Dear Editor:
On Friday evening, January 24, I had the pleasure of joining 150 members of the Jersey City community at Temple Beth El to celebrate the Shabbat service in honor of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The service allowed us to celebrate the diversity of Jersey City and the achievements of Dr. King. It provided a great opportunity to pray, to remember and to look forward. John Allen, former Press Secretary to Archbishop Desmond Tutu and former Director of Communications for South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, shared the story of the transformation of South Africa from apartheid to democracy. It is a story that provides ongoing inspiration for others to work for peace and justice in our world.
Rabbi Kenneth Brickman, Congregation President Irwin Rosen and all at Temple Beth El are to be congratulated for keeping this wonderful tradition alive and for welcoming all people to pray and celebrate with them. Temple Betth El continues to be a great gift to this community.
John R. Raslowsky
Principal, Saint Peter’s Prep