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DTSTART:20210101T000000
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20230223T183000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20230223T200000
DTSTAMP:20260410T015821
CREATED:20230207T185102Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240327T161614Z
UID:19689-1677177000-1677182400@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:Scriptural Reasoning: "Mediation"
DESCRIPTION:Rumi Forum had its monthly circle on February 23\, 2023\, to study Abrahamic scriptures on the topic of “Mediation” with our study leader\, Imam Talib Shareef\, from Masjid Muhammad\, The Nation`s Mosque. \nScriptural Reasoning (SR) is a practice where Christians\, Jews\, and Muslims 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. \n               Scriptural Reasoning: Introduction                        Jewish Scripture: Hebrew Bible \n               \n               Christian Scripture: New Testament                            Islamic Scripture: Quran \n                \n This Month`s Study Leader \n \n\nTalib M. Shareef is President and Imam of the historic Nation’s Mosque\, Masjid Muhammad\, in Washington\, D.C. Imam Shareef is a retired U.S. Air Force member with 30+ years of service; he has a Doctorate Degree from Global Oved Dei Seminary and University\, an MBA from American Intercontinental University\, a Diploma from the Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University\, and the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center in Arabic and Middle East studies. Imam Shareef served 30 years as an intelligence officer in the U.S. Air Force\, retiring as a chief master sergeant. \nHe used his extensive interfaith leadership experience to help reform the military’s frequently fraught relationship with its Muslim personnel. With others\, Shareef played a pioneering role in introducing Muslim chaplains to the U.S. armed forces. He was also the first Muslim to serve as a chaplain for the FBI.
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/scriptural-reasoning-mediation/
LOCATION:Virginia Theological Seminary-Addison Academic Center\, 3630 Bishop Walker Cir.\, Alexandria\, VA\, 22304\, United States
CATEGORIES:Interfaith Engagement,Past Events,Scriptural Reasoning
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rumiforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/SR-new-design.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20230216T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20230217T170000
DTSTAMP:20260410T015821
CREATED:20230222T201802Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230223T040738Z
UID:19746-1676534400-1676653200@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:Conference: "The Hizmet Movement: Responses to Contemporary Challenges"
DESCRIPTION:On February 16 and 17\, 2023\, The Department of Religious Studies at California State University\, Long Beach\, organized a conference on the Islam-inspired Hizmet Movement (a.k.a. Gulen Movement) entitled “The Hizmet Movement: Responses to Contemporary Challenges.” The conference mainly focused on the Hizmet Movement’s status in Turkey and around the world\, as well as how the Movement responds to the challenges which are posed or exacerbated by global trends and events. This includes the Movement’s status and direction both transnationally and locally. \nConference Schedule \nAcademic Board \nPresenter Bios \nEvent Photos \n[ngg src=”galleries” ids=”407″ display=”basic_thumbnail” thumbnail_crop=”0″]  \nOrganizing Institution: \nThe program in Religious Studies develops students’ critical understanding of the forms of religious phenomena in their cultural and historical contexts and a sensitivity to different value systems. The program provides students with an introduction to the major religious traditions and to religion in the modern world. Because religion infuses human cultures in visible and invisible ways\, Religious Studies place special emphasis on relating the religious dimension of human life to the humanities\, sciences\, and social sciences.
