I had the privilege of attending a Rosh Hashanah service yesterday to celebrate the Jewish New Year at Congregation B'nai Israel in Sylvania. Afterward, at the invitation extended several months ago by a family from the synagogue, I joined a group of 11 for lunch in one of their homes.
There was so much food and wonderful conversation, I truly felt honored to have been there.
We talked a little about faith, and they wanted to know where I worshipped and what kind of Christian I am.
One of the women hugged me, kissed me on the cheek, and said that Toledo is truly blessed to have me as the newspaper's religion editor. It was obvious that she was being sincere and not just blowing smoke.
It's ironic that a group of devout Jews was more welcoming, and more appreciative, and more accepting of me and my work as a reporter than some groups that share, or profess to share, my faith in Jesus Christ as the Messiah.
Sylvania, Ohio
Sept. 15, 2007
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