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Rabbi to address united efforts In 2004, two dozen Philadelphia Jews, Christians and Muslims gathered for four days of interfaith dialogue and understanding. It was "a very intensive and vigorous and thoughtful and heartfelt retreat in which people shared their own spiritual journeys that brought them" together, said Rabbi Arthur Waskow, director of the Shalom Center in Philadelphia and one of the organizers of the event. He will speak about the weekend and interfaith understanding at the Hubbard Interfaith Sanctuary at The College of Saint Rose in Albany, Sept. 10, 7:30 p.m. Promoting dialogue Each person in the 2004 retreat was able to further understand each other's positions, the rabbi said, because they shared their faith and spiritual journey. It "brought us close together as human beings and carriers of our own spiritual traditions," he said. "This went much deeper -- to the heart of what we believe." At Rabbi Waskow's Shalom Center in Philadelphia (www.shalomctr.org), different faiths continue to "work together to know each other and work at shared actions," he said. Ongoing efforts For example, the participants have worked together on a Habitat for Humanity house and painted murals in Philadelphia. They also coordinate an annual interfaith peace and reconciliation walk in which Jews, Christians and Muslims go to churches, mosques and synagogues, pausing at each to pray and hear a brief talk by clergy from each of these traditions. When roadblocks to interfaith understanding come up, Rabbi Waskow noted, the group addresses them by looking back to the scriptures of each faith to see "where those stories can be used for peace-making instead of conflict." Abraham in common Rabbi Waskow hopes that what he says in Albany about the retreat experience will inspire others to join under "the tent of Abraham," the religious figure common to the three faiths. He also will promote participation in an Oct. 8 fast to protest violence in American society, including the Iraq war, street violence and problems at home. "This is a beginning of the involvement of mainstream religious groups in an effort to address issues of violence," he said. (Rabbi Waskow promoted nonviolent action during the Vietnam War, and is a prolific author in theological work surrounding the Jewish renewal movement, eco-Judaism, and efforts towards peace and reconciliation in the Middle East and America. A book resulted from the 2004 meeting, "The Tent of Abraham: Seeking Peace Among Jews, Christians, and Muslims." It is used "by thousands of clergy and university teachers as an example of interfaith dialogue and understanding and shared action," said Rabbi Waskow. His talk is being sponsored by the Albany diocesan Commission on Peace and Justice, the Interfaith Alliance, and the Capital District Board of Rabbis. At 7 p.m., a "Stop the Hate Vigil" will precede his talk.) (8/23/07) |