On November 24, Turkic Foundation of Brooklyn in partnership with members of diverse faiths and traditions gathered for the 24th Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service, hosted by the Interfaith Coalition of Brooklyn at the Our Lady of Refuge Church. This inspiring event offered a beautiful tapestry of music, prayer, and reflection, united under the themes of Healing, Lovingkindness, Hope, and Call to Action.
The program began with a heartfelt Call to Prayer, led by the Turkish Cultural Center (TCC), reminding attendees of the shared power of gratitude and connection. Multilingual Thanksgiving prayers followed, read in English, Kreyol, and Spanish, emphasizing the universality of gratitude and humanity’s shared aspirations for peace and unity.
Embracing the Themes
Under the theme of Healing, reflections and readings invited attendees to explore vulnerability and resilience. A poignant quote by Brené Brown, shared by Robert Fried of B’SHert, encouraged courage in discovering light amid darkness. Rabbi Heidi Hoover’s thoughtful reflection and Dr. Gail Levine’s Tibetan Crystal Bowl meditation offered moments of deep introspection and peace.
The theme of Lovingkindness brought an infusion of warmth through Rabbi Cantor Sam Levine’s musical interlude and Rev. Matthew Moore’s reflection. Dr. Gail Levine read the Buddhist Metta Prayer, extending blessings for safety, happiness, and peace to all beings.
In Hope, Seyma Acet from the Turkic Foundation of Brooklyn offered profound reflections, while an excerpt from Amanda Gorman’s An Ode We Owe, read by Emily and Joseph Pariente, painted a picture of collective responsibility and shared dreams for the future.
A Call to Action
The evening concluded with a Call to Action, inspiring attendees to turn personal reflection into collective impact. Readings by Bekjan Orynnbassar and others emphasized the transformative power of small acts done with great love, as echoed by Mother Teresa’s wisdom. Donations to the OLR Food Pantry symbolized tangible steps towards alleviating suffering.
Closing Notes
The program ended with a heartfelt rendition of This Land Is Your Land, led by Rabbi Cantor Sam Levine and Rabbi Heidi Hoover. As voices rose in unison, the message was clear: no matter our differences, we are one human family, bound by the shared mission to bring light to the world.
Thank you to all who attended and contributed to this evening of healing and hope. May the spirit of lovingkindness guide us as we step forward into a brighter future.
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