Uncovering the Wisdom in Others: A Collaboration between American Baptists and Orthodox Jews

PROVIDENCE – An interfaith effort to examine and reflect on shared values is a spark of hope and a respite in these times of political polarization. It is encouraging ongoing listening and productive discourse as well as offering support and solidarity.

When Rabbi Emily Goldberg Winer of Congregation Beth Sholom came to First Baptist Church in America (FBCIA) on Jan. 19, she engaged in a public conversation with Rev. Dr. Jamie Washam during the church’s usual sermon time. She introduced the congregation of American Baptists (who separated from Southern Baptists over the issue of slavery in 1845) to the practice of chavruta (friendship), the traditional Jewish method of text-study in which a pair of students read/translate a classical Jewish text aloud and debate its meaning and merits. The texts they were considering came from the writings of Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

After being introduced by Rabbi Barry Dolinger of Congregation Beth Sholom, Pastor Jamie and Rabbi Emily began meeting for coffee and “had a dream” around a program for MLK Day that could be meaningful for both their congregations. Together they studied a packet of readings from MLK and Rabbi Heschel. “They were both swimming in the same water” said Pastor Jamie when I spoke to her about the collaboration, and “they were using the same language of faith and justice.” Unknown to some of the Baptist congregation, MLK and Heschel marched together at Selma [Alabama] on March 7, 1965. 

Planning began during the presidential campaign in the fall of 2024 as they sensed people were looking for meaningful ways to connect. They wanted to give their congregations something substantive from both their traditions to form what Pastor Jamie says could be “pathways between and among our communities to prepare them for whatever might be coming, ahead of anything that might be difficult for them.” They focused on what has served people well during hard times – and hoped to look at the way people organized and showed up for each other in the past. 

Rabbi Emily noted that Jewish teachings are about inclusion and belonging, and that it was important for her to collaborate with Pastor Jamie in drawing attention to both MLK and Rabbi Heschel. At Pastor Jamie’s request, she explained to members of FBCIA that Heschel was known for being unorthodox: when he marched with MLK at Selma, he said his legs were praying even though prayer outside the synagogue was unusual. A lot of Jewish theology, she told them, comes from Heschel.

She also noted that some tension remains in the Jewish community about visiting Christian churches and about intermarriage but that “we can learn a lot from our friends in the pews.” This fear, she said, may have made some members of the Jewish community miss the fact that FBCIA was one of the first to respond after Oct. 7 with “Bring them home” on its wayside pulpit. “This church was an ally” she said, “and this needs to be acknowledged. 

“It’s important,” she went on, “to slow down and get to know your neighbors.”

She then introduced the FBCIA congregation to chavruta, adding that this was something Heschel taught – the idea of uncovering the wisdom in others – and which he and MLK practiced together. It doesn’t always come naturally, she said, but we can make it happen. Dialogue with each other can deepen our understanding of each other.

As a result, FBCIA hosted members of Congregation Beth Sholom on March 9 – close to the 60th anniversary of the Selma march. A booklet of writings by Heschel and King was circulated to both congregations after Rabbi Emily’s visit to the church. A good crowd attended, and animated conversation soon began. The first things that gained attention were King’s words, “Our priorities are mixed up, our national purposes are confused” and Heschel’s question, “Where does moral religious leadership come from today,” both resonating with the times we currently live in. These important ideas in their work are a call to action and a challenge for us now.

The notion of the “creative extremism” which King and Heschel both promoted was also discussed. “Extremism in defense of liberty is no vice. Moderation in pursuit of justice is no virtue.” – this summary of the words of Cicero used by Sen. Barry Goldwater as well as by Malcolm X – was introduced into the discussion for consideration. Acknowledging that one person’s freedom fighter can be another person’s terrorist, the group also considered radical love as a creatively extreme position.

Moving on to the polarization of the nation today, the possibility of a third way forward was introduced. “‘I told you so’ is not a good recruitment technique,” Rabbi Emily noted, for “it doesn’t bring people together. We must see where we can find common ground.” Hearing those who may not agree with us is an important first step. This means staying connected and being intentional – freedom for some is not freedom for all.

There was much to say and a great deal of participation from this intergenerational group – the discussion could have gone on for longer. An opportunity to do this is already in the works for members of FBCIA to come and meet with Congregation Beth Sholom later in the spring. Rabbi Emily believes there is an opportunity for more exchanges to keep both communities “alert to the goings-on in the world” through the further study of texts together.

Ruth Marris Macaulay, a retired educator and freelance writer, is copy editor for Jewish Rhode Island.