What's New Archives
2011
98 Walking the Walkers Beautify Cobbs Creek Park as part of 5th Annual Day of Service
On Sunday, May 15th, 2011, and for the 4th consecutive year, 98 Walking the Walkers and adult mentors from 18 congregations joined hands to beautify Cobbs Creek Park, a beautiful haven in which to enjoy nature in the middle of the busy city. Despite intermittent rain showers, the volunteers were able to work hard and make a visible difference to the park: flower beds were weeded, rose bushes and native shrubs were planted, fallen debris and branches were removed, and a new fence and other barriers were built as barriers aagainst ATVs. The day concluded with reflection workshops including poetry, sketching, drama, and journal making led by artists from the Arts and Spirituality Center and an advocacy workshop led by the Lower Merion Conservancy.
» View photographs and poetry from the Day of Service.
Walking the Walk Fundraiser
What do teens say about their interfaith experiences? Join us on Thursday evening, June 16, 7:30 p.m. for a unique evening of story-telling from youth participants in the Interfaith Center's Walking the Walk initiative. Invest in a program that is creating a new generation of leaders!
Download Invitation and RSVP Card
More Than 150 Religious and Community Leaders Gather for Workshop on Trauma
The flagship grassroots initiative of the Religious Leaders Council of Greater Philadelphia, 'Zones of Peace', coordinated an interactive workshop on 'Understanding and Transforming Trauma' for congregational leaders, chaplains and seminarians. Held on May 19th at Congregation Rodeph Shalom, the event featured expert trainer, Dr. Sandy Bloom from Drexel's Center for Nonviolence and Social Justice and brought together leaders from a variety of faith communities to learn how to best respond to pain, shock and distress in their communities.
- WHYY report on the workshop
- Workshop participant web journalism piece
- Download Handout from Dr. Bloom's presentation
Board member Rabbi Nancy Fuchs-Kreimer was spotlighted on WHYY's "This I Believe"
Kreimer is recognized internationally as an authority in multifaith studies, particularly when it comes to Jewish-Muslim dialogues and the intersections of faith, science and social justice. Listen online where she tells the story of how it all started with a book ....
Interfaith Center Board Member Lisa Liem Honored as "Philanthropist of the Year"
The Interfaith Center of Greater Philadelphia is proud to join the Association of Fundraising Professionals in honoring our friends, Lisa and Gie Liem, as Philadelphia Philanthropists of the Year. Lisa and Gie are long-time supporters of many local organizations including the Please Touch Museum, Curtis Institute of Music, and most recently the Interfaith Center. Lisa joined our Board in 2009 and has been a great champion of our cause ever since. Please join us in congratulating these tremendous individuals who by example challenge us all to "dare to understand."
10th Anniversary of 9/11
As we approach the 10th anniversary of the attacks of September 11th the Interfaith Center and the Religious Leaders Council are providing the greater Philadelphia area with resources as a way to foster discussion, hope and healing on this day. Here you will find prayers and poems that can be used by individuals, congregations and local ministeriums. You will also find links to other national organizations that are helping to prepare for this day.
» View resources about the anniversary.
Walking the Walk Goes Global
On Friday, July 8th, the Interfaith Center will be hosting a group of international teens through Intrax, an international school that provides English language training and cultural immersion to students of various nationalities. They are particularly interested in experiencing the many religious communities in Philadelphia as a part of their tour across the United States. The day is sure to be rewarding. Following an opening workshop on Interfaith questions at 10:00 am and lunch around the University City area, the students will be accompanied to Mishkan Shalom Synagogue, Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church, and Bawa Muhaiyaddeen Mosque for presentations on these faith communities. Finally, they will return for a closing workshop on pluralism on college campuses. This event will be a great way to reconnect with Walking the Walk Alumni as well as our international guests.
» View more information about Walking the Walk.
Day of Youth Environmental Service
Time to Get Your Hands Dirty! Join us for our 5th Annual Day of Youth Environmental Service Sunday, May 15, 1:30 - 6:00 PM at the Cobbs Creek Community Environmental Education Center.
