A dialogue of faith

Clergy come together for annual Thanksgiving service

by Sean Ruppert, Staff Writer
   The South Brunswick Area Clergy Association will hold its annual interfaith Thanksgiving service at Congregation B’nai Tikvah on Sunday evening.
   The members of the association, made up of clergy of various faiths, say that the purpose of the service and their organization is to create a greater sense of unity and cooperation among people, especially children.
   ”What we try to do is foster a better understanding among our young people through music, song and critical thought,” cantor Bruce Rockman, of B’nai Tikvah, said.
   ”We guide the children to celebrate their own religion and unique history, but to also value the importance of other religions. We show them that they can value our differences, as well as our similarities,” he added.
   The event, which will begin at 7:30 p.m., will feature readings of Christian, Islamic and Jewish scriptures by clergy. There will be musical performances by The Sons of Tikvah and the Crossroads North Middle School Chorus, as well as a panel discussion by area high school students about the role of school in “building an interfaith community.”
   ”One of the unique things about South Brunswick is that there is a rich history of interfaith cooperation,” said the Rev. Fred Schott, pastor of Christ the King Church and convener of the Clergy Association.
   ”In the past we have done a lot of programs together, it’s a history that goes way back. You don’t always get this kind of cooperation among the faiths in other places,” the Rev. Schott said.
   The B’nai Tikvah Synagogue is at 1001 Finnegans Lane.