5 Local Students Recognized as Beth Israel Honors Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Prior to the service, the group gathered on the bimah at Beth Israel. Visiting scholar-in-residence Michael Twitty, John Howard, Charlene Harlan, Beth Israel President Linda Karp, Gavin Batohie, Keniyah Johnson, Elon Lomax, an Rabbi Michael L. Feshbach. Not pictured: Award winner Ethan Hirsh, Photo courtesy of Felicia Niven
AC JosepH Media
NORTHFIELD — The community came together on Friday, January 17, for a powerful Shabbat Service at Beth Israel honoring Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The evening was filled with reflection, hope, and a shared commitment to justice and equality. The service featured presentations of the Third Annual Beth Israel/NAACP Spirit of MLK Awards to area high school seniors, as well as a keynote address from national award-winning Black author Michael Twitty and participation from community religious leaders and choirs.
Rabbi Michael L. Feshbach and Cantor Marshall Portnoy led the Shabbat service, blending traditional Jewish liturgy with readings about civil rights, including Dr. King’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech. The service emphasized the enduring relevance of Dr. King’s vision and the power of unity and faith in addressing today’s challenges.
Six high school seniors were recognized with the Third Annual Beth Israel/NAACP Spirit of MLK Awards. Award winners included Elon Lomax (Atlantic City High School), Charlene Harlan (Atlantic County Institute of Technology), Keniyah Johnson (Cedar Creek High School), Ethan Hirsh (Egg Harbor Township High School), Gavin Batohie (Mainland Regional High School), and John Howard (Pleasantville High School). They shared their inspiring essays on what they would change in the community, nation, or world in the spirit of Dr. King.
Twitty, the National Jewish Book Award-winning author of Kosher Soul, shared his heartfelt journey of faith and identity, resonating deeply with the audience. Twitty is known for his work as a culinary historian, author of The Cooking Gene, and advocate for understanding cultural intersections through food and heritage.
The evening featured moving performances by the Inspirational Choral Ensemble of the Second Baptist Church of Atlantic City, led by Pastor Collins Days, and Beth Israel’s choir, led by Cantor Portnoy. Imam Amin Muhammad, Masjid Muhammad of Atlantic City, addressed the award winners on behalf of the NAACP Atlantic City Branch.
The largest Reform congregation on the Mainland in South Jersey, Beth Israel is a warm and welcoming home to generations of families who play a vital and integral part in synagogue life.
For more information on our educational programs, contact us at (609) 641-3600 or email us at bethisrael@cbinorthfield.org. Learn more at Beth Israel at https://bethisraelnorthfield.org.
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