Cobbs Creek Community Environmental Education Center
Sunday, May 15, 1:30 - 6:00 PM
700 Cobbs Creek
Parkway, 63rd and Catherine Street
Philadelphia, PA
Register Online | Download Brochure
Gateway to Religious Communities Enters its Second Year!
Our “Gateway to Religious Communities” program is wrapping up its first year of operation, having organized visits to 12 houses of worship in 2010. An exciting new slate of visits is scheduled for 2011! This unique series gathers individuals, families and other groups to visit congregations of their choice in a specially organized program that includes participation in a worship service, information sessions before and after the service, and refreshments. 2010 Gateway participants came from across the Greater Philadelphia Area and span the religious spectrum – all are welcome!
Why not join us? Download our schedule of 2011 dates.
Learn more and register online for future Gateway to Religious Communities events
Faith Immersion Series - Navigating Religious Diversity
This timely and relevant training, designed for professionals in health, faith and social-service settings, offers a series of one-day intensives to learn more about the religious backgrounds of our colleagues, clients, patients and other constituencies.. Register Now and pass along to colleagues
Register Online | Download Brochure
Understanding and Transforming Trauma
Interactive Workshop, May 19th
JOIN US!
The flagship grassroots initiative of the Religious Leaders Council of Greater Philadelphia, 'Zones of Peace', is coordinating an interactive workshop on 'Understanding and Transforming Trauma' for congregational leaders, chaplains and seminarians. Featuring expert trainer, Dr. Sandy Bloom from Drexel's Center for Nonviolence and Social Justice, this one day workshop will bring together leaders from a variety of faith communities to learn how to best respond to pain, shock and distress in their communities.
Download Workshop Brochure | Register Online
Interfaith Center Proudly Presents "Dare to Understand: A Special Presentation of Gil Morgenstern's Reflections Series"
On March 28, 2011 the Interfaith Center of Greater Philadelphia will welcome to Philadelphia acclaimed violinist Gil Morgenstern, who will offer a specially created Reflections Series concert for our organization. The evening will begin with light refreshments at 6 P.M., followed by a one-hour performance, concluding with an exclusive VIP Reception with the artists. The concert will feature solo and chamber music along with spoken word designed to highlight the universal themes promoted by the Interfaith Center. He will be accompanied by Jonathan Feldman, pianist in residence for the New York Philharmonic, and Obie-winning actors Elizabeth Marvel and Bill Camp. This extraordinary and unique event is not to be missed!
Zones of Peace Launched
On Monday, March 22nd the Religious Leaders Council of Greater Philadelphia celebrated its fourth year as a Council. Members gathered to share their wisdom as they face common challenges. They also decided to launch ‘Zones of Peace’, an interfaith, grassroots initiative will bring together congregations and schools throughout the region to address the root causes of violence and work for peace.
The Council includes 26 Christian, Jewish, Muslim and Baha’i religious leaders dedicated to “building relationships of mutual support, serving as a moral and spiritual voice, and taking action on issues of critical concern in our region.”
Watch a video telling the story of the 'Zones of Peace' Pilot Projects:
Interfaith Center Annual Report
During this season of thanksgiving, we would like to express our deep gratitude to all of you who have invested and engaged in the work of the Interfaith Center. We are profoundly grateful for Board Members who speak words of hope during challenging times, for youth and their mentors who pick up shovels and engage in interfaith service projects, and for religious leaders who “dare to understand” one another. Please join with all of us at the Interfaith Center in the celebrating the joys and highlights of our past year.
Dare to Understand
Concerned about the religious prejudice swirling around the media
right now, particularly the resurgence of anti-Islam sentiment, but
are not sure how to take action? We at the Interfaith Center of
Greater Philadelphia encourage you to change the conversation in your
neighborhoods and workplaces, among youth and adults, from grassroots
to religious leaders. If you are fearful, confused, curious, or just want to ask questions that you have never had the opportunity to pose
- about any faith - now is the right time to take the first bold
step toward understanding. Attend one of our many events, explore our resources, and – most importantly– tell your friends!
» Read our latest e-newsletter.
» Letter to the Editor by Executive Director of the Interfaith Center.
And Sarah Laughed - The Healing Power of Joy and Humor in Our Lives
8th Annual Day Long Retreat for Interfaith Women in Religious Leadership
January 31st, 2011, snow date February 7, 2011 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Come and gather with other women in interfaith prayer, sharing, creative expression and text study. This year's retreat location in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Northeast Philadelphia.