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/the-hizmet-movement-responses-to-contemporary-challenges/
LOCATION:California State University\, Long Beach\, 1250 Bellflower Blvd\, Long Beach\, CA\, 90840\, United States
CATEGORIES:Panel Discussions,Past Events,Speaker Series
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://rumiforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/HELP-FOR-VICTIMS-OF-EARTHQUAKE-IN-SOUTHERN-TURKEY-AND-SYRIA-1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20230207T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20230407T170000
DTSTAMP:20260410T015821
CREATED:20230207T191410Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230223T040926Z
UID:19703-1675756800-1680886800@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:Community Event: Help for Victims of Earthquake in Southern Turkey
DESCRIPTION:The people of Turkey are in urgent need of help after a major earthquake struck on February 6\, 2023. Rumi Forum is supporting the relief efforts of Embrace Relief. Donate today to help the victims and rebuild in the aftermath. \n \nEmbrace Relief has launched an aid campaign to meet the urgent needs of the victims of the devastating February 6\, 2023 earthquakes\, and to help support the rebuilding efforts of the people of southern Turkey. Please help us in healing the wounds of earthquake victims. \nA series of powerful earthquakes struck southern Turkey in the early morning hours of Feb. 6\, 2023. These quakes have caused the widespread destruction and collapse of buildings\, with likely thousands of deaths and many thousands more injuries in Turkey and northwestern Syria. The epicenter of the quake was in the Pazarcık district of Kahramanmaraş\, and tremors were felt intensely in the surrounding provinces and cities such as Kahramanmaras\, Hatay\, Osmaniye\, Adıyaman\, Gaziantep\, Şanlıurfa\, Diyarbakır\, Malatya\, Kilis and Adana. Embrace Relief has launched an aid campaign to meet the urgent needs of the victims of the devastating Feb. 6 earthquakes\, and to help support the rebuilding efforts of the people of southern Turkey. Please help us in healing the wounds of earthquake victims. \n* You can also double your support for the people of Turkey by asking your company about Employer Matching Donations. Companies of all sizes will often match donations to a charitable 501(c)(3) organization like Embrace Relief on a 1:1 (or 2:1 or even 3:1) basis\, as part of their corporate social responsibility. So ask your company today about making a matching donation to Embrace Relief’s Turkey Earthquake Relief\, and together we can save even more lives.
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/community-event-help-for-victims-of-earthquake-in-southern-turkey/
LOCATION:VA
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Interfaith Engagement
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://rumiforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/HELP-FOR-VICTIMS-OF-EARTHQUAKE-IN-SOUTHERN-TURKEY-AND-SYRIA.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Embrace Relief":MAILTO:info@embracerelief.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20230131T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20230201T170000
DTSTAMP:20260410T015821
CREATED:20230119T043147Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230214T042617Z
UID:19655-1675152000-1675270800@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:Partner Event: IRF Summit 2023
DESCRIPTION:Rumi Forum is a proud Convening Partner and Steering Committee Member of the IRF Summit 2023\, which will bring together a broad coalition that passionately supports religious freedom around the globe for a two-day in-person event in Washington D.C.\, January 31st–February 1st. \nTogether we will raise the profile of international religious freedom on a wide variety of issues using an array of mechanisms best suited for each circumstance. The Summit will connect resources and advocates interested in religious freedom and highlight the personal testimonies of survivors of religious persecution and restrictions on religious freedom. \nBringing attention to the plight of religious adherents who are persecuted\, individually and collectively\, will grow the grassroots and global movement for religious freedom. Breakout sessions hosted by the convening partners will go deep on important IRF topics. \nTogether we will gain political support for the global religious freedom movement and encourage civil society\, people of faith\, and governments to take a stand for religious freedom. \nEvent Photos \n[ngg src=”galleries” ids=”406″ display=”basic_thumbnail” thumbnail_crop=”0″] \nRumi Forum welcomed participants at the booth and supported the ‘Documenting After IRF Violations’ panel. \n \nSummit Co-Chairs \n \nDr. Katrina Lantos Swett serves as President of the Lantos Foundation for Human Rights and Justice\, established in 2008 to continue the legacy of her father\, the late Congressman Tom Lantos. Under her leadership\, The Lantos Foundation has rapidly become a distinguished and respected voice on key human rights concerns. Dr. Lantos Swett is the former Chair and Vice-Chair of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom and teaches Human Rights and American Foreign Policy at Tufts University. She currently serves as Co-Chair of the Board of the Committee for Human Rights in North Korea (HRNK) and the Budapest-based Tom Lantos Institute. \nDr. Lantos Swett also serves on the Advisory Board of UN Watch\, the annual Anne Frank Award and Lecture\, and The Warren B. Rudman Center for Justice\, Leadership\, and Public Policy. Lantos Swett earned a Political Science degree from Yale University at the age of 18\, a Juris Doctor degree from the University of California\, Hastings College of the Law\, and a Ph.D. in History from The University of Southern Denmark. \nSam Brownback served as Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom from February 2018 to January 2021. He served as Governor of Kansas from 2011 to 2018. Prior to that he represented his home state in the United States Senate and the House of Representatives. While a member of the Senate\, he worked actively on the issue of religious freedom in multiple countries and was a key sponsor of the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998. Prior to his public service\, Ambassador Brownback practiced law and taught agricultural law at Kansas State University. He earned a B.S. from Kansas State University and a J.D. from the University of Kansas. \nAmbassador Brownback currently serves as co-chair for the International Religious Freedom Summit and as a Senior Fellow at Open Doors USA. He and his wife Mary have five children and six grandchildren.
