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Saturday, December 12, 2009
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A Holy Time |
Lenape Feast
 The Lenape nation has preserved its legacy and traditions for more than 10,000 years, passing them on to Lenape now residing in every corner of this country. The Pennsylvania Lenape Nation consists of approximately 300 members.
Most reside in Pennsylvannia, and New Jersey, but some are dispersed through other parts of the country. They no longer possess their own reservation but continue to maintain the matrilineal tradition, of female elders and a chosen chief, Robert Red Hawk Ruth.
» Read the full story
Sikh Celebrations & Ceremonies
 Sikhism was founded in North India in 1469 to abolish racial discrimination and a societal cast system. Since then it has spread throughout the world. Balbir Matharu, a Board member of the Interfaith Center is a faithful follower of Sikhism. She described its founding by ten Sikh Gurus, who are much like the prophets and disciples of the Christian faith. Sikh followers believe in a God that has no sexual orientation, cannot be born and cannot die.
 According to the Sikhs, “God is with everyone, at every minute of every day,” since non-discrimination is a fundamental principle. Besides performing five prayers daily and attending the Gurdwara (Sikh house of worship) on a regular basis, Sikh believers also celebrate many religious festivals centered on the lives of the Gurus, usually celebrating or commemorating a birth or death. The fall holiday Bandi Chhor Divas coinciding with the Hindu holiday Diwali, is one of the most meaningful celebrations among many others such as Vaisakhi and Gurpurabs. Bandi Chhor symbolizes freedom.
» Read the full story |
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Interfaith Center recognized as a “Bridge-Builders” Honoree
 Walking the Walk, the Interfaith Center’s youth service learning initiative, was selected as a “Bridge Builders Honoree” at the National Conference of the Interfaith Youth Core which took place on October 25-27 in Chicago.
The Philadelphia delegation to the conference included staff members Marjorie Scharf and Rev. Nicole Diroff, Board member Rabbi Nancy Fuchs-Kreimer, interns from the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College, Ari Hendin and Allison Peiser and Walking the Walk alumna Zia Islam.
Margie and Nicole led a “how-to” interactive workshop in which participants experienced some of the “best of” Walking the Walk activities, tools and techniques, with hopes that participants will be able to apply them to interfaith youth work in their own communities. |
Board Member Spotlight: Sr. Gloria Coleman, SHCJ, Board Chair
 As December arrives, the leaves have dropped from the trees and the vibrant colors of autumn are remembered. Sister Gloria Coleman approaches this sacred season with optimism and hope, just as she has approached her lifelong commitment to interfaith dialogue and education.
“The falling of the leaves is not the finality of death – it’s just a pruning time, when things go underground to take stock for stronger growth,” she said. Sister Gloria, a founding Board member, enters this sacred season as Board Chair, giving the Interfaith Center a fresh opportunity for growth and development.
» Read the full story |
The Interfaith Center thanks contributing writer Gabi Wachs and editor 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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Holidays Celebrated this Season: |
September 2009
- Rosh Hashanah (Jewish) – literally meaning “head of the year," it is a holiday commonly referred to as the Jewish New Year.
- Eid ul Fitr – Ramadan ends (Islam) – an Islamic event marking the close of Ramadan. It is a festival of thanksgiving to Allah for enjoying the month of Ramadan. It involves wearing one’s finest clothing, reciting prayers, and fostering understanding with other religions
- Yom Kippur (Jewish) - also known as the Day of Atonement, it is the holiest day of the year. It focuses on atonement and repentance. Jews traditionally observe this holy day with a 25-hour period of fasting and intensive prayers.
- Dassera (Hindu) – a Hindu celebration of victory and valor where Lord Rama is remembered as winning a victory over evil.
October 2009
- Sukkot (Jewish) - Jewish Feast of Tabernacles which celebrates the harvest and the protection of the people of Israel as they wandered in the wilderness dwelling in tents.
- Diwali (Hindu, Jain) – a significant 5-day festival popularly known as the Festival of Lights. In Hinduism, Diwali marks the return of Lord Raama to his kingdom Ayodhya after triumphing over the Demon King, and symbolizes the victory of good over evil.
- Bandi Chhor Divas (Sikh) - a celebration of the safe return of Guru Har Gobind and his 52 followers from prison in 1619; and Installation of Scriptures as Guru Granth (Sikh) – honoring the Sikh scriptures, the Adi Granth, as perpetual Guru.
- Birth of the Bab (Baha’i) – a holiday honoring the founder of the Babi religion, a forerunner to the Baha'i faith.
November 2009
Got Questions? Submit a question to the Interfaith Center |
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Mark Your Calendars
Gateway to Religious Communities
View Dates and Register Online
Women in Religious Leadership Retreat
Monday, February 8, 2010
2010 Day of Interfaith Youth Service
Save the date and join us for April 18, 2010!
Download the Flyer
Quest, a monthly book group meeting at Borders in Wynnewood. Monday, January 25, 2010 at 7:30 p.m.
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