2010
Interfaith Youth Engage in Service
On November 21, 2010, thirty Muslim, Jewish and Christian ‘Walking the Walkers’ packaged Thanksgiving Day food for 1000 families served by the SHARE Food Program, as part of their year-long interfaith service learning. The session was enriched by conversations about "faith and helping those in need" with tireless local food advocates, Steveanna Wynn, Executive Director of the SHARE Food Program and Anne Ayella, Director of Nutritional Development Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
Walking the Walk Alumni Service at Henry Got Crops and Share
On September 2, 2010, Walking the Walk Alumni gathered at Henry Got
Crops, a Weavers' Way Co-Op and CSA, to glean the crops that would
ordinarily go to waste when those that would usually harvest them
aren't around. The WTW Alumni then helped package and bring the crops
to Share food pantry, where they were stored in refrigerators for
later distribution to those in need. During the middle of the day,
those observing Ramadan took time to share about what their fasting
means to them. Thanks to Louis Lesser, the student planning committee,
and community partner Philadelphia Green for making this possible!
view photos / watch video
Gateway to Religious Communities Continues to Open Doors
Last May and June, "Gateway to Religious Communities" participants visited two more houses of worship in the Philadelphia region – Bawa Muhaiyaddeen Mosque and Fellowship (Islamic), Soka Gakkai International (Buddhist), and Our Lady of Hope (Catholic). Upon reflection, the participants reported that the visits enabled them to learn a lot of new information, to make acquaintances of other faith traditions, and, often, to become energized and inspired by their new understanding. The Interfaith Center is excited to see Gateway to Religious Communities, our first fully public program, take root so quickly, and we look forward to continuing the program throughout the fall and into 2011.
Learn more and register online for future Gateway to Religious Communities events.
The Interfaith Center Offers Thanksgiving for our Fantastic Summer Interns!
This summer, we were blessed with four interns—Louis Lesser, Danielle Heitmann, Sharan Metha, and Ari Saks—as part of newly developed summer internship program that included weekly staff learning lunches, one-on-one mentor pairings with board members, and a chance to work on specialized projects that met both the interns' diverse interests and the Center's most pressing needs.
Combined, these fabulous interns gifted the Interfaith Center staff with more than 1,000 hours of work. We cannot thank them enough for the gifts, creativity, energy and enthusiasm with which they worked on important projects for the Center, as well as their open sharing of their faith traditions and experiences over our learning lunches. They will not be soon forgotten!
Meet Walking the Walk's new Student Group Leaders!
Congratulations to the following youth who have been selected as Student Group Leaders for Walking the Walk in the 2010 - 2011 program year. They are:
For the Havertown Network:
Miriam Jason, rising 11th grader, Grace Trinity United Church of Christ
Hannah Schaeffer, rising 11th grader, Suburban Jewish Community Center, B'nai Aaron
For the Suburban West Network:
Aniqa Hassan, rising 11th grader, Foundation of Islamic Education at Villanova
Anisa Tavangar, rising 11th grader, The Philadelphia Baha'i Center
For the West Philadelphia Network:
Sheanah Conneen, rising 11th grader, St. Mary's Episcopal Church of Ardmore
Mara Pliskin, rising 11th grader, Beth Am Israel Synagogue
Baseerah Watson, rising 11th grader, Quba Institute for Arabic and Islamic Studies
Walk the Talk - Youth and Adults Join Together in Service
On Sunday April 18, 2010, teenagers from across the city came together to celebrate the "Youth Day of Environmental Action." 171 people (111 youth and 61 adults) participated in the Day of Service, representing 25 diverse religious communities from across the area. The day focused on the theme "Walk the Talk: Be A Good Ancestor" and included presentations from members of the youth-led Green Team, removing invasive vines, planting trees, planting wild flowers, and digging a pond. After planting a ceremonial tree, the day culminated with an opportunity for participants to reflect on their work through drama, poetry, composting, sketching, and journal making. The day was sponsored by the Interfaith Center of Greater Philadelphia in partnership with Fairmount Park, The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, Cobbs Creek Community Environmental Education Center, the Arts & Spirituality Center, City Year and State Farm. Take a moment to view more pictures from the Day of Service and check out the latest newsletter reflecting on the empowering theme chosen by the youth leaders.
