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I had the pleasure of attending the outstanding rally to support Israel on Wednesday afternoon in downtown Gainesville. I was surprised by the number and variety of people who came out for this event. The speakers were excellent, and the organizers did a great job.
Unfortunately, those who want to be a blessing to Israel and the Jewish people often offend rather than bless because of ignorance. I saw several (most likely Christian) people wearing (Jewish) prayer shawls. I was extremely saddened to see a woman come to the podium to lead the group in prayer with a prayer shawl sash-tied around her waist!
Christians need to understand that the tallit, or prayer shawl, is a sacred garment and not a fashion statement. The fringes on the garment are commanded in the Bible to be worn as a reminder to the Jew to keep all that God commanded through Moses at Mount Sinai.
How would Christians feel if we organized a rally to stand up for the persecuted church throughout the world and served bowls of communion crackers and little cups of juice at the refreshment booth along with the hot dogs and cokes?
Melinda Gottfried
Gainesville