Chanukah is Part of Interfaith Program at Emory
Interfaith Atlanta sponsored a Winter Lights program on Dec. 14.
An early lighting of the Chanukah menorah was featured at the Interfaith Winter Lights program sponsored by Interfaith Atlanta on Dec. 14. Representatives from the Hindu, Muslim, Christian and Buddhist faiths were also among those who participated in the program, which was held at Emory University’s Cannon Chapel. Rabbi Ellen Nemhauser, who serves Congregation B’nai Israel in Jonesboro, is president of the organization.
“Our presenters represented six different faiths and ranged in age from 5 years old to 65 years,” Rabbi Nemhauser said. “We are committed in our work, joining efforts to shed light and harmony throughout the Greater Atlanta area through song, poetry, reflections, and dialogue.”
This is the second year for the program, which was hosted by Audrey Galex of Atlanta Interfaith Broadcasters and Maurey Allums, music director for Emory’s Office of Religious and Spiritual Life. The host for the program was Dean Gregory McGonigle, who serves as university chaplain at Emory and heads the religious life program there.
“It was a joy for us to be able to host Interfaith Atlanta’s second-annual Winter Lights celebration in Emory University’s Cannon Chapel,” Dean McGonigle commented. “It was a meaningful opportunity to gather with our Atlanta faith community partners and reaffirm our shared commitment to the importance of interfaith learning, understanding, and community.”
In addition to Judaism, the holiday of Kwanzaa also incorporates the lighting of candles during their celebration, the Hindu festival of Diwali celebrates light each Fall and candles and lights of various sorts are an integral part of Christmas.
The Jewish chaplain at Emory, Rabbi Jordan Braunig, is one of five religious leaders that serve Emory’s student population. The Chabad program at Emory and the Hillel House are also affiliates of the university’s religious life program. A new three-story building that houses the program was dedicated on the Emory campus last year.
The executive director for Interfaith Atlanta is Samantha Berinsky, who took over the job in June. She was previously with Temple Sinai in Sandy Springs.
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