Multifaith Tashlich Ceremony – September 13, 2020

On Sunday, September 13, 2020, in the midst of the COVID-19 global pandemic, a group of clergy and leaders of different faiths safely gathered on the banks of the Schuylkill River to participate in a Jewish tashlich ceremony. The tashlich ceremony is an opportunity during the period of reflection around the Jewish High Holidays to name areas where we have fallen short and repent for our mistakes, then throw pieces of bread into a body of water to symbolically cast off our sins as we vow to do better going forward. This year, we were honored to welcome in our colleagues of different backgrounds (Catholic, Episcopal, Jewish, Lutheran, and Presbyterian) as we sought forgiveness for our communal sins, while also strengthening relationships with our neighbors of different faiths. We hope that next time we will be able to safely gather with many members of our larger communities. Shanah Tovah–Happy New Year!

We are grateful to all who were able to join us in this meaningful ritual:
Allyson Zacharoff, Rabbinic Intern, Har Zion Temple, Penn Valley
Cantor Eliot Vogel, Har Zion Temple, Penn Valley
The Rev. Dr. Adam Hearlson, Overbrook Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia
Rev. Monsignor Gregory Fairbanks, Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary, Wynnewood
The Rev. Daniel Smith, Pastor, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Narberth
Nicole Bazis, Coordinator of Parish Services, St. Margaret of Antioch Parish, Narberth
Rabbi Andy Markowitz, Adath Israel, Merion Station
The Rev. Dr. Kyle Babin, Church of the Good Shepherd, Rosemont
Rabbi Seth Haaz, Har Zion Temple, Penn Valley