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Community Corner

Rebranding Judaism and Embracing the Interfaith Discussion Lead by Archie Gottesman

Archie Gottesman, head of the  Spiritual Life Committee at Congregation Beth Hatikvah (CBH), a Reconstructionist synagogue in Summit, NJ, will lead a discussion entitled “Rebranding Judaism and Embracing the Interfaith” after a brief Shabbat service  on Friday, April 25th. Gottesman will focus on the dwindling numbers of Jews and the fact that the community must do a much better job of reaching out
to interfaith couples who are open to raising their children Jewish.

“The simple truth is, when a Jewish person falls in love, it’s not always with another Jew. It is mind-blowing to me that if an interfaith couple wants to get married, and the non-Jewish member of that couple enthusiastically agrees that he or she will raise their children Jewish, it is still difficult to find a rabbi who will perform the ceremony,” says Gottesman. “It is high time that the Jewish community realizes that we need to fully welcome Jews-by-choice as well non-Jewish spouses who are raising Jewish children.  CBH is embracing this message and we are ahead of the critical curve.”

Gottesman knows whereof she speaks when it comes to crafting a message for maximum impact. She is Co-Owner and Chief Branding Officer of Edison Properties in Newark, NJ, and is best known for rebranding Edison’s Manhattan Mini Storage – which has become renowned during her tenure for its edgy, memorable subway and billboard ads, including, "If you don't like gay marriage, don't get gay married," and "Why leave a city that has six professional sports teams, and also the Mets?" While rebranding self-storage may be important, Gottesman is even more passionate about the rebranding of Judaism.  She focuses on breaking down the walls which keep so many potentially involved Jews on the sidelines of what can be a spiritual, meaningful religion.  Gottesman is on the board, and past board chair of Animal Haven Shelter, in NYC, an adoption center that has rebranded what pet adoption feels like to thousands of New Yorkers.  She lives in Summit, NJ.

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The public is welcome to attend the “Rebranding Judaism and Embracing the Interfaith” discussion on Friday, April 25th after services at 7:30pm at Congregation Beth Hatikvah, 36 Chatham Road, Summit, NJ 07901. This event is free of charge. For more information, visit www.bethhatikvah.org.

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