e17b41537175e2bc6a227ec714d838a8.jpg

SOUTH BRUNSWICK: Faithful unite in tribute to faith and hope

by Sean Ruppert, Staff Writer
   Local religious leaders of various faiths came together this weekend to remind people that they still have a lot to be thankful for, even in these tough economic times.
   The South Brunswick Area Clergy Association held its annual interfaith Thanksgiving Service at the Islamic Society of Central Jersey on Sunday, welcoming community members of all faiths to the event. The clergy who led the service said that the theme of the evening was finding things to be thankful for when times are tough.
   ”When we go through difficulties we must remember that it is somehow from God, and that God will get us through it,” Rabbi Robert Wolkoff of Congregation B’nai Tikvah said on Monday. “God will guide our steps.”
   The service featured four speakers, each of a different religion, who spoke about some personal trials and tribulations that they had endured, like health problems or financial woes. A clergy member of their faith then followed with a message about how to stay thankful.
   Rabbi Wolkoff said the service had a feeling of unity among people all the faiths who attended.
   ”It was very touching to see everyone come together,” he said. “The feeling was that we are all in the same boat. No matter who you are, you still have credit cards to pay off and health problems to deal with.”
   Imam Hamad Chebli, of the Islamic Society, said that helping others and tolerance is a part of Islam, and other major religions as well.
   ”We wanted to tell people that there is space in Judaism, Christianity and Islam to practice what we preach,” Imam Chebli said Monday. “That the rabbi, the reverend and the imam can stand together under one roof and ask God to make our situation better.”
   Imam Chebli said that bringing people of different religions together for a common theme highlights how they are more the same than they are different.
   ”No doubt, if people have a suspicion about people that are not their own, that if you bring them together, shoulder to shoulder, it goes away,” Imam Chebli said. “If they can smile on each other and make a joke, it breaks the ice. We can live in diversity as one.”
   The Rev. Osy Nuesch, of the Six Mile Run Reformed Church, said that he told the service attendees that they should continue to have hope.
   ”We are, after all, beloved and accepted by God,” the Rev. Nuesch said. “Do not despair and have hope, all things do work for good, somehow.”