On the morning of July 17, students and faculty from the Fo Guang Shan Monastic College, accompanied by Venerable Ruyuan, the abbot of Fo Guang Shan Miami, and association leaders, visited the neighboring Jewish temple, Temple Beth Torah Sha'aray, for a rich cultural exchange. The event fostered mutual understanding and cooperation between different religions and cultures.
The monastic students were guided by Cantor Jenna Kramarow through key areas of the synagogue, including the sanctuary, prayer hall, and preschool. A highlight of the visit was the rare opportunity to view the Torah, the most sacred text in Judaism, up close. Cantor Kramarow also chanted a daily prayer verse, while the monastic students shared an English version of the Buddhist Dedication of Merits as a gesture of goodwill. Venerable Ruyuan presented Cantor Kramarow with a copy of 365 Days for Travelers by Venerable Master Hsing Yun, symbolizing friendship and interfaith exchange.
The students and faculty of the monastic college expressed their sincere gratitude to Temple Beth Torah Sha'aray Tzedek. Venerable Nengkang deeply appreciated the warm reception, noting the open and welcoming atmosphere. Observing Jewish rituals and teachings, the visitors found many similarities between Judaism and Buddhist traditions, highlighting universal values that transcend religious boundaries. Venerable Mingru emphasized that this experience strengthened their respect for different faiths and underscored the importance of interfaith dialogue in Buddhist outreach efforts abroad.
This cultural exchange not only enriched the monastic students' understanding of different religions but also strengthened mutual respect and interaction. Looking ahead, the monastic college hopes to maintain close exchanges with various religious communities, promoting campus diversity and enhancing students' global perspectives and cross-cultural communication skills.
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