When a Neighbor Stands Up: A Powerful Moment of Respect and Solidarity. By Rabbi Aryeh Feigenbaum

Dear Friends,

Two weeks ago, on Friday night, we had some unwelcome and unpleasant visitors outside the shul. They were a small group of Christian missionaries who were trying to engage us as we came and left shul. This week I received the following letter. I was very moved and called Reverand Drenner to thank him. The incident wasn’t all bad.

Rabbi Aryeh Feigenbaum

The following is the text of the letter. See below for the image of the letter.

Spring Valley
UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

25 November 2025

Rabbi Aryeh Feigenbaum
Congregation Ohr HaTorah
6324 Churchill Way, Dallas, TX 75230

Dear Rabbi Feignbaum,

My name is Frank Drenner, and I am a member of the Cooper Fitness Center. Last Friday on my way to the gym I passed your congregation, as I have done many times. However, this was the first time I noticed a group of about five so-called Christians protesting outside of your building as people were gathering for Shabbat services. I was appalled by this, so I made a quick u-turn and confronted them. I encouraged them to respect your traditions, to go home, and allow your congregants to gather peacefully for worship and prayer. One person said I should be ashamed to have such views and call myself a Christian pastor. I am not ashamed of myself, but of this group and their hostile intentions.

I do not know what congregation or tradition they came from — certainly not my own — but I wanted to apologize for their behavior and for any discomfort this may have caused for members of the community. My prayer is that this group does not return to you or any other congregation.

Peace be with you and the Congregation Ohr HaTorah.

Shalom,

Signature

Rev. Dr. Frank Drenner
Senior Pastor, Spring Valley United Methodist Church
7700 Spring Valley Road, Dallas TX