26 | DECEMBER 23 • 2021 

In December, the Jewish 
Community Relations 
Council/American Jewish 
Committee joined with the 
Hindu Community Relations 
Council to host a celebration 
and discussion exploring the 
similarities and differences 
between Chanukah and Diwali. 
Moderated by WJBK-TV’s 
Roop Raj, “
An Interfaith 
Festival of Lights: Coming 
Together for Chanukah and 
Diwali” featured a conversation 

between State Reps. Padma 
Kuppa (D-41) and Samantha 
Steckloff (D-37) as they also 
addressed their experiences 
and identity as Hindu and 
Jewish legislators, respectively. 
Guests at the program, which 
took place at Sri Sri Radha 
Gopijana Vallabha Temple 
in Farmington Hills, enjoyed 
traditional holiday fare and lit 
the menorah and diyas, small 
clay oil lamps lit at festivals, 
including Diwali. 

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF JCRC/AJC

Interfaith Celebration

faces&places

State Reps. Padma 
Kuppa and Samantha 
Steckloff in discus-
sion with WJBK’s 
Roop Raj

JCRC/AJC Executive Director Rabbi Asher Lopatin, State Rep. Padma 
Kuppa, JCRC/AJC Advocacy Associate Michael Kuper, WJBK-TV’s Roop Raj, 
State Rep. Samantha Steckloff and Hindu Community Relations Council’s 
Nasy Sankagiri

JCRC/AJC’s Advocacy Associate Michael Kuper with JCRC/AJC 
Executive Board Member Carol Ogusky and WJBK-TV’s Roop Raj

JCRC/AJC Board 
Director Teri 
Weingarden and 
Executive Board 
Member Carol Ogusky