A JEWISH CHRISTMAS

Last week, there was the horrific attack on the Jewish community in Bondi Beach, Australia. In response to this attack, I shared the following statement with some of our Jewish Rabbis and friends in Boca Raton:

On behalf of St. Gregory's Episcopal Church and the Christian community of Boca Raton, we unequivocally condemn the murderous acts of violence and hatred against the Jewish community. Antisemitic acts have no place in our world and are not of God. Our hearts are broken and grieving for those families who lost loved ones in the recent atrocious attack in Bondi Beach, Australia. As we enter the season of Christmas and celebrate God's promise of peace and goodwill for all humankind, our prayers of strength and support are with the Jewish community in Boca Raton and worldwide. We recommit ourselves to speak boldly against these and all acts of inhumane violence which wound the heart of God and dehumanize us as children of God. We further recommit ourselves, as part of the interfaith community, to work together as agents of justice and peace.

In the name of the One Holy God,

The Rev. Andrew J. Sherman, Co-convener of the Boca Raton Interfaith Clergy Association and Rector of St. Gregory's Episcopal Church, Boca Raton.

This statement is written, and these prayers are offered at the very moment when we are prepared to celebrate the birth of the Christ child, the Prince of Peace, born to two devout Jewish parents. It is also taking place when we are about to celebrate one of our most joyous Christmas traditions, as St. Gregory's—The Jewish Christmas meal hosted by B'nai Torah congregation on Christmas morning. As a gift to St. Gregory's and the community, B'nai Torah hosts our Meals with Meaning Christmas dinner for the community, featuring, of course, Chinese food. The hall will be festively decorated with Christmas and Chanukah themes, with holiday music from both our traditions joyously playing in the background. It is a day of beauty and love, and I am so grateful for the partnership between our congregations. What happened in Bondi Beach wounds the heart of God; What happens on Christmas morning at St. Gregory's heals the heart of God. It makes a holy difference!

In Christ,

Andrew+

The Rev. Andrew J. Sherman, Rector