Congressman Donald Payne to speak at MLK event at Temple Beth-El

JERSEY CITY -- Martin Luther King's legacy and teachings will be honored this week during a worship service at Temple Beth-El.

The 31st annual Martin Luther King Day services will be held at 7:45 p.m. on Friday. U.S. Rep. Donald Payne Jr. (D-10th Dist.) will be the keynote speaker.

People of all religious backgrounds are invited to attend the service.

"This is one of those feel good things that brings the community together," said Irwin Rosen, past president of the organization.

Rosen called Payne a "man of the people" and "extremely down to earth."

Last year, U.S. Sen. Cory Booker addressed the crowd on the 30th anniversary of the event. President Obama sent a greetings letter to everyone in attendance at the service.

"By gathering for this special occasion, you show that when Americans of every race and religion join in common purpose we can vindicate the faith of those like Dr. King who sacrificed so much for an ever brighter tomorrow," Obama wrote.

Refreshments, donated by Sam and Judy Pesin, will be served immediately following the service, Rosen said.

Temple Beth-El is located at 2419 Kennedy Boulevard.

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