Differences celebrated at MLK Jr. memorial Shabbat

There was hardly a space to sit amid at Temple Beth Israel the evening of Jan. 16 as community members joined in a special Shabbat service honoring the legacy and life of Martin Luther King Jr.

The temple annually holds a service for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, recognized on Jan. 19 nationwide. This year, they welcomed guests from Embracing Our Differences, an organization that is putting on a free community art show in downtown Sarasota through mid-April.

The outdoor showcase features 50 large-scale works created by artists from around the world, all centered on themes of inclusion, kindness and respect.

As the service, Embracing Our Differences President and CEO Sarah Wertheimer and board chair Judge Charles Williams explained the motivation behind the free art exhibition.

"We are truly an education organization, and that's where we spend the majority of our time, energy and resources," Wertheimer said. "We use the art to help teach about these vital messages."

Williams said they share the same values of spreading love and understanding that King shared in his lifetime.

He encouraged those on hand to take the time to explore King's words beyond his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech.

"I think it will change your perspective about what Dr. King stood for at that moment in Washington," he said. "He was more than a man of faith. He saw himself as a servant of God and felt called upon to speak for the oppressed, and bring forward God's vision of justice and righteousness. ... He felt a deep calling, beyond race or nation, and said, famously, 'Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.'"

He added, "We have to educate a new generation of young people on the dangers of unchecked racism and bigotry. Dr. King believed in the universal goodness and humanity of man."

Williams noted that even when King grew weary in his fight for justice, "his faith and his credence to his god, and the message of universal love and acceptance never wavered. ... We must continue to celebrate kindness, respect and inclusion."

The service also incorporated the musical talents of Longboat Key residents. In her welcome, Temple Beth Israel's longtime music director and organist Ann Stephenson-Moe said she continues to learn more about the lasting impact his message of hope has continued to have globally.

"When I was doing some of my study and preparation, I was struck by the enormity of his legacy," she said. "I have been overwhelmed by the pouring out of the love musicians all over the world have for Martin Luther King Jr. He has been dead 58 years, and it's like it was yesterday."

She quoted from him, "'The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.' Every time I feel a little discouraged, I think about that. He practiced what he preached, and part of his legacy is with us tonight, in that love is stronger than hate."

The evening also featured performances of songs by the TBI choir, including "In the Name of Love," a candle blessing by the Social Action Committee and special readings from the Torah.

Reflecting on current events, Rabbi Jessica Spitalnic Mates claimed that the phrase "sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me" doesn't always hold true.

"Words do hurt, but words also help and heal and inspire and change," she said. "It seems a battle, today, between hurting words and healing words. That is why I am so honored to know that our synagogue platform will be filled tonight with wise words."