The letter below was written by Jewish Community member Monroe Richman in response to the letter in Friday's Garden Island on the Religion page. Friday's paper states Reverend Franklin Graham, who was dis-invited to pray with the armed forces on National Prayer Day, will be on Kauai calling for the Christian community to join him in praying for our country this coming Thursday.It would be appropriate for any of our members to show up at Monroe's house and even offer assistance if he should get a significant response.
I am looking forward to the 59th Annual National Day of Prayer to be held next Thursday at the Civic Center Rotunda. The only problem is that only Christians were invited. What do I do with all my other friends on the island? Aren't they invited as well? I'm talking about people living here who are Buddhists, Hindus, Baha'i, Jews, Muslims and others as well. Are they to be excluded? If so, I have a solution. National Prayer Day will be celebrated at my home. All faiths are invited. After all they comprise my friends.
I live at 1728 Keoniloa Place, Koloa, and tea and cookies will be served. Please RSVP so that we have enough provisions or bring your own pot luck. My phone number is 742-9204. Let's make this truly a National Prayer Day and include anyone who prays to come. We will even invite atheists if they have a reason to give thanks. See you at my home 11:30 to 12:30 next Thursday, May 6, 2010 and please bring a prayer that we can all share.
Monroe and Esther Richman