A synagogue and African-American church are celebrating a joint Martin Luther King Day interfaith service on Sunday, January 18, 2015. This service marks a 30-year partnership between Congregation B’nai Israel and Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church, both in Boca Raton, which join forces to further the cause of Black-Jewish relations in Palm Beach County and help feed families in need. The guest speaker will be Reverend Henry Willis- former Pastor of Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church.
The service will be a powerful and uplifting tribute to Dr. King filled with musical and spiritual offerings from both congregations. Reverend Winston Anderson, Rabbi Robert A. Silvers, the Cantor’s Chantors (CBI’s choir) and B’nai’s Big Beat Band led by Cantor Stephanie Shore will participate in the service.
Last month the two religious institutions fed Thanksgiving dinner to nearly 5,000 families in need as part of the 30-year program. And earlier this year, Congregation B’nai Israel hosted the late Dr. Maya Angelou as part of the 2014 Martin Luther King Day partnership, in what turned out to be one of her last public appearances.
The relationship between these two congregations was initiated in 1984 when Congregation B’nai Israel approached Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church, the largest and oldest African-American church in Boca Raton. The early 1980s was a time of reported conflict between Jewish and Black relations in the U.S. and the two congregations wanted to do something locally to quell the negativity. The first Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. interfaith service was held in 1985, the year before this day became a national holiday.
Directions to Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church: Make first left south of Glades Road on Dixie Highway South into Pearl City. Make immediate next left. Follow the road around to the church parking lot.
Congregation B’nai Israel is an inclusive Reform congregation that offers a nurturing home to all who seek a meaningful and enduring connection to Judaism. We strive to serve the needs of families and singles by embracing Jews from all backgrounds. We offer a warm welcome to Jews-by-choice, interfaith families, as well as Jews of all races, cultures and sexual orientations. Congregation B’nai Israel is a vibrant community with a wide variety of spiritual, educational and social programs. We encourage you to explore our website and discover everything our community has to offer.