"Have a Little Faith" became much more than the title of a book and television, it came to life as Gilah Lewis Sietz, the daughter of Rabbi Al Lewis joined us in davening and shared the beauty that was her father - the beauty that lives on in her stories, and the memories and writings of author Mitch Albom.    

Our guest, a gift of a lifelong friendship between she and Congregation Shearith Israel's Weitzman Family Religious School director, and previous guest to Yavneh, Dina Eliezer. 

"My father passed away but he lives on in our souls, and in the souls of many," said Gilah of Rabbi Lewis who was raised in a Conservadox home, and who, as one who loved to teach, was encouraged by his own father to become a rabbi.   Rabbi Lewis, left many legacies, including the concept of the Jewish Community Relations Council, which grew of his started of an interfaith council, providing lunch n' learn programs and more.

"I learned so much from my father who started as a rabbi in a little house which became a small shul and then a very large shul (Congregation Beth Sholom, in Cherry Hill, N.J.).  

Gilah Lewis Sietz  co-founder of "Al's ChorAl" choir in memory of her father  Teacher at the Cherry Hill JCC and   Temple Emanuel in Mt. Laurel

He taught that G-d is happy as long as we are asking the questions. No one likes to be ignored, and while you might not be 'believing' in the moment, as long as you are exploring, learning, and thinking, he is happy."

"Each person must find their own unique way, their own voice, their own way to embrace G-d," said Gilah. "It's not about the 'dressing' of the religion, it's about embracing it and holding on."

"We all have the spark of G-d within us," she said. "How we interpret that spark is our own and it's so important to not pass judgment on anyone else's views or how they live. It is only our joy to spread G-d's love and message."

Gilah shared more of how Mitch Albom grew up in their community and returned, well into his career, renewing his relationship with his rabbi, Rabbi Lewis. The two met for years and much of their friendship grew to become the wildly-received, "Have a Little Faith."

"Derech Eretz, - compassion and kindness, understanding and care - that is the basis of living a Jewish life," said Gilah. "If you live with Derech Eretz, you are living as Jew."