The organizers of the Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service at an East Cobb synagogue have added what they’re calling some additional “safeguard” measures in light of heightened tensions regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict in the Middle East.
The service, which is free and open to the public, is on Nov. 16 at 7 p.m. at Temple Kol Emeth (1415 Old Canton Road).
Rachel Barich, the senior administrator at Temple Kol Emeth, told East Cobb News that those wishing to attend are being asked to register online, and that a clear-bag policy will be followed, similar to what happens at sports stadiums and at larger public events.
“This is to make sure it’s a safe event for everyone,” Barich said, adding that “the purpose of the service remains the same.”
She said the extra measures were decided upon “in light of concerns in a number of religious communities,” and that “it seems prudent,” based on discussions with the synagogue’s security detail and the service’s organizing committee.
The service includes representatives from 21 faith communities in East Cobb and metro Atlanta, representing Christian, Jewish, Islamic and other faiths, and the program features music, reflections and an offering to benefit various charities and non-profits for Thanksgiving.
“It’s an expression of Thanksgiving,” Barich said. “It’s about what we are connecting between our many faiths.”
The service also has regularly included a Muslim call to prayer, and this year’s service, themed “Creating Courageous Connections,” includes four Islamic faith communities: The East Cobb Islamic Center, the West Cobb Islamic Center, the Roswell Community Masjid and the Islamic Speakers’ Bureau of Atlanta.
“We continue to have the representation of all the major religions,” Barich said.
She said there will be walk-up registration at the door for those who cannot do so online (click here). The clear-bag policy applies to all items, including women’s purses.
The service was started by Kol Emeth Rabbi Emeritus Stephen Lebow in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks to foster a better understanding among people of different faiths.
Other East Cobb faith communities participating in this year’s service include the Catholic Church of St. Ann; Congregation Etz Chaim; East Cobb United Methodist Church; Emerson Unitarian Universalist Congregation; Pilgrimage United Church of Christ; St. Catherine’s Episcopal Church; the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints; Transfiguration Catholic Church; Unity North Atlanta Church; and Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church.
Related:
- Grace Resurrection Methodist Church marks first anniversary
- East Cobb Church temporarily relocating to Roswell area
- New steeple raised into place at Sandy Plains Baptist Church
- East Cobb faith communities take part in new Habitat project
- At East Cobb interfaith service, ‘anti-Semitism is an everyone problem’
- East Cobb synagogue target of Nazi flags, anti-Semitic signs
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