Thanksgiving Interfaith Service

It has become a joyful custom in our community to share traditions with area churches just prior to Thanksgiving. Hosted by Temple Israel, the service included choirs from five churches and Temple Israel, a handbell choir’s ringing, and shofars. The churches participating were First Christian Church, Dundee Presbyterian Church, First United Methodist Church, St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church and Underwood Hills Presbyterian Church. This year marked the first time the Islamic community joined the celebration. The Thanksgiving service theme was “One God, One Nation, One World.” The Rev. René Rodgers Jensen of First Christian Church delivered a sermon. Cantor Wendy Shermet chanted from the Torah. Text from the Koran was chanted and text from the New Testament read. Nearly 600 people attended. Canned food and cash contributions were collected for Together, Inc.

A special thank you to Sandy Passer for her willingness to chair this effort for Temple Israel. And Toby Fellman and Sheila Tomps, we couldn't pull off an event like this without you!

The service was followed by a dessert reception sponsored by all the congregations.

Dr. Syed Mohiuddin, President of The American Institute of Islamic Studies and Culture and Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, Temple Israel at the Thanksgiving celebration.