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/partner-event-irf-summit-2023/
LOCATION:Washington Hilton\, 1919 Connecticut Ave\, N.W.\, Washington\, DC\, 20009\, United States
CATEGORIES:Panel Discussions,Speaker Series,Upcoming Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://rumiforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Banner-IRF-Summit_Rumi-Forum.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20230112T183000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20230112T200000
DTSTAMP:20260410T015821
CREATED:20230105T043222Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240407T044420Z
UID:19604-1673548200-1673553600@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:Scriptural Reasoning: "Marriage"
DESCRIPTION:Rumi Forum had its monthly circle on January 12\, 2023\, to study Abrahamic scriptures on the topic of “Marriage” with our study leader\, Rabbi David Greenspoon\, from Jewtique Concierge Rabbinic Services. \nScriptural 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. \n               Scriptural Reasoning: Introduction                              Islamic Scripture: Quran \n                 \n               Christian Scripture: New Testament                        Jewish Scripture: Hebrew Bible \n                  \n This Month`s Study Leader \n \nRabbi David Greenspoon is a rarity among clergy: he’s a veteran of the United States Navy—twice. 1981-1985\, he was enlisted and deployed on a guided missile cruiser and an aircraft carrier. In 1989\, he was appointed an officer in the United States Navy Reserve and was a chaplain until 1996. These experiences lead Rabbi Greenspoon to ground his rabbinic work in relationships; he understands his rabbinate is a “rabbinate of presence.” His approach to servant leadership\, in particular\, has resulted in numerous awards for the congregations he served and has been transformative for congregations and communities\, especially in the realms of interfaith work and civic engagement. \nRabbi Greenspoon has held numerous leadership positions within and beyond the Jewish community. In 2021\, he was awarded a Doctor of Divinity\, honoris causa\, by the Jewish Theological Seminary for his 25+ years of service to the Jewish community. Always learning and growing\, Rabbi Greenspoon is undertaking specialized training for credentials in healthcare chaplaincy while growing his recently launched business\, Jewtique Concierge Rabbinic Services.
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/scriptural-reasoning-marriage/
LOCATION:Virginia Theological Seminary-Addison Academic Center\, 3630 Bishop Walker Cir.\, Alexandria\, VA\, 22304\, United States
CATEGORIES:Interfaith Engagement,Past Events,Scriptural Reasoning
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rumiforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/SR-small-size.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20221215T183000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20221215T200000
DTSTAMP:20260410T015821
CREATED:20221123T160328Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240407T044119Z
UID:19468-1671129000-1671134400@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:Scriptural Reasoning: "Light"
DESCRIPTION:Rumi Forum had its monthly circle on December 15\, 2023\, to study Abrahamic scriptures on the topic of “Light” with our study leader\, Cassandra Lawrence\, from the Shoulder to Shoulder Campaign. \nScriptural 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. \n  \n                Scriptural Reasoning: Introduction                         Jewish Scripture: Hebrew Bible \n                   \n              Christian Scripture: New Testament                              Islamic Scripture: Quran \n                   \nThis Month’s Study Leader \n \nCassandra Lawrence serves as Communications and Community Engagement Manager with the Shoulder to Shoulder Campaign\, a multifaith coalition-based campaign to connect\, equip\, and mobilize faith communities and people of goodwill to counter anti-Muslim bigotry in the United States. Cassandra worked with the diplomatic and mediation community to identify training gaps and design training processes to better engage religious and traditional peacemakers for more sustainable peace processes. She teaches negotiation and conflict transformation primarily to faith communities. \nShe worked with the Berkley Center for Religion\, Peace\, and World Affairs on the President’s Interfaith and Community Service Campus Challenge International Program. She is a mediator\, dialogue facilitator\, and interfaith and racial justice community organizer. She has a BA in Religious Studies from the University of British Columbia and a master’s degree in comparative ethnic conflict from Queen’s University Belfast\, Northern Ireland. In 2021\, she completed a master of divinity at Wesley Theological Seminary with honors\, specializing in Public Theology\, and received the Excellence in Public Theology Award.
