So much to be grateful for...

As many of you know, We celebrated our first Interfaith Model Seder on April 3 with colleagues and friends from the many congregations around Emanuel. I felt immense gratitude for the Clergy who were present: Father James F. Heyd, Rabbi Marcey Rosenbaum, Rev. Fred Kinsey (Unity Lutheran), Dr. Jane Steinfels (Sacred Heart), Rev. Tasha Mitchell (New Story Chicago), Rev. Michael Ware (Northshore Baptist Church), Rev. Greg Sabetta (Congregational United Church of Christ of Arlington Heights), Ruth Seidner (Emanuel Congregation) Rev. Tim Wolfe (Gather), Rev Brandyn Simmons (United Power for Action and Justice), Dr. David Rakofsky (Emanuel Congregation.)

Emanuel has always been at the forefront of interfaith work. Rabbi Herman E. Schaalman (z"l) often wrote and spoke about the importance of dialogue between religions. Our connection points are our strength, and it is imperative we work toward enlarging our tent. I am also working with Rev Ware to bring a Juneteenth commemoration to Emanuel on June 19. Please stay tuned!

Additional thanks goes to our Executive Director Sarabeth Salzman, Asher and Noam Salzman as well as Mark Warnaar, Susan Bertocchi, Carolyn Heyman, Marcey Rosenbaum and Ruth Seidner for ensuring that both our souls and our bellies were full.

- Cantor Michelle Drucker Friedman