“Why?”

That’s all Beth Veltri could say as she entered Meritage Restaurant Sunday to a room of cheering people.

They knew the answer to Veltri’s question. She was the reason they had gone to lengths to surprise her. It is Veltri who has helped keep them together and find a place to practice their faith as Jews when they were forced to sell their temple in Warwick.

“It’s because of who she is,” Michael Frank, president of Or Chadash (“new light” in Hebrew) Congregation, said when asked why they were honoring Veltri. He explained that it was her leadership and connections that found the congregation a home in Trinity Episcopal Church in Pawtuxet. Veltri’s connection was former Mayor Scott Avedisian. When the congregation of the former Temple Beth David on Gardiner Street split and they were forced to sell the building – now a Buddhist temple – Veltri called Avedisian and asked if he knew any place where their group of about 30 could meet and worship.

As a leader in the Episcopal diocese and Trinity Church, Avedisian knew of space at Trinity. He returned Vetri’s call within the hour, and soon thereafter members of the Jewish congregation were getting a tour of the Episcopal church. On June 11, 2017, Veltri, then president of Or Chadash, helped lead parishioners in carrying the Torahs that had been generously bought at auction and given to the congregation by an anonymous donor across the Pawtuxet Bridge to the church. Avedisian was in the procession and helped carry the sacred scrolls.

The relationship has been good for both the Jewish congregation and the church.

“We’re so pleased and proud to host such a partner in faith,” said Rev. Mitch Linderman, pastor.

He pointed out that Jews and Christians have a shared past. If there’s a drawback, he said, it’s the parking that has always been a problem on the narrow village streets near the church. So far it’s worked out, although Frank notes, it could be challenging if the Jewish high holidays fall on a Sunday. Or Chadash occupies a northeast basement room that looks out on Stillhouse Cove. The congregation also uses other church facilities such as the larger meeting hall with kitchen for some of its events.

“It’s nice to have a place that has a religious aspect,” said Frank.

There wouldn’t have been the same feel or amenities, for that matter, had Or Chadash ended up renting a warehouse or a plaza storefront.

Father Linderman said that the congregation’s events and variety of food, “to die for,” have enriched Trinity.

For all the appreciation focused on Veltri and the success of Or Chadash, there was also reflection and sadness for the 11 who died and those wounded Saturday when a gunman opened fire at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. Father Linderman read a prayer delivered by The Right Rev. W. Nicholas Knisely, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island.

The tribute to Veltri was organized by Judy Bessoff and Aaron Weintraub, who served as vice president and treasurer, respectively, under her tutelage. They were thrilled by the turnout and, naturally, that Veltri was completely caught by surprise. Their one regret was that Avedisian, who was returning from a trip out of state, couldn’t be with them.

As a memento of the occasion, Bessof presented Veltri with a copy of the WWII poster of Rosie the Riveter and its message “We can do it,” to which she added “we did it.”

The Or Chadash Congregation has grown modestly since the breakup of Temple Beth David more than three years ago. Its roots are firmly planted as evidenced by the fellowship and caring Sunday night.