Temple Kol Ami Thankful for Loving Neighbors

Charlotte Jewish News January2022

By Shari Baum

Love thy neighbor. It is one of the major principles espoused by all Judeo-Christian religions but unfortunately seems to be one of the hardest to live by. Sadly, there are many examples of not so neighborly behavior, as antisemitic, anti-Asian, anti-Muslim, and racist crimes are on the rise. Every once in a while, however, something happens that reaffirms your faith in humanity.

Temple Kol Ami (TKA) had one of those moments recently. Mr. Gary Wickham of MorningStar Church in Fort Mill contacted TKA right before the anniversary of Kristallnacht in November. He said he wanted to present our congregation a gift on behalf of his church in commemoration of the Night of Broken Glass and to show solidarity with his Jewish brothers and sisters. Michael Vinnik, TKA president, met with Mr. Wickham and his wife to receive the gift, a beautiful crystal bowl. “I was just so blown away and incredibly touched,” said Michael. “We are so thankful to the Wickhams and MorningStar Church for their thoughtfulness.” To paraphrase the words of Anne Frank, in spite of everything, people are really still good at heart. The community at Morningside Church is living those words, and for that we are so grateful. Your gemilut chasadim, acts of loving kindness, are appreciated by Temple Kol Ami as well as the whole Jewish community.

If you live in York County or the Ballantyne area, Temple Kol Ami might be the place for you! We are a warm and inclusive Reform congregation comprising Jews from diverse backgrounds. We are currently having in-person Shabbat services on the first and third Friday nights of each month at Philadelphia United Methodist Church, 1691 SC-160, Fort Mill (please check our calendar at www.templekolamisc. org for any updates). We hope you will join us soon and find your Jewish home in our neighborly community.