SPIRITUAL GUIDANCE:

The Orange County Chapter of the National Conference for Community and Justice in 1999 sponsored an interfaith tour of Israel and Jordan. A rabbi, Methodist minister and Muslim scholar led us with inspirational background.

When we entered a restaurant in Jarash, the angry owner noticed our rabbi wearing a yarmulke (skull cap) and said, “I do not serve Jews in my place! Israeli soldiers killed two of my brothers.”

Our Muslim leader spoke softly with the owner. “I, too, have lost two brothers in fighting. I hated Jews. Then, I began to work in the interfaith community and came to know many Jews one-on-one. I learned that there are wonderful Jews and some of them have become my best friends — one of them the rabbi who is in your restaurant right now.”

As he talked, the restaurateur softened, and he reluctantly agreed to serve us.

I asked the rabbi to meet with the restaurant owner. As he approached him, he offered his hand and expressed regret at the losses suffered by the owner’s family.

As they talked, tears began to flow and soon they were embracing warmly. When the rabbi’s daughter was presented, the owner said, “Any daughter of this good man is a daughter of mine,” and he tearfully embraced the daughter as well. We were served generously, and the owner refused any payment.

Many of us could see what was happening. As anger was replaced by tender emotions, we were touched deeply. But more than that, there were about 30 waiters and servers who had a close view of what happened. We could see that they, too, were moved to tears.

Not only were 54 tourists involved in a life-changing experience, but this story was told and retold. It is an inspiring example of how the changing of two people has had an impact on the lives of hundreds.

TOM THORKELSON is the director of Interfaith Relations for Orange County at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.