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/scriptural-reasoning-light/
LOCATION:Virginia Theological Seminary-Addison Academic Center\, 3630 Bishop Walker Cir.\, Alexandria\, VA\, 22304\, United States
CATEGORIES:Interfaith Engagement,Past Events,Scriptural Reasoning
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://rumiforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SR-light-1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20221210T193000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20221210T210000
DTSTAMP:20260410T015821
CREATED:20221129T154731Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230101T060616Z
UID:19501-1670700600-1670706000@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:Community Event: "Lox&Vodka and Tabla for Two" Concert
DESCRIPTION:A special evening crossing cultures is probably exactly what we need right now – and the music is pretty good too! Please welcome the Klezmer sounds of Lox & Vodka and the Afghani and Indian beats of Tabla for Two. Tabla for Two’s motto of “playing for peace” would probably be a good tagline for a show of healing music that will lift spirits and calm souls\, promoting understanding and connection through music. \n  \nLox & Vodka started because of their love of the music\, the rich traditions\, the wonderful holiday celebrations\, and the deep spirituality Judaism offers. Klezmer music\, which they define as Jewish soul music\, has been in existence since the Middle Ages when klezmorim (itinerant musicians) would travel from shtetl (village) to shtetl to play for Jewish weddings and other celebrations. Today\, Lox & Vodka travels from simcha to simcha where our horas are always action-packed\, with your guests lifting the honorees high on chairs.  And we teach fun and simple Israeli folk dances\, an incredibly memorable experience for everyone. \nLearn more about Lox & Vodka at  www.loxvodka.com  and sample their music at www.youtube.com/watch?v=2wDl8KUj17k \n  \nTabla for Two is a unique duo consisting of Masood Omari and Abigail Adams Greenway. They play traditional and classical music from Afghanistan and India\, old Bollywood favorites\, as well as Omari’s original compositions\, which blend classical Eastern beats with Western-style beats — a fusion of East and West that is mirrored in their own partnership. They call it “New Music for the New World.”  \nTheir music has been described as mesmerizing\, energizing\, transcendent\, and healing. Masood is blessed with the remarkable skill of playing the tabla and singing at the same time\, a feat that is generally seen as impossibly difficult. Masood is from Ghazni\, Afghanistan. Abigail is from Erie\, Pennsylvania. Learn more about Tabla for Two at  www.tablafortwo.com  and sample their music at youtube.com/watch?v=bbMbPjFc5z0&t=3s \n 
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/community-event-loxvodka-and-tabla-for-two-concert/
LOCATION:Tikvat Israel Congregation\, 2200 Baltimore Rd\, Rockville\, MD\, 20851\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Interfaith Engagement,Past Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rumiforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Muslims-of-Ukraine-and-Chechnya-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20221117T183000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20221117T203000
DTSTAMP:20260410T015821
CREATED:20221012T194330Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230830T160920Z
UID:19314-1668709800-1668717000@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:2022 Annual Gala and Dialogue Awards Ceremony
DESCRIPTION:Rumi Forum works towards strengthening the culture of peace\, religious pluralism\, and social harmony among faith communities and individuals of diverse beliefs\, ethnicities\, and backgrounds. The Forum strives to achieve this goal by building\, informing\, and mobilizing an active interfaith dialogue community. \nA traditional component of Rumi Forum’s endeavor is recognizing the lifetime dedication of inspirational public figures who have championed its cause. The Rumi Forum Dialogue Award honors successful practitioners with outstanding track records in interfaith engagement\, community service\, human rights\, and education. \nThank you for joining us and many distinguished guests as we reconnected and renewed our commitment to interfaith work! \nEvent Video\n\nEvent Photos\n[ngg src=”galleries” ids=”404″ display=”basic_thumbnail” thumbnail_crop=”0″] \n2022 Rumi Forum Dialogue Award Honoree\nRev. Mansfield “Kasey” Kaseman\nInterfaith Community Leader\nPastor Emeritus\, Rockville United Church\nRev. Mansfield “Kasey” Kaseman is the former Interfaith Community Liaison for the Office of Community Partnerships in Montgomery County\, Maryland. Since his student days\, he has been engaged in ecumenical and