Interfaith Service Welcomes All

WATERBURY — Beth El Synagogue will host an interfaith worship service at its regular Friday night service starting at 7 pm on January 21 at the synagogue, 359 Cooke Street. The service is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be provided, and transportation to Beth El can be arranged by calling 203/756-4659.

According to Rabbi David Wiesenberg, “The service, scheduled immediately before the celebration of Martin Luther King Day, will allow congregants from area churches and synagogues to come together during good times as well as bad in order to further religious and racial tolerance and understanding.”

Rabbi Weisenberg and members of Beth El’s congregation joined with others in the Greater Waterbury Interfaith Ministries recently to stage two public vigils reinforcing their stand against acts of hatred against any religion, race or ethnicity. The vigils followed two hate crimes perpetrated against members of the community when swastikas were painted in Waterbury parks.

Invited guest speakers at the January 21 service will be Greater Waterbury Interfaith Ministry board members who represent the clergy of various churches and synagogues in the area. There will be a panel discussion on how to maintain unique faiths while furthering common goals. Participants will be introduced to the beauty and ritual of a Jewish Friday night service.