Posted on 11/20/2021 2:52:46 PM PST by nickcarraway
A patriotic Upper West Side synagogue whose leaders fought with George Washington has been celebrating Thanksgiving since the first president proclaimed it a national holiday in 1789.
As a modern and secular holiday, Thanksgiving celebrations are rare in Jewish houses of worship — but that is not the case at Shearith Israel, America’s first Jewish congregation.
On Thanksgiving day, the temple will feature a special holiday-themed liturgy, followed by an address by Rabbi Meir Soloveichik and readings from a Torah adorned with Liberty Bells. An English prayer wishing good health and fortune on the president, vice president, governor, and other elected officials has been recited for two centuries. There’s no turkey at the morning gathering, but ample hot chocolate for parade watchers.
(Excerpt) Read more at nypost.com ...
There’s nothing un-Jewish about a holiday where you’re giving thanks to God while gathering with family and friends.
Cool story. Interesting history.
It makes sense that Jews celebrate Thanksgiving. It’s an American celebration, and the thanks are to God.
A local temple is having the annual meals to go fundraiser tomorrow.
Excellent brisket and other stuff.
I miss visiting the place on open house days.
Non-denominational is not “secular.” Thanksgiving means giving thanks to the Judeo-Christian God. Everyone understands that.
Very inspiring. There is a colonial-era Sephardic synagogue and graveyard in Philadelphia as well, where Jewish patriots also helped the Revolution. Most Jews in the U.S. now are ethnically Ashkenazi, from Eastern Europe, but most of the Jews in the colonies were Sephardim.
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