Rumi Forum had its monthly circle on October 20, 2023, to study Abrahamic scriptures on the topic of “Joseph” with our study leader, Rabbi Hyim Shafner, from the Kesher Israel: The Georgetown Synagogue.

Scriptural Reasoning (SR) allows Christians, Jews, and Muslims to study each other’s sacred texts. SR participants meet monthly to read short passages from their respective scriptures on a certain topic. Facilitated by a study leader, each session is an opportunity to listen and share various perspectives. SR sessions help participants reflect on a curious list of topics within the Abrahamic tradition. The result is often a deeper understanding of others and one’s own scriptures, as well as the development of strong bonds across faith communities.

                Scriptural Reasoning: Introduction                         Jewish Scripture: Hebrew Bible

               Christian Scripture: New Testament                             Islamic Scripture: Quran

Event Photos

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This Month’s Study Leader

Rabbi Hyim Shafner is the Rabbi of Kesher Israel: The Georgetown Synagogue in Washington D.C. Previously, he served as Rabbi of Bais Abraham Congregation in St. Louis, Missouri, as Rabbi of the Hillel at Washington University in St. Louis, and as the Rabbi of India for the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee.  He has a Rabbinical ordination, an MSW in social work, and an MA in Jewish philosophy from Yeshiva University and trained as a psychotherapist at the St. Louis Psychoanalytic Institute.  Rabbi Shafner has published widely in various Jewish journals, periodicals, and books. He is the author of the Everything Jewish Wedding Book (2nd edition) and many articles in the area of Talmudic narrative, Jewish law and thought, and community building and vision.