OAK PARK --- Congregation Beth Shalom is continuing its annual practice of placing a Christmas tree inside the Oak Park synagogue to welcome the homeless of various faiths.
The Detroit Free Press reports Saturday that the synagogue allows clients of the South Oakland Shelter to use its kitchen, classrooms and Youth Lodge through Monday as churches that participate throughout the year in the program are busy with their own activities over the Christmas holiday.
Shelter executive director Ryan Hertz says volunteers at Congregation Beth Shalom "really step up" and that the Christmas tree makes a big difference to the homeless staying there.
There has been debate as to whether the tree violates ancient Jewish laws, but Rabbi Robert Gamer says "it's about respecting others and their traditions."
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