The community gathered at Beth Israel on Jan. 12 to honor the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a special service, award presentation, and reception.
Rabbi Michael L. Feshbach and Cantor Rhoda J. Harrison led a Shabbat service that interspersed traditional Jewish liturgy with readings about civil rights, including Dr. Martin Luther King’s iconic “I have a dream” speech. The keynote address was given by Teresa McGaney-Guy, principal of North Main Street School. She spoke about the value of education and the characteristics of leadership that help promote positive change in our world.
Kaleem Shabazz, Atlantic City Councilman, Faith Leader and President, Atlantic City NAACP, joined Rabbi Feshbach to present the Beth Israel/NAACP Spirit of MLK award to five area high school students. The students submitted essays on what they would change in the community, nation, or world in the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. As part of the service, the students had an opportunity to read their essays.
This year’s winners were:
- Atlantic City High School: Shadley D. Trezil
- Atlantic County Institute of Technology: Breanna Bell
- Cedar Creek High School: Luna Vazquez
- Egg Harbor Township High School: Samantha Reed
- Mainland Regional High School: Sadie Kent
- Pleasantville High School: Sanai Graham
The largest Reform congregation on the Mainland in South Jersey, Beth Israel is a warm and welcoming home to generations of families who play a vital and integral part in synagogue life. A full-service congregation, Beth Israel welcomes diversity, interfaith families, LGBTQ Jews and partners, Jews of color, and all types of modern Jewish families, wherever they may be found on their personal Jewish journey. For more information on our educational programs, contact us at (609) 641-3600 or email us at bethisrael@cbinorthfield.org. Learn more at Beth Israel at https://bethisraelnorthfield.
