Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Interfaith Event at CTE a Huge Success (update)
Update: See article in New Jersey Jewish News on the CTE tribute to Martin Luther King Jr.
ANNUAL MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. INTERFAITH
EVENT AT TORAT EL A HUGE SUCCESS
OCEAN TOWNSHIP (Jan. 16, 2001) –Friends of various faiths, races and ethnic backgrounds from the local community and from around the State joyously celebrated the life and accomplishments of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. this past Wednesday evening, Jan. 11th at Congregation Torat El, Oakhurst.
The seventh annual program at Congregation Torat El, eastern Monmouth’s largest Conservative Jewish congregation, promoted the message and triumph of Dr. King against the near-overwhelming forces of bigotry and prejudice. Dr. King’s philosophy and his belief in America was proudly reaffirmed throughout this celebration.
Jews, Christians and Muslims of various denominations and ethnic backgrounds joined together to acknowledge and proclaim the core values for which Dr. King sacrificed his life.
Rabbi Schonbrun of Congregation Torat El delivered opening remarks on the relevance of Dr. King’s legacy today. Next, Professor Darrel Willis re-enacted stirring excerpts from Dr. King’s “I have a Dream” speech, and Rev. Aaron Gibson of the Second Baptist Church of Long Branch offered an impactful keynote address examining the importance of Dr. King and the principles for which he fought.
The Choir of Trinity and St Philip’s Cathedral in Newark and the Choir from the Second Baptist Church of Long Branch brought the crowd of 200+ to its feet as they performed vocals emblematic of Dr. King’s work and struggle.
Rev. Susan Mamchack, the Executive Director of Ezekiel’s Wheels, dedicated to feeding the hungry in Long Branch, offered a prayer and personal insights for our greater community. Rev. Mamchack was present during the 1963 March on Washington and heard Dr. King deliver his “I Have a Dream” speech.
This Seventh Annual Celebration of Dr. King has been made possible by a generous grant from the B’nai Sholom – Beth El Foundation, dedicated to impacting the world in a positive way.
Congregation Torat El ~ Jersey Shore Jewish Center is locacted at 301 Monmouth Road, Oakhurst, NJ 07755, 732-531-4410.