Interfaith Center Board Member Nancy Fuchs Kreimer Speaks Out on the Ground Zero Controversy
Article: Proposed Muslim Community Center Near Ground Zero: 'A Slap in
the Face' or 'Repairing the Breach?' Rabbi Nancy Fuchs-Kreimer, Ph.D. Chair, Department of Multifaith
Studies and Initiatives at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College, describes the building of a Muslim community center in lower Manhattan
as “a sign of hope; a very real manifestation of faith in the future
of America and of Islam…a step towards building the kind of
pluralistic society in which we all can flourish.” “If you dicagree,
she says, let’s talk about what it means to build positive messages on
complicated sacred ground. But let’s keep the character assassination
out of it.”
View the complete article
Teens 'Walking the Walk' at Havertown Center
The grounds at Havertown Center (1105 Earlington Road) look nice and clean now. It has been a snowy, messy winter and a windy beginning of spring, leaving lots of dead leaves, sticks and bits of trash and papers strewn all over the grass and around the Center entrances.
Just a few weeks ago, on Sunday, March 21, teens from the Interfaith Center's 'Walking the Walk' program were outside Havertown Center with rakes, brooms and trash bags cleaning up. And they even planted tulips in the planters!
Click to read the full article:
http://havinterfaith.blogspot.com/2010/04/teens-walking-walk-at-havertown-center.html
Seniors get fresh flavor of an interfaith treat
On January 18th, 70 seniors gathered for an interfaith program at Maple Village in Hatsboro. They had their queries responded to by Elaine Dushoff, Maria Hornung, and S. Zakiya Islam representing Judaism, Christianity and Islam. One participant reflected, “We were very pleased to see a room full of seniors so obviously eager to both hear what we had to say and to gain an understanding of how we relate to each other as Christians, Jews and Muslims.... as brothers and sisters... and as friends.” After the session, many of the participants came forward to express their appreciation and gratitude for what they considered an intellectual/spiritual treat.
Register now for the Day of Environmental Action for Teenagers
April 18, 2010, 1:30 - 6:00 PM
Cobbs Creek Community Enivrnemtnal Cneter
700 Cobbs Creek Parkway
Register Online
Get your hands dirty and join us for a day of fun, 'green work', interfaith dialogue and hands-on workshops.
Register by April 10, 2010.
For a glimpse of last year's Day of Enivronmental Action, check out this video produced by one of our students.
Living Dr. King's Dream
On Monday, January 18th 85 Walking the Walk teenagers from 23 different congregations honored Dr. King in five neighborhoods across the greater Philadelphia region.
Article from the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Reflections from Interfaith Center intern, Ari Hendin.
The Gateway to Religious Communities Program has Been Launched!
12 individuals gathered at the First Presbyterian Church for the first Gateway to Religious Communities event! Participants learned about the history of the Presbyterian faith, the historical architecture of the church, and the community's religious traditions. After experiencing a service, participants had a coffee hour with members of the congregation and had the opportunity to ask questions. One participant said, "All the faith, hope, and love brought a tear to my eye."
Learn more and register online for future Gateway to Religious Communities events.
The Interfaith Center is developing a new program offering: Gateway to Religious Communities
Gateway to Religious Communities is a program for individuals to visit diverse religious communities to receive a tour, attend a worship service, and debrief the interfaith experience. Participants will be able to visit one hosting congregation per month. The Interfaith Center is currently looking for religious communities/congregations who are interested in hosting to those of other faiths! If you are interested, contact: Andrea Brooks abrooks@interfaithcenterpa.org or 215-222-1012.
Registration for 2010 Gateway to Religious Communities is now open. Register Online
Empowering Students in a Religiously Diverse World
On November 2 twenty-six interfaith professionals from 11 different colleges, universities, and seminaries in the Philadelphia region gathered at Drexel University. This meeting, coordinated by the Interfaith Center, discussed implementing interfaith programming in a university setting.
