I hope that everyone has been making the most of the past days to reflect upon the previous year. We are not to remain passive during the days in between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Rather, we are to seek out those we have hurt in any way and do the best we can to atone.
At the same time, we are to look with optimism and hope to the year that will be. We have been invited to take part in a valuable interfaith gathering on Oct. 14, a mere 16 days after Yom Kippur. This will be an amazing way to start 5770 with style.
Senior Pastor Bob Long of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church has invited Temple B’nai Israel and the Islamic Society of Greater Oklahoma City to share in an interfaith event at his church, located at 222 NW 15th St., in Oklahoma City.
The occasion is intended to build on the energy generated by last year’s lecture series, “Three Faiths, One God: Islam, Christianity, Judaism.”
The event will begin at 5:30 with dinner, featuring food from our respective traditions. This will be followed by an informal opportunity to visit a number of exhibits, showcasing and explaining Judaism’s, Islam’s and Christianity’s holidays, life cycles and teachings.
The evening will conclude with an interfaith worship service.
There is a thirst in the greater Oklahoma City area to learn about religions other than our own. With this invitation, Temple B’nai Israel has the opportunity to express the beauty of Judaism.
But I have a concern: How many of us will drive to St. Luke’s United Methodist Church to participate? We did an amazing job on Sept. 8, sharing an Iftar dinner with the Turkish Muslim community to break the Ramadan fast. But that was at our temple.
Pastor Long said approximately 350 of his congregants would participate. Imam Imad Enchassi said he would be able to bring 150. How many will we bring?
I invite you to join us on Wednesday, Oct. 14, at 5:30 at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church. What a wonderful way to show the greater community the pride and confidence we possess as a congregation, a faith, a religion and a people.
If you have any questions, e-mail me at tbirabbi@coxinet.net or call 848-0965.
The event is free of charge. See you there!
September 25, 2009 at 7:36 am |
How many will drive to St. Luke’s United Methodist Church? Allison, Nathan and I will! We can’t wait. It sounds like a wonderful evening.
September 25, 2009 at 8:47 am |
I’m in! Sounds like a great program. St. Luke’s has a place to register so they’ll know how many to expect on their website – http://www.stlukesokc.org/
October 2, 2009 at 7:22 am |
Perhaps our Confirmation Academy can attend at St. Luke’s, instead of at TBI? I think it would be a great way to teach about other faiths as well as our own.