abbas maloo is co-founder of the jaferia islamic school in pleasanton and is regional vice president for mutual of america of northern california. also with us is rabbi marvin goodman, nearly retired from the board of rabbis of northern california, and he was the spiritual leader of the peninsula sinai congregation in foster city for 19 years. thank you all so much for joining us today. >> thank you for having us. >> what a journey. and i can't wait to get started. erin, i want to start with you first. >> sure. >> israaid led the group, and your co-c.e.o., yotam polizer, was actually on one of those visits -- not with this group -- with susan sarandon. >> yes, yes. >> and we have some pictures of that. >> so exciting. sure, yeah. she came to visit our site in berlin. we were so excited to have her join us. >> so how did the bay area group come about? how did that visit come about? >> yeah. so israaid's u.s. office is brand new. we're based here in the bay area. our office is in palo alto. and one of the best parts about being here is the opportunity to bring interfaith trips to see o