South Fla. Jews celebrate Rosh Hashanah at Baptist church in Fort Lauderdale

Prince of Iran takes part in Thursday's service

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – With joy in their voices and prayer in their hearts, faithful Jews from all across South Florida gathered in Fort Lauderdale to celebrate Rosh Hashanah in a house of worship.

"Funny to have a Jewish service in a baptist church," said Robert Weneck.

For three years, the First Baptist Church in Fort Lauderdale has been the Rosh Hashanah home for the All People Synagogue.

"It's an opportunity (for them) to have high holidays here and to celebrate here," said Pastor Jeff Crevier.

Rabbi Loring Frank gives a donation to the church to use the facility. First Baptist also has the broadcast capability to stream the worship service live online, as well as to take live images of the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem.

Among the highlights of Thursday's service was an interview with Reza Pahlavi, the crown prince of a Iran, in which he implored peace, and wished all a Happy New Year.

Jews attending the service said there's plenty to pray for -- the brutal conflict in the Middle East topping the list for many. They said they are praying for peace, no matter what building those prayers are said in.

"We are all God's creatures," said Weneck. "We work together."

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