Brothers in Faith
Brothers in Faith
On the Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashanah, my synagogue had a problem. We are a historic synagogue located in a prominent location in downtown Charleston and we therefore hire off duty police officers from the Charleston Police Department to provide security. Unfortunately in the world in which we live, a synagogue, or any house of worship for that matter, can not be too careful. In addition to our spiritual needs, the synagogue must now also take into consideration safety needs.
But on one of the days of Rosh Hashanah, October 1, we were without protection. Our wonderful Charleston Police Department officers (headed by the talented Lieutenant Matt Wojslawowicz) had other commitments. Understandably so.
Left without our hired security force on one of our highest profile days of the year, we turned to our brothers in faith at St. Michael’s Church. They rose to the occasion beyond all expectations! Stuart Kaufman, a member of our synagogue, contacted members of the safety ministry at St. Michael’s and without batting an eye they immediately, and on very short notice, volunteered to stand guard in front of our synagogue on Rosh Hashanah.
What a touching sight to see! Three gentleman from St. Michaels Church risking their own lives to protect us on our holiday.
All the members of Brith Sholom Beth Israel owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to Ken Ross, Frank Farmer and Jim Sullivan for their time, friendship, and compassion. We are also indebted to Colonel Greg Kitchens and Reverend Alfred Zadig Jr. for their guidance and leadership.
Our two faiths may disagree on much, but we share more in common. When good people stand together for what is right, despite their traditions and beliefs, the world becomes a better place. I thank the fine gentleman from St. Michaels for teaching me this lesson on Rosh Hashanah.
Rabbi Moshe Davis
Brith Sholom Beth Israel
182 Rutledge Ave.
Click here to read this piece as it was published in the Post and Courier.
