Church Shares Space, Synagogue Shares Hanukkah
Posted on: Sunday, 25 December 2005, 12:00 CST
By QUINCY C. COLLINS, The Sun Herald, Biloxi, Miss., The Sun Herald, Biloxi, Miss.
Dec. 25--BILOXI -- For one South Mississippi Jewish congregation, Hanukkah -- the festival of lights -- and Hurricane Katrina have strengthened the bond between two faiths.
Hurricane Katrina badly damaged the Congregation Beth Israel synagogue two blocks away from the beach in Biloxi and countless Jewish congregations have adopted the congregation, sending supplies, gifts and menorahs, said Bonnie Kidd, Beth Israel administrator.
Understanding Congregation Beth Israel's need, Marilyn Perrine, pastor at Beauvoir United Methodist Church, volunteered to host the congregation until Beth Israel could rebuild. Services have been held at the church at 7 p.m. on Fridays.
"They have really gone out of their way to bring the Coast back spiritually," said Steve Richer, president of Congregation Beth Israel. "They are real heroes."
Hanukkah, which means "dedication," is the celebration of a miracle occurring more than 2,400 years ago when Jewish rabbis rededicated a temple desecrated by Syrian Greeks. Rabbis had enough oil to light the temple menorah for one day but the oil burned for eight days, allowing time for more oil to be made.
Jewish families gather today to recite prayers and light candles on the menorah for the next eight days to remember the miracle.
On Friday, Beth Israel congregation held its Hanukkah service at the church and celebrated with church members.
"We had an ecumenical Hanukkah, and we'll have an ecumenical Passover, " Kidd said.
Beth Israel congregation members have been delighted and the experience has strengthened the bond between the two congregations, Richer said.
"It was absolutely more meaningful," said Richer, describing how both congregations shared traditional Hanukkah gifts and food. "Any time you share a space and share experiences, you share understanding."
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Source: The Sun Herald (Biloxi, Miss.)
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