Love Thy Neighbor – The Stranger in our Midst – The Eighth Annual Interfaith Symposium/Concert

A beautiful afternoon, sunny, warm. A large and enthusiastic audience was present to participate in a very powerful symposium, and after a brief intermission in the courtyard with refreshments, a magnificent concert was presented by Nick Strimple and the marvelous musicians he assembled for the program. Here are some remarks - I must tell you that I was moved by the afternoon's programming, but I was even more touched by the reaction to the music. It really made me appreciate the magic of music. From Rand Harris: I want to express the thanks of the LA Zimriyah Chorale to you in particular and to the entire JMCLA for its unwavering support of LAZC and its participation in the Annual Interfaith Symposium and Concert held at Beverly Hills Presbyterian Church. It is especially gratifying for me and for all of us in LAZC to know that there are others in the Los Angeles Jewish community who share our vision and our commitment for the preservation and performance of Jewish music as an essential force which animates and elevates the Jewish experience and perpetuates Jewish identity through the Jewish arts. You and the entire JMCLA are to be commended for your hard work, your sacrifice and for your generosity. Jeremy - thanks again for a terrific presentation. The images you chose and your comments were right on target and very moving. Sunday's program was outstanding. This is such a wonderfully intellectual, musical, spiritual and artistic opportunity for our communities to come together. It is very meaningful and very joyful. Thank you. To Rt. Reverend Alexei Smith (who could not attend because his plane returning from Israel was delayed by several hours (He had been in Israel with Rabbi Mark Diamond of the Board of Rabbis bringing a group of Catholic seminary students to Israel for their first time.) We have heard how successful your trip to Israel was. We know how hard you tried to get to Los Angeles in time to join the others, and we can imagine how frustrating it must have been for you to be delayed. We missed your knowledge and humor, but more importantly, your insights into the dramatic roles which have been played by the Archdiocese and the parishes in addressing the needs of the hungry, the homeless and the stranger in our midst. To Rabbis Feinstein and Schulweis and to Dr. David Wroth: Your energy, knowledge, insight and humor helped make the symposium an important experience for all. This year’s topic seemed to resonate more than any of the previous subjects. The excellent art presentation by Jeremy Glatstein was a perfect lead-in to the program. It’s too bad that Father Alexei could not be present, but you and the others certainly filled the gap. Nick’s selections for the concert were outstanding and the performances were truly stunning. Many, many people have said this was the best yet, and I agree!