Interfaith service to feature ‘twinning’ of synagogue, mosque

Burlington County will hold its 7th Annual Thanksgiving Eve Interfaith Service on Wednesday, Nov. 25 at 7 p.m. Services will be followed by a social hour. The event will be hosted by Adath Emanu-El, 205 Elbo Ln. at Hainesport-Mt. Laurel Road, and will feature the “twinning” of a synagogue and mosque.

This program serves to bring together Jews, Christians and Muslims to share in an expression of their common spiritual and national values. Participants in this year’s program include Adath Emanu-El, Unity Church of Christ, Mt. Laurel Chapel, and the Masonville-Rancocas United Methodist Church, all of Mt. Laurel, and the Mosque of Willingboro.

Adding to the evening will be a brief presentation by Rabbi Marc Schneier, president of the Foundation for Ethnic Understanding (FFEU), a national organization based in New York that is devoted to building understanding among the Abrahamic faiths. The FFEU is sponsoring a “twinning” of more than 100 synagogues and mosques throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe to build relationships and understanding. The JCRC has endorsed the twinning between Adath Emanu-El and the Willingboro Mosque as part of the national twinning this year and is serving as a co-sponsor of this local event.

Attendees are invited to bring non-perishable food items and/or a monetary offering to benefit the South Jersey Food Bank, as well as a dessert item to share at the fellowship hour following the service. Fresh cut fruit and vegetable trays or baked goods are welcome. No meat dishes should be brought.

For additional information about this program, call Adath Emanu-El or Rabbi Andrew Bossov at 608-1200 in advance of the evening of the service.

For additional information about JCRC or the Jewish- Catholic-Muslim Dialogue, contact Helene Klimberg, JCRC assistant director, at 751-9500, ext. 117. .