The Spy was part of an overflow crowd of 400 members of our community who attended a prayer vigil supporting Israel and mourning the loss of innocent lives held at Temple B’nai Israel in Easton on Thursday, October 29th.
The event was hosted by Rabbi Peter Hyman and an interfaith coalition of religious faith leaders, including Father James Nash of Saints Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church, Reverend Sue Browning of the Unitarian Church, Rector Steven Mosher of Christ Church in St. Michaels and Kevin Cross, Rector of the Church of the Holy Trinity in Oxford.
Together with members of their congregations, they came together to embrace the Jewish community in Talbot County and on the Mid-Shore, which has been reeling from the horrors of last week’s brutal attack on Israel. The standing room only crowd was overwhelmed by the heartfelt and beautiful words of support from the interfaith community.
One of those in attendance, Madeleine Cohen, said: “Each of the faith leaders who spoke was distinctly moving in their messaging and delivery, conveying much appreciated sympathy and compassion during this time of crisis.”
Temple member Sharon Berg, a citizen of Israel with a second home in Talbot County, read aloud a selection of harrowing real-time text messages from her friends and neighbors in Israel, describing the horror of war and the resiliency of the Jewish people. In a stirring show of support, a cadre of local officials, including state senators, town and county council members, and other community representatives, stood shoulder to shoulder on the pulpit with Rabbi Peter Hyman as he read a proclamation from the Town of Easton.
The vigil reminded us that from time to time, it is essential to turn off the news and be with people, light candles, read responsively, bow our heads in prayer, and realize that we are not alone.
David Lloyd says
Was there and so appreciated the many thoughtful, caring, wonderful thoughts expressed by such a variety of caring people!!!! Thank you all!!!
Rev. Nancy Sajda says
I was not there. Unfortunately, I was out of state. But, I want my friends at B’nai Israel to know that I was with them in Spirit. I stand up against all antisemitism. And I hope and pray for peace in Israel.
Rev. Nancy Sajda