Over 50 years ago, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his “I Have A Dream Speech” in Washington, D.C. as he hoped for a world where all could be free and all could be equal. On Sunday, Jan. 11, four Long Island houses of worship will continue to build upon his legacy by sharing music, prayer, and food together. Beginning at 4 p.m. on that date, Temple Sinai of Roslyn, the Friendship Baptist Church of Roslyn, the Islamic Center of Long Island in Westbury, and St. Aidan’s Catholic Church in Williston Park will be honoring Dr. King’s legacy with “We are the World: A Celebration of Song, Music and Culture.” This opportunity to listen to music from the various faith traditions, hear words of wisdom from the clergy and to taste foods from the various cultures is free to the entire community and open to people of all ages.
“We are thrilled to be hosting this wonderful event,” said Rabbi Andrew Gordon of Temple Sinai. “Our society has grappled with the recent deaths of Eric Garner and Michael Brown. We hope that this event will bridge the differences between our faiths and ethnicities and will provide a place where we can begin to discuss the important issues of justice, equality, and commonality.”
The event will include a welcome prayer, reflections from the clergy of each participating congregation, and three song selections from each congregation, as well as an opening and closing group song. Refreshments will follow the service, and will feature a diverse selection of vegetarian and nut-free dishes.
Donations of hats, gloves, scarves and toiletries will be collected to benefit a family shelter, and donations of food will benefit the local E. Joy Food Pantry. Specific food items requested include: canned fish, canned chicken, spaghetti, elbow macaroni, ziti noodles, spaghetti sauce, low-salt canned vegetables (i.e. corn, string beans and mixed vegetables), asparagus, rice, kidney beans, black beans, canned fruit (peaches, pears and mixed), macaroni and cheese, peanut butter and jelly.
For more information on this program please call 516-621-6800. Temple Sinai of Roslyn is located at 425 Roslyn Rd., Roslyn Heights. For more information, contact Ethel Liebeskind at 516-621-6800 or visit our website at www.mysinai.org.