The challenges, benefits, and opportunities for collaborations and partnerships were also discussed. If you would like to be a part of this group for future meetings, please contact abrooks@interfaithcenterpa.org.
2009
Religious Leaders Council Sponsors 'Zones of Peace' Workshop
The Religious Leaders Council of Greater Philadelphia held a ‘Zones of Peace’ workshop led by Arts and Spirituality Center artist-in-residence Joe Brenman on Wednesday, November 11th at Saint Francis De Sales School in West Philadelphia. The 'Zones of Peace'
logo created at the workshop will be a uniting symbol that will displayed on or in every participating 'Zones of Peace' congregation or school, connecting each individual faith community in an inter-religious effort to promote peace.
'Zones of Peace' is an interfaith, grassroots initiative sponsored by the Religious Leaders Council of Greater Philadelphia. Currently 5 months into its pilot year, the initiative has brought together leaders from more than a dozen Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, and Muslim congregations / schools with the purpose of identifying their buildings and grounds as 'Zones of Peace' and participating in local projects that address the root causes of violence.
Youth Learn about Hannuakah at MacDonalds
“Celebrating Hanukkah in a McDonald’s with Muslim and Christian high school students in North Philadelphia must be a first”, says Reconstructionist Rabbinical College student Ari Hendin, who is also an intern with the Interfaith Center of Greater Philadelphia.
Hendin had been asked to lead a brief teaching on the meaning of Hanukkah on Sunday, December 13th, and to light the menorah with the North Philadelphia cohort of the Center’s Walking the Walk program, an interfaith youth service learning program designed to break down barriers between youth from different faith traditions by building relationships and understanding. Read the full article.
Interfaith Center recognized as a 'Bridge-builders Community Honoree'
Walking the Walk was selected as a Bridge Builders Honoree at the National Conference of IFYC, which took place on October 25-27 in Chicago. The Philadelphia 'delegation' at the conference included staff people Marjorie Scharf and Nicole Diroff, Board Member Nancy Fuchs Kreimer, Interns from the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College and Walking the Walk Alumni Zia Islam. Margie and Nicole led a workshop in which they engaged participants in replicable activities and concrete tools and techniques they have found successful in Walking the Walk.
New Adult Learning and Leadership Programs
A new brochure, Encountering Other Faiths, describes the variety
of adult learning and leadership programs now available to community groups and
congregations. Programs are uniquely designed to meet the goals and needs of the requesting groups and can be adapted to meet all budgets.
New Book by Walking the Walk Alumna Parent
The Interfaith Center proudly announces a new book (and some local book signings), "Growing Up Global: Raising Children to Be At Home in the World," recently published by Homa Tavingar, a parent of a Walking the Walk alumna from the Baha'i community.
» View book signing dates and locations
Interfaith Center Board Member Hosts Interfaith Conversations
Board Member Sherri Hauser welcomes two Lebanese experts on Islamic/Christian relations in the Middle East as part of Bryn Mawr Presbyterian's "Interfaith Conversations" Series.
Dr. Mary Mikhael and Dr. Mohammad Sammak will be addressing the topic, "Living Together in the Middle East: Muslim and Christian Challenges, Opportunities, and Implications for Americans."
Parliament of the World's Religions
Interfaith Center staff, Rev. Nicole Diroff, will be attending the Parliament of the World's Religions to be held in Melbourne, Australia from December 3-9, 2009. Key topics for the Parliament include healing the Earth, reconciliation with indigenous peoples, overcoming poverty, sharing wisdom, and building peace in pursuit of justice.
Nicole will be helping to coordinate a gathering of local people hoping to attend the Parliament. Contact her at ndd@interfaithcenterpa.org for more information.
Grant from Philadelphia Foundation
Thanks to a grant received from the Philadelphia Foundations' Wiliam J. McCahan, III Fund,
the Interfaith Center will work with a consultant to strengthen our capacity to develop
sustainable funding for our three core initiatives.
2008-2009 Annual Report Now Available
There seems to be a readiness in our country to truly live into our ideals. There is a force for good that propels our faith communities as we strive for oneness and for wholeness. The Interfaith Center is proud to be one of the new organizations arising to meet the needs of our times.
