An Interfaith Thanksgiving Service of Gratitude

By Rabbi Dana Evan Kaplan, Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley

On the Friday evening before Thanksgiving, Nov. 21, Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley will host a special Interfaith Thanksgiving Service at 7 p.m. that promises to be both spiritually uplifting and deeply meaningful.

I am delighted to share that four local ministers will be joining us, along with our Cantor Baruch Koritan and myself, in what has become one of the most inspiring traditions of our congregation — gathering people of different faiths to give thanks together. They are Rev. Ann Utke, interim minister of First Presbyterian Church; Rev. Mark J. Makowski, associate pastor of The Church of the Palms; Pastor Greg Emery, Faith Presbyterian Church; and Rev. John Maroni of Shepherd, Desert Lutheran Church.

Each the four ministers and myself will offer a short prayer or reading drawn from our respective traditions, followed by a brief reflection, about three to five minutes, on our understanding of gratitude in the context of Thanksgiving. Gratitude is a universal language. It transcends theology and doctrine, uniting us in appreciation for life, community, and the blessings we share.

Thanksgiving, though rooted in American history, has become a holiday that resonates with people of all faiths and backgrounds. It reminds us to pause, reflect, and give thanks — not only for the abundance we enjoy but for the relationships that sustain us and the shared values that connect us. In our increasingly divided world, an interfaith service like this is an opportunity to come together in harmony, respect, and fellowship.

We will begin with a shortened version of our regular Friday night service. Then we will have an interfaith Thanksgiving service. Our cantor will help lead us in song, and together we will lift our voices in gratitude and hope. I warmly invite you, your friends, and neighbors of all faiths to join us for this special Shabbat of Thanksgiving — a time to celebrate our diversity while recognizing the deep unity of the human spirit.

May this Thanksgiving inspire in each of us a renewed sense of appreciation and a heartfelt commitment to gratitude every day.

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For security reasons, no purses or bags will be allowed unless they are clear and baggies will be provided for wallets, cellphones and keys.