Norwich Religious leaders from nearly a dozen faiths came together online Tuesday evening to pray collectively “to begin the first step to restore inner peace and national harmony” on the eve of Wednesday’s inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden in Washington, D.C.
The online prayer vigil, organized by the Norwich Area Clergy Association with the stated goal to “put an end to the hate that continues to challenge and hurt us,” allowed faith leaders to share their traditions and offer words and prayers for the upcoming four years of the Biden administration. More than 40 people attended in the Zoom conference, including faith leaders who interspersed prayers, reflections on their approaches to politics and elections and inspirational music.
Friends and Neighbors
Each building in the StoneRidge Nordic Village is illuminated to allow for daytime and evening enjoyment. (photo by Charlie Schott)
The StoneRidge Nordic Village went on display in the community green in early December. (photo by Cynthia Barrett)
StoneRidge residents Ed Sauers, kneeling, and Scott Taylor, standing, work on the Nordic village in the StoneRidge woodworking shop. (photo by Cynthia Barrett)
Members of the StoneRidge Woodworking Club took advantage of this fall’s temperate weather to get started on the Nordic Village in October. (photo by Cynthia Barrett)
Olivia Head poses with the inspirational posters she installed in the girls’ bathroom of St. Michael’s School as part of her Silver Award project. (photo submitted)
By Faye Ringel, For The Bulletin
Jews have lived in what became the United States since 1654, but in Connecticut only since 1843, when restrictions were removed, and Jews were allowed to build synagogues. The first mention of a Jewish presence in Norwich is 1851. Since the 1880s, Norwich has been home to Jewish houses of worship and organizations, and Jewish men and women have been prominent in the civic, manufacturing and retail life of the city.
Hanukah (there is no official English spelling, so I’ll spell it differently every time!) or the Festival of Lights is celebrated for 8 nights: on the Jewish calendar, the first candle is lit on the 25th day of the month of Kislev. This year on the Gregorian (English) calendar, Hanukkah was observed from Dec. 11 to Dec. 18, with the last candle lit Thursday Dec. 17.