A dialogue from Jewish and Christian perspectives
Are two religious perspectives better than one? Two local clergy, Rabbi Michael White of Temple Sinai of Roslyn and The Reverend Victor Lewis of the Friendship Baptist Church in Roslyn, plan to make a case for the affirmative as they co-lead an important discussion on Jewish and Christian perspectives on current issues on Monday, April 28 at 8 p.m. at Temple Sinai of Roslyn.
The Rev. Lewis and Rabbi White have become good friends over the years, and their respective spiritual communities have shared learning, music and friendship. They will lead us on a journey through religious and social concerns. There will be time for discussion, dialogue and questions.
“I affectionately call The Reverend Lewis ‘my pastor’,” said White. “He is warm, sensitive, brilliant and a gifted speaker and teacher. I look forward to this dialogue and to our two communities learning with and from one another.”
A native of Memphis, Tenn., The Reverend Victor J. Lewis was raised in Queens. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the Hampton Institute in Hampton, Va., while simultaneously receiving his commission as an officer in the United States Armed Forces.
After 17 years with The New York Stock Exchange, Lewis followed orders to deploy for “Operation Desert Shield/Storm.” It was during this time that he received his calling to the ministry. After studying at the Hugee Theological Institute of Harlem, Lewis joined the Friendship Baptist Church under the pastorate of Rev. Richard L. Hunter Jr. It is under the tutelage of Hunter that Lewis was licensed to preach the gospel in August 2000, and ordained in March 2001 as the pastor of the Westbury Community Church, where he served for over six years. In 2007, he became pastor at his old home, the Friendship Baptist Church of Roslyn.
Born and raised in Schenectady, N.Y., Rabbi Michael White received his undergraduate education in psychology at Brandeis University. His Masters in Hebrew literature and Rabbinic Ordination were awarded by the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in New York where he was the recipient of numerous academic awards. Following his ordination, White pursued doctoral studies in religion and social ethics at the University of Southern California.
Since his ordination, White has served Temple Isaiah in Lafayette, Calif. and Temple Isaiah in Los Angeles, Calif. Rabbi White became Temple Sinai’s fourth Senior Rabbi in July of 1997.
The diversity in the backgrounds of these two esteemed members of the clergy, from two different and distinct religions, portends a lively, informative and spiritually significant discussion. All are welcome to join congregants at Temple Sinai for this opportunity for interfaith dialogue and understanding.
Temple Sinai of Roslyn is located at 425 Roslyn Rd., Roslyn Heights. For more information, contact Ethel Liebeskind at 516-621-6800 or visit the website at www.mysinai.org.
— Submitted by
Temple Sinai of Roslyn
