Kol Emeth hosts 22nd interfaith Thanksgiving celebration Nov. 19

Temple Kol Emeth will welcome clergy, lay leaders and choirs from more than a dozen faiths on Thursday, Nov. 19, for the 22nd annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Celebration.

The Marietta synagogue's event, themed "Is Faith Enough?," begins at 7 p.m. with doors opening at 6:30 p.m., according to the temple's event page. The evening includes music, non-denominational prayers and a reception with refreshments.

A livestream will also be available.

The celebration doubles as a collection point for the temple's Give-A-Gobble campaign, a community food-support program coordinated by Women of Reform Judaism at Temple Kol Emeth. Attendees can bring non-perishable food items for two on-site donation barrels or contribute cash and checks during the service. According to the temple's Give-A-Gobble page, 100% of monetary donations go toward turkeys, food staples and Thanksgiving dinners for families in need.

This year's featured beneficiary is the St. Vincent de Paul Society, which provides housing, food, transportation and other support to families in need. In 2025, the celebration supported nine organizations including Atlanta Community Food Bank, Center for Family Resources, Family Promise of Cobb County, Jewish Family & Career Services, Hope House and Sweetwater Mission.

The celebration traces its roots to 2005, when Rabbi Lebow of Temple Kol Emeth, Monsignor Patrick Bishop of Transfiguration Catholic Church and Imam Amjad Taufique of the Islamic Center of Marietta organized the first gathering in response to localized religious strife, according to the temple. Cobb County awarded Temple Kol Emeth and participating congregations the 2010 Creating Community Award.

Parking is available in the Temple Kol Emeth and Eastminster Presbyterian Church lots, both accessible from Old Canton Road. Organizers ask attendees to carpool when possible. A clear bag policy is in effect; personal items may only be carried in a clear bag.

Pre-registration is available online through the temple's event page. Walk-ins are welcome but must register at the help desk before entering.

If you go