It was a recognition of Coweta County’s Jewish community. Coweta County commissioners Dec. 17 issued a proclamation recognizing Congregation B’nai Israel for their work and contributions in Coweta County and across south metro Atlanta.
A Reform Synagogue affiliated with the Union of Reform Judaism, Congregation B’nai Israel is located in Fayetteville and serves south metro Atlanta including Coweta and Fayette counties.
Congregation member Sharon Hudgins accepted the proclamation on behalf of the synagogue.
The proclamation noted that B’nai Israel on Dec. 3 gathered with the Jewish community and others to celebrate Hanukkah, the “Festival of Lights,” at Ashley Park in Newnan.
The proclamation acknowledged the congregation for providing a nurturing environment for the Jewish community in Coweta County and across south metro Atlanta and for their efforts in making the world a better place for those less fortunate, based on the teachings of the Torah, the five books on Moses in the Old Testament and Tikkun Olem, the key tenant of Judaism which means “repairing the world.”
Commissioners also commended Congregation B’nai Israel for “its dedication to the larger faith-based community south of Atlanta working closely with churches, mosques and other synagogues to commemorate events such as Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Fourth of July, Holocaust Remembrance and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, among other special occasions that link us all together as one community.”
B’nai Israel has also been active in the volunteer sector providing food to help fight hunger, clothing and gifts for underprivileged children and support for the homeless.
