Parker Jewish Institute, which serves one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse areas of the world, is proud of how it recognizes and respects the different faith traditions of its 527 patients and residents.
“A healthy discussion of all faiths is important to treating everyone fairly,” stated Michael N. Rosenblut, Parker’s President and CEO. “There are important lessons, books and historical figures in every religion. Understanding similarities between faiths by honoring their holidays is our way of promoting religious harmony.”
“It’s heartwarming to see folks of all faiths attending the Indian, Christian and Jewish religious events at Parker.”
Holi is a popular Hindu festival from India. Holi is known as the Festival of Spring or Festival of Colors. It signifies the arrival of Spring and blossoming of love and is very popular with Indians in the greater New Hyde Park area.
Holi for 2019 was celebrated at sundown on March 20th and ended at sundown on March 21st. Parker held a Holi celebration on March 27th from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. in the auditorium.
Easter commemorates the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. Easter 2019 was celebrated on April 21st. A Good Friday observance was held at Parker on April 19th, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. and Parker’s Easter Sunday celebration on April 21st was from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the auditorium.
Passover is observed by Jews to commemorate their liberation by God from slavery in Egypt and their freedom as a nation. Passover for 2019 began at sunset on April 19th and ends Saturday, April 27th.
For Jews, Passover’s highlights are the Seder meals, which contain different foods plus wine. Parker held their first Passover Seder on April 19th from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. and their second Seder on April 20th from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m., both in the auditorium.
Submitted by the Parker Jewish Institute
