I was a bit skeptical when I received the initial invitation to attend the first ICJS study seminar. I couldn't imagine what this seminar had to offer me, what I had to offer the group, and why I would attend a three-day seminar right smack at the end of religious school when all I could think about was reading 1000+ report cards. Something, however, pulled at me and I refrained from tossing the invitation in the trash. It finally dawned on me that my hesitation might indicate more interest than I thought and perhaps I should just sign up already!

I have never regretted that decision. For six years, I have been a part of the Christian and Jewish Educators Study Group, never skipping a meeting. I can't bear the thought that there will be a discussion without me! I never want to miss a thing.

The journey we have traveled together has been remarkable as we focused on specific topics. Our fearless ICJS leaders are master teachers and have guided us with an exquisite exper-tise. We have studied aspects of Jewish prayer, Christian prayer, Jewish rituals, Christian rituals, and the interaction between faiths. It has been an incredible process! So much light has been shed on things I never even thought about, let alone understood.

Putting questions on the table and hearing answers enhanced my work as an educator in my community and transformed my thinking on many levels. I am able to share more information than I had before, and my wider perspective has given me greater insight into some of the issues that interfaith families in my congregation may face. Explaining Judaism is certainly easier when one understands how a Christian may be inter-preting what is being said!

I teach an Introduction to Judaism class in Northern Virginia. The information I have gleaned from our study sessions has made me a better teacher each semester. We have had countless discussions based on something that I found fas-cinating in a recent meeting. Of course, the more I learn, the more questions I have and the greater my interest in con-tinuing to learn.

In our periodic study meetings I have found a group open to learning, to discussing, to sharing, and to questioning. The foundation is a true interest in building bridges through under-standing Judaism and Christianity. These people are among the warmest and kindest I have ever met. We have formed Kehilah Kedosha . . . a sacred community. My own Judaism is clearer than ever before as I (try to) articulate explanations to the "other's" questions. And, without a doubt, my always vague understanding of Christianity has grown to a depth that I could never have expected.

It is wonderful to be in a group where you can say, without judgment from others, "Could someone explain that?"

I have friends that I look forward to seeing at each meeting. And I know that there is always an answer to any question just a phone call away if I need it. I treasure the time we spend together talking, questioning, answering, and listening, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue with this group and to enrich my own background.