March 20, 2018 — Robbinsville, NJ
On Thursday, March 15, AJC New Jersey and the Hindu-Jewish Coalition (HJC) hosted a highly anticipated intercultural program at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Robbinsville, New Jersey. Approximately 200 guests experienced the gracious hospitality of the BAPS temple, which included a tour of the exquisite Mandir with its intricate marble carvings, the opportunity to observe a traditional Arti Hindu prayer service, and a delicious vegetarian meal.
AJC New Jersey Regional Director, Rabbi David Levy commenced a program of guest speakers, featuring keynote addresses from Ambassador Dani Dayan, Consul General of Israel, and Mr. Sandeep Chakravorty, Consul General of India, both of whose words exemplified the warm and growing relationship between India and Israel. Vinay Limbachia offered words of welcome from the BAPS temple and Rudresh Dave recited a traditional Sanskrit prayer, translated into English by Nilkanth Raval. Rabbi Esther Reed, Senior Associate, Director of Jewish Campus Life, Rutgers Hillel, followed with the Hebrew blessing (Brachot) over the meal. AJC Central New Jersey President, Lori Feldstein, introduced both Consul General Chakravorty and Ambassador Dayan and HJC Committee members, Marc Citron and Pinakin Pathak, concluded the program with words of thanks.
This program was supported and made possible by the generosity of Borden Perlman, OHM International, Inc., Provident Bank, Comtrade International, Marcie and Marc Citron, and Lori and Michael Feldstein, as well as the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir and the numerous volunteers who worked tirelessly to make the evening welcoming.
The Hindu-Jewish Coalition was founded in 2013 by leaders of Central New Jersey’s Hindu and Jewish communities with the goal of building meaningful relationships based on mutual respect, understanding, and shared interests.
