What’s called J Star—a Jewish-Christian understanding project that’s been conducted during the holidays the last three years—is making its rounds in the Atlanta area.
The 4th annual J Star is underway, with clergy from both faiths making presentations at area churches and handing out materials, in particular to children.
The project was started by the Jewish Christian Discovery Center of Atlanta, founded by Rabbi Albert Slomovitz.
He recently teamed up with Father Ray Cadran at the Catholic Church of St. Ann, and will be visiting Mt. Bethel Church on Dec. 18, the first day of Hanukkah.
“The goal of this program,” according to a J Star release, “is to highlight interfaith awareness and education.”
Practical and fun activities are designed to promote understanding across the two faiths. Each family associated with a JCDC-partnered church receives a holiday packet that includes a Jewish Star, dreidel (plastic spinning top), and some chocolates.
Children take home the stars, and play with them and use them as tree decorations, then learn to play the dreidel game, which was popular during the time of Jesus.
“Christians and Jews can come together and learn about the shared Jewish traditions we all have. Jesus grew up as a practicing Jew. That included celebrating Hanukkah and other Jewish holidays,” Slomovitz said.
“The message of the Hanukkah story itself is one that all can relate to, it was a fight for religious freedom. The Jewish community fought against their Greek rulers who were trying to suppress their religious practices.”
Given increasing concerns about anti-Semitism, Slomovitz stressed the need to continue interfaith dialogues. “I am blessed to have Christian friends across the metro area whose churches are our partners for the J Star Project,” Slomovitz said.
The upcoming J Star events include the following:
- Dec. 7, 4:30-5:30 p.m., Heritage Baptist Church, 1070 Douthit Ferry Road, Cartersville
- Dec. 11, 9-11:30 a.m., Heritage Presbyterian Church, 5323 Bells Ferry Road, Acworth
- Dec. 18, 9-11:30 a.m., Mt. Bethel Church, 4385 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta
Related:
- Johnson Ferry Baptist Church opens Provision Cafe
- Former Mt. Bethel UMC members start new Methodist church
- At East Cobb service, ‘our faith has to stand for something’
- Mt. Bethel Church closing day care center, selling properties
- Mt. Bethel Church dropping charter status with Boy Scouts
- Eastminster Presbyterian Church celebrates 50th anniversary
- Lutheran Church of the Incarnation closes after 42 years
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