Everyone is invited to attend.
It has been several years since the Temple Sholom has hosted the service, which has been a local tradition for decades, Rabbi Cary Kozberg said. With the rise of acts of Anti-Semitism such the Pittsburgh synagogue shootings in October 2018, he’s always been grateful for the support of other faiths in trying times.
“This will be part of a larger faith community that has been going for decades, a chance for the community to come together” he said. “The religious community is an advocate for tolerance and diversity.”
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Besides Jewish, there will be representatives of the Muslim faith and several branches of Christianity including Presbyterian, Methodist, Episcopal, Lutheran and Catholic and even Greek Orthodox.
The theme is “In God’s Image” and will relate to how common blessings can be shared and an affirmation that humans were created in the image of God.
The sermon will be delivered by Pastor Heather Hustead, who recently graduated from a seminary and is serving as an associate pastor at High Street United Methodist Church and as a lay pastor at Covenant United Methodist Church.
She’s only been in Springfield since August and is both nervous and excited for the opportunity.
“I was honored to be asked. It’s important that we sit at the same table with people different than ourselves to honor and affirm one another,” Hustead said.
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The evening will also include readings and music, all with a theme of thanks. There will also be an offering with proceeds to benefit a local women’s shelter.
Kozberg mentioned some may be surprised with how closely some of the represented faiths parallel each other.
He welcomes those who may be curious about the Jewish faith for tours of the Temple Sholom Sanctuary after the ceremony. The temple often gets calls from college students in religion classes with such requests.
“That’s a good thing. We try to be proactive to share what we do,” he said.
HOW TO GO
What: Interfaith Thanksgiving Service
Where: Temple Sholom, 2424 N. Limestone St., Springfield
When: Tuesday, Nov. 26, 7-8:30 p.m.
Admission: Free
More info: www.facebook.com/events/1357298311118676/
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