Songs of Freedom and Unity: Recapping Our Martin Luther King Jr. Shabbat with Reese Dickerson

On Friday, the Sanctuary filled with soulful energy as our community gathered to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. We were thrilled to welcome renowned Jacksonville-based performer and educator Maurice "Reese" Dickerson for a vibrant Shabbat service dedicated to unity, connection, and shared values.

A Night of Shared Values
The evening reflected our commitment to Tikkun Olam (repairing the world). Reese joined our clergy on the bimah to combine Jewish prayer with civil rights anthems. This collaboration showed that while our backgrounds differ, our values of justice and compassion are the same.

As Rabbi Glasser noted during the service, “Dr. King taught us that ideal societies are created from cultivating love, understanding that each person is valuable, and affirming we are all equal.”

Building Bridges Through Music
Reese Dickerson brought a spirit of connection to the service. As a Jacksonville native and global ambassador for the Jacksonville Sister Cities Association, he uses music to mentor youth and build community. His presence helped bridge the Jewish and Black communities in Northeast Florida, affirming the vision of inclusion Dr. King championed.

Thank You to everyone who joined us. Nights like these remind us that coming together in song strengthens our diverse community.

Watch The Service ↓