On September 8, 2007, Libby Gutterman presented both her daughter and our congregation with the words that follow. Her words are themselves a testimonial to the blessings we have received from this remarkable woman as well as her husband. Her words are a vivid reminder that when we embrace an interfaith couple with a welcoming heart, we are sometimes blessed with the greatest gift one can possibly receive, the gift of life as an addition to the Jewish population. On behalf of our entire congregation, I extend our heartfelt appreciation to Libby and David.

Al Simon

SHABBAT NITZAVIM-VAYELECH
September 8, 2007
Libby Gutterman

I could show you the exact spot in Chapel Hill, North Carolina where, thirty-one years ago, I experienced my first attraction to my husband.  The attraction was deeply spiritual and grew out of his simple statement that he was Jewish.  There we were – two people, products of different religious heritages – with a spiritual bond that has endured to this day, and is, in fact, the basis of our marriage.

 For six years, we considered the wisdom of marriage between two people deeply rooted in their faith communities.  What about the children?  We decided they would be Jewish.

 Over the twenty-two years since the first of our three children was born, our decision has been reaffirmed and strengthened on many occasions.  I now stand here before you on yet another of those occasions.  As a Christian mother of a Jewish child who has become a Bat Mitzvah, what do I feel?

 I feel my child being swept up into the great river of Judaism that sprang from Abraham and flows through history down to this very moment in time and this very place and this very people.

 I feel honored – honored that G-d chose me to raise Jewish children.  I rejoice in the task fully.  It strikes a strong chord of harmony in my heart.

 I feel the presence of a woman I never knew, Rachel Tribble, my great, great, great grandmother who was Jewish and whose heritage has been recovered in her descendant, my daughter.

 I feel defiant.  One more Jew has claimed her inheritance in spite of history’s attempts to wipe out her people.

 I feel hopeful.  I hope, my daughter, that you will grow every closer to G-d even as you struggle with G-d as did Jacob-Israel.  Remember, you shall love Adonai your G-d with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your might.

 I feel the unity of the One G-d.  I believe today we are one step closer to “… that day when the Lord shall be King over all the earth; on that day, the Lord shall be One and His name One.”

 I feel thankful.  My daughter did not become a Bat Mitzvah as a result of my efforts alone.  Many in this sanctuary have nurtured her in some way, and I thank you.  Most importantly, I thank G-d who grants us life and sustenance and has permitted us to reach this occasion.

 Shabbat Shalom.