Reno, CA…In a remarkable interfaith gesture, leaders of various religions and denominations blessed the new building of a Jewish synagogue in Reno on October 10 evening.

Religious leaders of Roman Catholic, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Baha’i, United Methodist, Presbyterian, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Unification Church traditions 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.

As a part of this multi-faith ceremony, Hindu statesman Rajan Zed lead the audience in the recitation of Gayatri Mantra in Sanskrit, considered the most sacred mantra of Hinduism, from the oldest scripture of the world still in common use Rig-Veda. Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, sprinkled few drops of water from river Ganga of India, considered holy by Hindus, during this blessing.

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, “We identify with being Just Jewish”.

Details of the picture attached:

In the picture at the ceremony, from left to right, are: George Marion Keele of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Hisae Child of Unification Church, Stephen Child of Unification Church, Roya Galata of Baha’i faith, June Canak of Unification Church, Nadiah Beekun of Northern Nevada Muslim Community, Rabbi Elizabeth W. Beyer of Temple Beth Or, Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, Jikai’ Phil Bryan of Reno Buddhist Center, Howard R. Dotson of Spanish Springs Presbyterian Church, Muhammed A. Quddus of Northern Nevada Muslim Community and Roman Catholic M. James Toner.