Interfaith Event in West Hartford Led by Grassroots Jewish Women of Connecticut
An interfaith flower arranging event, hosted by Grassroots Jewish Women of Connecticut, was held in West Hartford. Courtesy photo
Grassroots Jewish Women of Connecticut (GJWCT) hosted an interfaith flower arranging event to build bridges in the community.
An interfaith flower arranging event, hosted by Grassroots Jewish Women of Connecticut, was held in West Hartford. Courtesy photo
Submitted
The Grassroots Jewish Women of Connecticut (GJWCT), a volunteer group formed in response to the tragic events of Oct. 7, 2023 in Israel, held a heartwarming interfaith flower arranging event on Sept. 3. The gathering, which took place in the community room of the Noah Webster Library, brought together 40 local residents of diverse faiths and backgrounds to foster dialogue, strengthen bonds, and bring joy to the community during challenging times.
The event, aimed at building bridges and encouraging understanding, featured hands-on flower arranging led by Tali Kest, a GJWCT member with experience in floral design. Kest guided attendees through various techniques to create beautiful, eye-pleasing arrangements. The activity allowed participants to connect in a relaxed and creative environment.
An interfaith flower arranging event, hosted by Grassroots Jewish Women of Connecticut, was held in West Hartford. Courtesy photo
The completed flower arrangements were donated to various groups and organizations within the community, including the Bishops Corner Senior Center, the West Hartford police station, the library, nursing homes, and homebound local residents, spreading joy beyond the event’s attendees. The flowers themselves were generously donated by Sally Lynch, a member of GJWCT, from her daughter Bea’s recent wedding, symbolizing the spirit of giving and togetherness.
Kerry Rausch, a member and one of the event’s organizers, emphasized the importance of creating connections within the community. “It’s important to make connections. We’re all the same, and we should learn about one another,” Rausch said, underscoring the shared values and commonalities that unite people of all faiths.
An interfaith flower arranging event, hosted by Grassroots Jewish Women of Connecticut, was held in West Hartford. Courtesy photo
Sandra Hershson-Weiner, another GJWCT member, shared a poignant reflection during the event, noting the symbolic significance of doing a mitzvah (a good deed) in the aftermath of a tragedy. She also pointed out the Jewish tradition of breaking a glass at weddings to remember moments of sorrow. Fittingly, the event was dedicated to the six hostages, including one American, who were tragically murdered by Hamas. “This event is a reminder of the importance of community, and it’s meaningful to do something positive in the face of loss,” Hershson-Weiner remarked.
The interfaith gathering offered an opportunity for attendees to reflect, connect, and create together, serving as a reminder that despite differences, we are all part of the same human family. The GJWCT hopes this event will be the first of many to bring people together and foster deeper understanding across faiths and backgrounds.
Those interested in getting involved with the Grassroots Jewish Women of Connecticut or learning more about upcoming events can reach out via email (Grassrootsjewishwomen@gmail.
An interfaith flower arranging event, hosted by Grassroots Jewish Women of Connecticut, was held in West Hartford. Courtesy photo
An interfaith flower arranging event, hosted by Grassroots Jewish Women of Connecticut, was held in West Hartford. Courtesy photo
An interfaith flower arranging event, hosted by Grassroots Jewish Women of Connecticut, was held in West Hartford. Courtesy photo
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