Jewish Teachings, Traditions Strengthen Family Life

In various publications, we are on record about our profound respect for the Jewish faith and Jewish families. This includes an article in the official newspaper of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where Dave encouraged fellow Latter-day Saints to "learn from our Jewish friends about how to make the Sabbath a delight." We sometimes are asked why we have such appreciation for our Jewish friends and their faith. It is a long story but it starts with the fact that Dave's godmother is Jewish. When, as an infant, Dave was to be baptized in the Episcopal Church, Dave's mother, Elizabeth, insisted that his godmother be her best friend Ann Scinski. This was despite the fact that Father Ewald, the priest who baptized Dave, insisted that only a baptized and confirmed Christian could be a godparent. Elizabeth's love of Ann and of the Jewish faith influenced Dave throughout his youth.