Rabbi David Shneyer, Am Kolel Jewish Renewal Community of Greater Washington, Beallsville, MD, rebdavids@aol.com, 19520 Darnestown Rd., Beallsville, MD 20839
Interfaith dialogue is important from the perspective of Judaism. Jews believe in the vision of the Messianic Age, a time when all peoples are living in harmony with each other and with their natural environment. In addition to humans practicing the moral instructions of their traditions, we must also nurture each other through bridge building, interfaith dialogue, healing experiences, and joint community service. Interfaith dialogue has a multifaceted meaning, depending on the context. As some examples, there are several programs that I have initiated or been part of over a number of years. Among them are (1) The Daughters of Abraham, (2) Montgomery County Dialogue Evenings, (3) Town Hall Meeting on three Abrahamic faiths, (4) Festivals of the Spirit, (5) Our ecumenical Sanctuary Retreat Center, (6) Interfaith Seders, (7) Imams-Rabbis Summit, (8) Clergy Beyond Borders, (9) Interfaith ceremonies, and (10) Interfaith retreats in Yogaville. Dialogue topics include dealing with religious supremacy, healing generations of persecution, taking God’s name in vain, and others. I discuss what interfaith dialogue means to me from my perspective as the founder and director of the Am Kolel Jewish Renewal Community of Greater Washington.
Video: https://www.dropbox.com/s/ejyg0wg0ee43f24/APA%202020%20Interfaith%20Dialogue.mp4?dl=0 (Starts at 16:09)
