THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, March 20, 1996 TAG: 9603190102
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 11 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY GARY EDWARDS, CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: Medium: 74 lines
Rabbi Israel Zoberman learned to play bingo during his 10 years of sharing facilities at Ascension Catholic Church. He also learned about fellowship and bonds between people of different religious beliefs.
``Our theology may be different, but my people were exposed to love and peace by the parishioners,'' said Zoberman, rabbi at Beth Chaverim, which moved into a new temple on Rosemont Road in December.
The two religions were able to use the same building for services because of one of the differences alluded to by Zoberman. The Jewish worship begins at 8 p.m. Friday with a Welcoming Sabbath ceremony. The Sabbath is celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday. Catholic Mass is celebrated on Sunday. The two religious groups often attended each other's services, said Zoberman.
``This was the only such bond between the two religions in the world,'' he said.
``We began at Ascension with about 75 families,'' said Zoberman, who founded Beth Chaverim in 1982. ``We have now about 250 families.''
Beth Chaverim held its services at Wesleyan Acres Church from 1982 until 1986.
The new temple is a modern structure of about 4,000 square feet. It is contemporary in design and includes baby-changing stations in the restrooms, a library, a social hall and offices. The sanctuary can seat 500, and plans already have been drawn for expanding it later and adding an educational wing.
The congregation bought the land at the corner of Rosemont and Stoneshore roads in 1986. Construction began in April 1995 and was completed in December.
Zoberman had no office at Ascension.
``We were able to worship there,'' he said. ``But it is very nice to have these facilities.''
The name ``Beth Chaverim'' means House of Friends in Hebrew, Zoberman said. Ascension was that for 10 years and Zoberman expressed gratitude for the ``sharing.''
He added that Ascension even allowed the Beth Chaverim congregation to place a menorah on the grounds during Hanukkah.
``That was a statement of faith for those of another faith,'' Zoberman said.
But it's nice to finally have a place of their own, Zoberman said about his congregation.
There is a ``tremendous sense of pride in accomplishing our goal,'' he said. ``It is a blessing to have our own sanctuary.''
The two congregations will continue to maintain the bond established between them.
Earlier this month, they met together at Beth Chaverim.
The Rev. Jim Parke, pastor of Ascension, was made an honorary member of the temple and they presented Ascension with a silver wine cup. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by STEVE EARLEY
Rabbi Israel Zoberman and his congregation have moved into their new
temple, Beth Chaverim, on Rosemont Road. They had been sharing the
facilities at Ascension Catholic Church for 10 years.
by CNB