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A Holy Time |
The Joy of Christmas
An Interview with Board Member Rev. Carolyn V. Jordan
Beneath the warmth and joy of tinsel sparkling, beautiful carols echoing against high ceilings and Santa Claus greeting children are sacred and timeless themes. Christmas honors the birth of Jesus Christ, the central figure of the Christian faith, whose life of deeply compassionate actions and wise teachings serve as the compass for Christian living. Rev. Carolyn V. Jordan, Interfaith Center board member and pastor in the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME), reflects on the deeper meaning of Christmas saying, “Christmas is a time when we realize that we have a God who is merciful and loving – a God who if you let Him, can fill up your whole house with joy.
» Read the full story |
Honoring the Birth of the Founder of the Baha’i Faith
An Interview with Board Member Dr. Gity Etemad, M.D.
As the days get shorter and winter arrives, one lesser known holidays brings light to this season. In the Baha’i community, the celebrating begins on November 12th, with the birthday of Baha’u’llah (1817-1892), whose name means “Glory of God,” the founder of the Baha’i faith. Baha’u’llah promoted global unity. Dr. Gity Etemad, Interfaith Center board member and Baha’i community leader, says “Baha’u’llah’s birthday is one of the most significant Baha’i Holydays,” allowing “Baha’is all over the world to celebrate and reflect on the life of Baha’u’llah, and honor His message of unity through prayer, song, and readings.”
» Read the full story |
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Teen Perspective on Hanukah
By Hannah Weilbacher, a Student Group Leader for the West Philadelphia Walking the Walk group Learn about Hanukah from Hannah’s perspective. |
 “The winter months are a time when I, personally, feel glad to be Jewish. While Hanukah always falls during the darkest months, it seems to be the time when I feel the most light because of the traditions of my people and of my family that prove to stay strong year after year.” |
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Also celebrated this season |
| Hajj – December 6th (Islam): Annual pilgrimage to Mecca
Eid-al-Adha- December 8th (Islam): Concludes the Hajj, commemorates Abraham’s willingness to obey Allah
Epiphany – January 6th (Christian): Celebrates the baptism of Jesus and concludes the 12 days of Christmas
Tu B’Shevat – February 8th (Jewish): New year of the trees
Ash Wednesday – February 25th (Christian): First day of 40 days of Lent
Ayyam-i-ha – February 26th (Baha’i): Holiday focused on service in preparation for month-long fast of Ala
Got Questions? Submit a question to the Interfaith Center |
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‘Walking the Walk’ in the New York Times
 The November 11, 2008 edition of the New York Times included an article about the Interfaith Center’s youth service-learning initiative Walking the Walk. The article tells a beautiful story of young Philadelphians of different religions who are finding ways to "bring down the curtain on tired, old dramas", and create the kind of world they want to live in. Please spread the word and share the link with your friends!
» Read the full story |
Board Member Spotlight: Chukri Khorchid
 Chukri Khorchid wears many hats. In addition to founding the Al Aqsa Islamic Academy, he directs the school board, serves as secretary of the mosque, helped to found the Interfaith Center, owns two 7-11s, and is father to four children. In July 2008 Khorchid was appointed to the Mayor’s Commission on Human Relations, where he serves as the first Muslim on such a commission in the nation.
» Read the full story |
The Interfaith Center thanks contributing writers Anna Krieger, Jessica Baer, Hannah Weilbacher, and Rev. Nicole Diroff.
Support our Work
 The generosity of our supporters enables the Interfaith Center to advance mutual trust, understanding and cooperation among faith communities in order to work together for the common good of the region. The Interfaith Center of Greater Philadelphia is a 501(c)3 organization and all contributions are tax deductible, subject to I.R.S. limitations.
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Mark Your Calendars
The Seventh Annual Women Clergy Retreat will be held on Monday, January 26, 2009 at Mishkan Shalom in Philadelphia. This event is open to all women clergy and women in positions of religious leadership within their faith communities.
Teens throughout the region will gather for a day of environmental action as part of the National Day of Interfaith Youth Service- Sunday, April 26, 2009, 1:30-6 p.m. at Cobbs Creek Environmental Center.
Quest, a monthly book group at Chestnut Hill Borders will feature: Tahrih the Pure (on the Baha’I faith) on December 15, 7:30 p.m. and People of the Book (on Judaism) on January 19 at 7:30 p.m.
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