Thursday, November 22, 2012

Thanksgiving tradition continues between Vallejo synagogue, Benicia church

From California-

More than 100 people from different faith backgrounds gathered at a Vallejo synagogue Wednesday night for a spiritual Thanksgiving tradition that began decades ago.
This year, more churches participated in Congregation B'nai Israel's and St. Paul's Episcopal Church's Interfaith Thanksgiving Service as a result of the synagogue joining a network of local congregations.

"It's spiritual, it's wonderful and gives us a chance for a lot of old friends to get together," said Heather Holpen Campbell, a member of B'nai Israel. "The more, the merrier, because this is a wonderful holiday for sharing."

The service was held at B'nai Israel's temple at 1256 Nebraska St. Afterward, many participants adjourned to the social hall for cake and coffee.

The synagogue -- the only one serving American Canyon, Vallejo and Benicia Jews -- and St. Paul's in Benicia started the service as a way to reach across religious barriers and get to know more people.

"I've been a member 20 years and they were already doing it when I joined," said Fred Zola, president of Congregation B'nai Israel. "Many years ago, the pastor at St. Paul's and the rabbi here thought it would be nice to have an interfaith service. People have changed over the years, but we've kept this going."


More here-

http://www.timesheraldonline.com/news/ci_22048064

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