NEVADA: In a remarkable interfaith gesture, a new building of a synagogue in Reno Nevada was blessed with recitation of Gayatri Mantra, considered one of the most sacred mantras of Hinduism.
The event on October 10 was attended by a large number of interfaith leaders where in Rajan Zed, President of Universal Society of Hinduism, chanted Gayatri Mantra and also read from Brahadaranyakopanishad and Taittiriya Upanishad, both ancient Hindu scriptures, as a part of the blessing. He sprinkled few drops of water from river Ganga of India, considered holy by Hindus, during this blessing.
Religious leaders of Roman Catholic, Muslim, Buddhist, Baha’i, United Methodist, Presbyterian, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Unification Church traditions also participated in the dedication ceremony of this new building of Temple Beth Or (House of Light), a Jewish congregation launched in 2009, and read their respective prayers.
According to ElizaBeth W. Beyer, founding Rabbi of Temple Beth Or, their goal is to “inspire individual and community growth”. Beyer defines Temple Beth Or as “truly warm, welcoming egalitarian Jewish congregation devoted to Jewish learning and Jewish values”, and adds, “Our services are filled with music and ruach (passion). We identify with being Just Jewish”.
India Post News Service