the Jewish community has had with Presbyterian USA, this was just another mark on a long list of divisive actions and remarks. And, while that may be the story nationally, it most certainly is not in our relationship with our local Presbyterian churches. North Presbyterian and Congregation Shir Shalom have worked hard to nurture and solidify our sister community relationship over the years.
Therefore, it is no surprise that when Rev. Hennessy heard about Dr. Nelson’s remarks, he immediately sprang into action, composing and sending a heartfelt letter on our behalf. He condemned Dr. Nelson’s remarks in no uncertain terms, writing the following: “Here in Williamsville, I’m part of a broad interfaith dialogue. Our congregation has a longstanding and deep relationship with our neighbor synagogue. Statements like this from your office only generate suspicion and hard feelings. It makes it that much harder to sustain relationships when I have to apologize for my denomination and our conversation has to veer in directions that too often go nowhere. Our congregations are both deeply committed to social justice globally, nationally, and locally. How we pursue that effectively together is plenty to work through without also having to address hyperbolic claims from my denominational headquarters.”
This week’s Torah portion, Mishpatim, emphasizes again and again our responsibility to protect the stranger. Why? Because when we go out of our way to protect a stranger, they are no longer stranger but have become our friend. Thank you, Rev. Hennessy, and the local Presbyterian community, for having our back. Know that we have yours as well.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Alex