Across the Christian, Jewish, and Muslim traditions, one of the most powerful shared stories is that of Joseph—betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, yet ultimately choosing forgiveness when he held the power to punish. Each faith finds hope in this narrative, which demonstrates how letting go of anger can open the door to healing and personal peace.
That timeless story was very much alive on Saturday night, when Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ co-sponsored The Power of Forgiveness: A Multifaith Exploration at Oheb Shalom Congregation in South Orange.
Leaders from the Methodist, Latter-day Saint, Jewish, Hindu, and Muslim faiths gathered before an interfaith audience of more than 100 people to reflect on how forgiveness and repentance are understood in their communities. Invited to share a defining story, the speakers laughed as many turned to Joseph, joking, “You stole my story!” Their shared recognition created an immediate sense of connection and set the tone for an evening of meaningful dialogue.
After opening remarks from Temple B’nai Jeshurun’s Rabbi Karen Glazer Perolman, each leader emphasized that while the practices and language may differ, forgiveness is a deeply spiritual act that allows communities to heal and individuals to reconnect with G-d. Rabbi Abigail Treu, who not only hosted the evening but also serves as the head of Federation’s Interfaith Clergy Against Hate and Antisemitism, highlighted the Jewish tradition of teshuvah—repentance and return—especially in the High Holiday season, reminding us that forgiveness is a responsibility and a process. From the Christian perspective, Reverend William D. Carter, III, of Franklin-St. John’s United Methodist Church in Newark, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saint’s leader Suzanne Ludlam described forgiveness as both a gift and a command, emphasizing that forgiveness is a reflection of G-d’s own mercy, a command to his followers, and a path to healing and reconciliation.
Muslim panelist Dr. Ali Chaudry of the Islamic Society of Basking Ridge spoke about G-d’s mercy as central to faith, noting that Muslims are called to forgive others as a reflection of G-d’s infinite compassion. And Hindu Fal Pandya lifted up the importance of letting go of anger and ego, with forgiveness seen as a path toward inner peace and harmony with others as one goes through the cycle of reincarnation.
After the panel, the evening continued with a moving multifaith slichot service that beautifully wove together these traditions. Jewish prayers of reflection and renewal were joined by contributions from all the faiths represented, including a stirring rendition of “Amazing Grace” offered by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Methodist praise dancers who moved to “I Gotta Believe.” Together, the program embodied the very message of forgiveness, creating a space where differences were honored and common values uplifted as we head into the high holiday season.