March 6,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood’s Interfaith Clergy Council retreat with Rabbi Noam Marans, American Jewish Committee Director of Interreligious and Intergroup Relations. Ridgewood’s Interfaith Clergy Council works with the spiritual leaders of the Village’s diverse faith communities. Collaborating on a number of programs and activities throughout the year, The Council, including Village officials, works to advance mutual understanding, acceptance of difference and genuine respect among all residents. Rabbi Marans spoke about his experience coming to Ridgewood as young Rabbi in the mid 1980’s; reflecting on his sixteen years at Temple Israel, Village community, family life, and working to foster a strong Interfaith community.
Rabbi Noam Marans – AJC
Minister Nolan Palsma – Upper Ridgewood Community Church
Rabbi David Fine – Temple Israel
Reverend Judy Wheeler and Don Wheeler Emmanuel Baptist Church
Reverend Joan Hoeberichts – Heart Circle Sangha
Pastor Joanne Van Sant – Friends to Friends
Reverend Bruce Ballantine – First Presbyterian Church
Reverend Mack Brandon, Pastor, Metropolitan AME Zion. Church
Chief Jacqueline Luthcke, Ridgewood Police Department
Mayor Susan Knudsen, Village of Ridgewood
Very nice Ridgewood community story. We should be thankful for all they do..Thank you clergy, Chief Lutke and Mayor Knudsen.
So happy to NOT see Jan Phillips
12 people in the picture but only 10 names. who are the other 2?
Had to research this one to figure out what on earth it was:
Heart Circle Sangha
The Heart Circle Sangha fosters the practice and study of Buddhism in the Soto Zen tradition through meditation, study, services, retreats and workshops. We are committed to serving our communities and the world.
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Our purpose is to awaken the spirit of living in the present moment and to appreciate our life just as it is. Through meditation and study we develop our connection to the One Body of the universe and relinquish our false sense of self. This Zen training process liberates us.
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Please join us.
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Joan Hogetsu Hoeberichts, Roshi
“What does Alexandra want to do?”
SAVE US MONEY
The Village Council leadership keeps raising taxes and fees (hidden taxes). I will be fiscally responsible and will work to ease our tax burden, including exploring cooperation with neighboring towns.
PROMOTE PROGRESSIVE AND INCLUSIVE VALUES
The Village Council leadership refused to fly a gay pride flag at Village Hall, sending the wrong message about Ridgewood’s values and diversity. I will stand for equality.
FOCUS ON QUALITY OF LIFE
Ridgewood residents deserve top-rate services. I will focus on making sure the Village government is responsive and delivers on basics like road maintenance and leaf collection.
REVITALIZE DOWNTOWN
Ridgewood residents deserve to enjoy a vibrant downtown filled with great restaurants, shops, and entertainment. I will focus on revitalizing our downtown, which is suffering from empty storefronts and inadequate parking.
Obviously this highly educated Alexandra does not understand a freaking thing about local governance. The VC voted to not allow the Pride Flag at Village hall for all the right reasons. Nothing whatsoever to do with homophobia. Get over yourself Alexandra. We do not need you.