Congregation Ahavas Sholom
145 Broadway, Newark, N.J. 07104
Please join us on Saturday, February 10, 2024, to share in our second annual UNITY SHABBAT as we continue to build on the spectacular Coming Together we experienced during our inaugural event one year ago!
Please join us for our all-day CELEBRATION and bear witness to the formal installation of Rabbi Eliyahu Ben Lewi (Eliyahu Collins) as Spiritual Leader of Ahavas Sholom.
Please engage, partake and revel with your fellow brethren as we Celebrate our rich and diverse Cultural Traditions with one another by SHARING, EXPLORING, and LEARNING together as fellow Jews.
Participate with us as Rabbi Capers Funnye, the leader of the 200-member Beth Shalom B’nai Zaken Ethiopian Hebrew Congregation of Chicago, Chief Rabbi of the International Israelite Board of Rabbis, and Michele Obama’s cousin, as well as other members of the International Israelite Board of Rabbis, lead us through our traditional Shabbat service “fusing” special Israelite traditions with our own Ashkenazi traditions in a most innovative and meaningful way! We will be joined by members of multiple congregations of African-American Jews from New York City, for this day-long celebration!!
Speaking of “fusion” – I am excited to announce that our Oneg will be catered by none other than Kai Campbell – chef extraordinaire – who specializes in fusing, synthesizing and combining traditional southern and kosher cuisine, creating delectable dishes along the way! He learned from the best, as his grandfather, who fled the South at the height of segregation, spent most of his adult career as a kosher chef!!
It should prove to be a most festive and memorable Oneg!!Shabbat services begin at 9:30 am at Congregation Ahavas Sholom, followed by a community wide Kiddush/Oneg luncheon, open discussion among all participants, Havdalah services, with the day culminating in the viewing of the art exhibit, “Witness to Captivity”, which currently resides in the Jewish Museum of New Jersey on the second floor of the synagogue.
The abstract art exhibit created by African American artist Kay Reese, tells the story of slavery through the lens and prism of a woman! You are sure to find it most provocative and powerful!!
This year, prior to the High Holidays, Ahavas Sholom formalized its partnership with the Israelite Board of Rabbis still further, culminating today with Rabbi Eliyahu Ben Lewi (Eliyahu Collins) being named and installed as our Rabbi.
Congregation Ahavas Sholom first invited Rabbi Funnye as its scholar in residence for Dr. Martin Luther King weekend in 2011. Beginning in 2020, he co-led the Congregation’s “Diversity United” monthly lecture series and discussion group, via Zoom, examining anti-racism.
Rabbi Funnye will be joined by Rabbi Baruch A. Yehuda, Spiritual Leader of B’nai Adath Kol Beth Yisrael in Brooklyn, Rabbi Sholomo Levy, Past President of IIBR, and of and Rabbi Shalem Yushurun President oof IIBR and Spiritual Leader of Or Ami Congregation in Atlanta, and many other leaders and dignitaries.
Topics to Explore throughout the day:
Unity Mission to Israel!
Now more than ever, our fellow brethren in Israel need to feel our PRESENCE and LOVE during this most difficult of times. I believe it is time to once again begin thinking of WHEN – not IF – our two communities will join together to embark on this Historic Mission setting the tone for others in the process!
Our “pending” Merger with B’nai-Adath Kol Beth Yisrael
As our fellow brethren continue to “Rise from the Ashes” of the terrible fire of 2017, we extend our solidarity to ALL members of B’nai-Adath to use Ahavas Sholom as a “Second Home” until the rebuilding is complete.
Please know that our doors our wide open and you will be embraced as FULL Members of Ahavas Sholom until that GLORIOUS time when we will share that very emotional “Ribbon Cutting Ceremony” as B’nai-Adath reopens their Historic doors once again!!
We often hear how synagogues take in churches after similar events/fires until they can get back on their feet. It is Ahavas Sholom’s turn to step up for our fellow brothers and sisters until they, too, regain their footing!!
While it is quite a distance from your home in Brooklyn, we nonetheless, want you to know that “our doors are wide open” and there does exist a safe haven for anyone interested, anytime you are out this way. We believe that, if you experience our service and community, you will feel right at home! We believe your presence here, will lift the level of kovonot for ALL of us!
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is when brothers and sisters dwell together!” – Psalm 133
The press and all people of goodwill are invited to these programs.
Please RSVP in advance to ensure seating! FREE parking On-site!!
For further information, contact Eric Freedman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Congregation Ahavas Sholom, 145 Broadway, Newark, N.J. 07104, ericpfreedman@gmail.com, 201-988-3799 (cell).
Mazal Tov Rabbi Eliyahu Ben Levy
