In Memory of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
“We must come to see that the end we seek is a society at peace with itself, a society that can live with its conscience.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.
On March 1, 1957, Jack Roosevelt "Jackie" Robinson, soon after he retired from the Brooklyn Dodgers, was a guest speaker at Park Avenue Synagogue. He addressed the congregation on the events that took place in Montgomery, Alabama and on broader civil rights issues. Robinson referenced a new leader in the civil rights community - Dr. Martin Luther King - and the critical role he played in leading non-violent protests at that time.
On Shabbat morning, March 29, 1968 at Park Avenue Synagogue, Rabbi Judah Nadich spoke on "When Rabbis Meet," a summary of the discussions held earlier that week at the 68th Rabbinic Assembly. The keynote speaker at the RA was Martin Luther King, Jr. This excerpt from Rabbi Nadich's remarks highlights the impact Dr. King had at this meeting which was one of his last public appearances.
The following Friday evening, April 5, 1968, Rabbi Nadich spoke movingly as he eulogized Dr. King who was assassinated the prior day in Memphis, TN. Let the words and deeds of the leaders who have inspired us in the past reinvigorate our dedication to make the world a better place for ourselves, our community and our country.
We hope you enjoy this important piece of PAS history. Please email your comments or questions: shapiroarchive@pasyn.org.
Image of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by Dick DeMarsico [Public Domain]