On January 15, 2021, Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt attended the annual MLK Shabbat service at Congregation Beth Israel and was among several political, religious and civic leaders recognized by Rabbi Michael Cahana.
Every year the Congregation Beth Israel holds its MLK Shabbat service to honor the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the historic connection between the Black and Jewish communities during the Civil Rights era.
Rabbi Cahana said, “Today, the message of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is so important, it is so needed. He and his generation marched over 55 years ago for racial justice and the dignity of every human being. …They marched for the right to vote. They marched for marginalized people to be seen as human beings. And we are marching still. …It is our honor and our responsibility to keep Dr. King’s vision of the beloved community alive.”
The keynote address for 2021 was the viewing of the 2014 MLK Shabbat service keynote address from the late US Representative John Lewis.
The annual MLK Shabbat service is one of the largest gatherings during the MLK weekend. This year’s service was held virtually. It can be viewed on the website for Congregation Beth Israel.
DA Schmidt thanks Senior Rabbi Cahana and the entire clergy of Congregation Beth Israel for bringing our community together to worship, accept, heal and grow.
