New Providence: Rabbi Gershon Presents Mezuzah To Faith Lutheran

by Larry Holt

On Sunday, June 14, Rabbi Stuart Gershon of Temple Sinai in Summit presented a Mezuzah to Faith Lutheran Church in New Providence, as a gift from the three synagogues of Summit; Temple Sinai, Ohr Shalom Summit Jewish Community Center and Beth Hatikvah. Following a ceremony of words and prayer, Rabbi Gershon affixed the Mezuzah to the doorpost of the sanctuary of Faith. This occurred after the liturgical 9:30 am Sunday service of Faith.

A Mezuzah is a scroll of parchment containing biblical verses, placed within a small decorative case. The verses are from Deuteronomy and are instructions to love and obey God and to be vigilant in fulfilling His will. Jewish persons secure Mezuzahs to the doorposts of their homes. For their internal world to reflect Godly ideals, the Jews believe they need to protect it against the outside world at the point of interface; the doorway.

Rabbi Gershon, on behalf of the three synagogues, gave the Mezuzah in recognition of the long partnership that Faith has had with the local Jewish community. This includes the lighting of the Menorah on the lawn of Faith Lutheran each Chanukah since 2008. Following the lighting ceremony, the members of Faith and the three synagogues enjoy refreshments and visiting. The partnership includes a Jewish-Christian dialogue one evening each spring, occurring since 1999, at either Faith Lutheran or the Ohr Shalom Jewish Community Center. This is also followed by a social period.

The pastors of Faith Lutheran are Rev. Dr. Murdoch MacPherson and Rev. Jane McCready.

Faith is located at 524 South Street in New Providence. Its web site is www.famfaith.org Temple Sinai is located at 208 Summit Avenue in Summit. Its web site is www.templesinainj.org

Picture One - Rabbi Stuart Gershon shows the Mezuzah and explains its meaning to the members of Faith Lutheran. To the immediate right of Rabbi Gershon are Rev. Dr. Murdoch MacPherson and Rev. Jane McCready.

Picture Two - Rev. Jane McCready, Rabbi Stuart Gershon, Rev. Dr. Murdoch MacPherson visit, following the Mezuzah ceremony.