Back in September, Chantal Tyncke represented the IJC at an interfaith seminar in Antwerp. It was organised by EducAntwerp known for its youth exchange projects. They create projects for vulnerable young people in Europe. This event included young people from different cultures and religions (but no Jews) where the idea was to exchange views and learn about various religions. Chantal spoke together with a Muslim and a Protestant pastor.
Chantal explains: ‘I was excited to take up this opportunity and it was a unique experience. The Muslim and Protestant speakers were very orthodox while I represented a liberal, progressive view of Judaism and was the only female speaker. I think this young audience was quite astonished when I explained that in Judaism, we can choose our concept of God from nature, from our fellow human beings, from the observance of Shabbat, from the Torah – in other words that we have a multi-layered approach; and that God leaves us space to create our own concept of the divine.
I also explained the importance of kindness and non-violence in religion and that we as individuals have agency to make this happen. As a member of the IJC, I spoke up for women, progressive views and individual freedom. I also talked about how I personally live my Jewishness, and I explained that it had come through my love and practice of dance, layered over by the importance of my grandmother and her cooking.
My views contrasted sharply with the Protestant pastor who said that the path to Jesus was the answer to all questions, and with the Muslim speaker who would not engage directly with any female audience member (there was a moderator). Some of the young women in headscarves would not have engaged anyway as men were present. But it was not an unfriendly atmosphere, and some people remarked to me privately afterwards that they didn’t know there were Jews like me in the world…
I came away more convinced than ever that we have to reach out and communicate our progressive values at every opportunity. As a woman, I wanted to show that I take responsibility for being a free human being. And I want to show that women of all faiths can engage, debate and support each other. So if my experience is anything to go by, if you find a space to express how you live your Jewishness, do it!’
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