Understanding Religious Diversity
The Interfaith Center was proud to partner with PECO/Exelon Corporation in offering a program, "Understanding Religious Diversity". Held on April 29, 2009, this program was attended by 300 employees - people from all departments and positions. The event was planned by PECO's Diversity Committee, to further its vision: "Exelon strives to create an employee culture of inclusion, respect and understanding. This forum is intended to contribute to that culture by educating employees abut the fundamental aspects of some major world religions and their intersection in the workplace."
The Interfaith Center is 5 Years Old!
Get to know the vision, mission and work of the Interfaith Center by watching a short film created for our 5th Anniversary Event: “Mosaic of Faith; Vision of Hope”.
Interfaith Center Board Member Kenny Gamble Helps Bring Special Event to Philadelphia
The Wellness of You, Inc. and Universal Companies present the Celebrate Wellness Expo on Saturday, September 19, 2009 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. The event will feature a resource expo and presentations focused on nurturing the mind, healing the body and liberating the spirit. View event details.
Sunday, April 26: Walking the Walk's Community Day of Service Hosted by Cobbs Creek Community Environmental Education Center
The volunteers poured in, the sun was shining, and everyone who participated in the day of service felt the energy. The 95 volunteers were composed of members from all types of communities and religious affiliations. They began the day by participating in a service project of their choice- the options ranged from clearing trash from a stream to planting a tree to removing invasive plants from the ground.
Besides physically tilling the earth, each volunteer was granted the reward of reflecting upon their day during the myriad of workshops presented at the day's close. There was a sense of cooperation and acceptance which allowed for a day of true beauty and understanding. A special thanks to our co-sponsors: Fairmount Park, The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, Cobbs Creek Community Environmental Education Center, and the Arts & Spirituality Center for making this day so special!
Sponsored by the Interfaith Center of Greater Philadelphia in partnership with Fairmount Park, The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, Cobbs Creek Community Environmental Education Center and the Arts & Spirituality Center.
Rabbinical Student Intern reflects on her work with ‘Walking the Walk’
Twenty four high school students await instructions in a circle. Some wear kippot, some wear hijab, others are dressed in three-piece suits from church that morning. Their task: to move a soda can from one side of the room to the other. The rules: everyone must be touching the can at all times, and everyone is only allowed to use one finger.
Interfaith Center Hosts Blair Academy Students For a Unique Alternative Spring Break Program
Imagine a world where people from different religious backgrounds come together to create understanding and respect by serving their communities. This is the world the interfaith youth movement is building!
Staff Development in a Religiously Diverse World
Sister Maria Hornung, Coordinator of Interfaith Education for the Interfaith Center, offered a workshop at part of Penn State’s Staff Development Program on May 20th. She described a model for engaging a religiously pluralistic society that has been used by people from the Baha’i, Buddhist, Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, Protestant, and Universalist faiths.
5th Anniversary Celebration and Fundraising Event
On Tuesday, March 24th more than 300 people gathered to celebrate the Interfaith Center’s 5th Anniversary. The event highlighted the Center’s stories and impact, and was punctuated by Mayor Michael Nutter, who said, “The Interfaith Center is providing important work that is needed in our region.” Watch the Interfaith Center video, ‘Mosaic of Faith; Vision of Hope,’ which had its premier at the event.
Religious Leaders Council Plans Zones For Peace
The Religious Leaders Council of Greater Philadelphia is planning an inter-religious effort to combat the city’s violence by naming areas around their places of worship as “Zones for Peace.”
‘Growing Hope, Cultivating Change’: Philadelphia Team Attends National Service-Learning Conference
From March 18-21, 2009 Interfaith Center staff member Rev. Nicole Diroff, board member Sr. Judith Kreipe, and youth program leader Iman Qawiyy traveled to Nashville, Tennessee for the 20th Annual National Service-Learning Conference. During their trip they made connections with national interfaith service-learning partners; attended workshops; and imagined new ways for sustaining, growing and deepening the Interfaith Center’s current work.
Seventh Annual Women in Religious Leadership Retreat
The Seventh Annual Women in Religious Leadership Retreat was held on Monday, January 26, 2009 at Mishkan Shalom in Philadelphia. Participants joined together in dialogue, prayer, and celebration.