“A Jew, a Catholic, a Muslim, a Protestant and a Hindu walk into a sanctuary.”
No, this is not the first line of a joke; it is a reality we can help create.
Just a number of weeks ago, a few congregants told me about a wonderful dinner get-together they experienced in a private home. The participants came from various houses of worship. In a relaxed setting, sharing good food, they exchanged ideas about their religions to give one another a greater understanding of their respective faiths.
The evening was a local way of taking part in the nationwide Amazing Faiths Project.
On Thursday, Feb. 19, at 7:00 p.m., a number of co-religionists will meet in the Blatt-Levenson Sanctuary. This will be an opportunity for participants of an array of religious faiths to meet casually, get to know one another, and plan for future, more intimate gatherings in our respective homes.
Having Temple B’nai Israel be on the forefront of this effort is crucial. And that’s where you come in. The more people that attend, the more perspectives about Judaism we will be able to offer.
The evening will begin with my delivering a more formal lecture about Judaism, followed by a question and answer period. But then we will re-group in Goldman-Golsen Hall, based upon where in greater Oklahoma City we live, and share responses to non-threatening, non-political questions. Moreover, we will plan the next interfaith meeting, based upon the model of a casual “parlor group.”
I look forward to seeing you at temple on Feb. 19, as we take part in the Amazing Faiths Project.
February 19, 2009 at 1:13 am |
Great idea, Rabbi Barry. Hope the seeds you’re planting take root and grow into beautiful sturdy oaks.
Warm regards, Octo-Stan, the Bionic-Masn
March 25, 2009 at 11:02 pm |
Barry,
I had time to read this – I went to an IID discussion last fall at which Rabbi Rox spoke – is this going to be a continuing opportunity for Amazing Faiths? I want to do the small-group Sunday night like I’ve been doing but make it a little more diverse (can’t be too diverse); I also want more opportunities like this with broader participation. Let me know if you know what happens next with Amazing Faiths.
Peace. Noel