interfaith ministries to create “a beloved community.” His engagement in the Civil Rights Movement included providing security for the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King\, Jr. and helping to implement “Racial Justice Now.” \nAward presented by\nJosephine Garnem\n Executive Director\, Healey International Relief Foundation\nJosephine Garnem is the Executive Director of the Healey International Relief Foundation. Previously\, she served as the Program Manager for Montgomery County Government’s Gilchrist Immigrant Resource Center and the Director of Montgomery Moving Forward\, Nonprofit Montgomery’s collective impact initiative. She founded\, and until recently led\, the Khalil Garnem Foundation\, dedicated to promoting equitable health care\, education\, and economic development in Sierra Leone. There\, she leads volunteer diaspora medical\, surgical\, and training initiatives. She comes from the international non-profit sector and has served as the Strategic Outreach and Partnership Coordinator. Her passion is strengthening community links through partnerships to improve their health and well-being. \nMC of the Night\n Noa Baum\nSpeaker\, Storyteller\, Author & Coach\nBorn and raised in Jerusalem\, Noa offers a unique approach to storytelling in communities and organizations. Since 1982\, she has inspired and educated audiences of all ages with her performances\, keynotes\, and workshops. Her one-woman show for adults\, A Land Twice Promised\, received a grant from the National Storytelling Network. She has received several Individual Artist Awards from the Maryland State Arts Council and the Arts & Humanities Council of Montgomery County\, Maryland. Noa’s recently published book\, A Land Twice Promised – An Israeli Woman’s Quest for Peace\, won the Anne Izard Storytellers’ Choice Award. With her storytelling\, Noa captures the drama of a nation at war and her discovery of humanity in the enemy.
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/2022-annual-gala-and-dialogue-awards-ceremony/
LOCATION:Meridian House\, 1630 Crescent Pl NW\, Washington\, DC\, 20009\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Interfaith Engagement,Past Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rumiforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/CFIG.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20221116T183000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20221116T200000
DTSTAMP:20260410T015821
CREATED:20221101T015112Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240409T033503Z
UID:19359-1668623400-1668628800@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:Scriptural Reasoning: "Leadership"
DESCRIPTION:Rumi Forum had its monthly circle on November 16\, 2023\, to study Abrahamic scriptures on the topic of “Leadership” with our study leader\, Hurunnessa Fariad\, from the Multifaith Neighbors Network. \nScriptural 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. \n                Scriptural Reasoning: Introduction                          Jewish Scripture: Hebrew Bible \n                   \n                Christian Scripture: New Testament                             Islamic Scripture: Quran \n                  \nEvent Photos \n[ngg src=”galleries” ids=”401″ display=”basic_thumbnail” thumbnail_crop=”0″] \nThis Month’s Study Leader \n \nHurunnessa Fariad is the Director of Outreach at Multifaith Neighbors Network (MFNN) and has overseen the Multifaith efforts at the ADAMS Center. She is an active D.C. Muslim Jewish Advisory Council and Peace Catalyst International member. Ms. Fariad serves as the Secretary of the Board of Directors at Virginian Interfaith Center for Public Policy\, Leadership Circle Advisor for the One America Movement\, Muslim Member of Fairfax County`s Interfaith and Equity Committee\, Muslim Member of the Fairfax County Public School Religious Observances Task Force and member of the TSA Multicultural Coalition. \nMs. Fariad is the founder and Music Director of America`s First Mosque Youth Choir\, The ADAMS Beat\, which is actively involved in multifaith and advocacy work. As Director of Outreach at MFNN\, she is responsible for building relationships outside of the organization to more effectively reach the organization’s goals. This also includes working with clerics in their cities to better equip them to lead in their city\, communicate with local partners\, and help mobilize women in MFNN programs.
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/scriptural-reasoning-leadership/
LOCATION:Virginia Theological Seminary-Addison Academic Center\, 3630 Bishop Walker Cir.\, Alexandria\, VA\, 22304\, United States
CATEGORIES:Interfaith Engagement,Past Events,Scriptural Reasoning
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://rumiforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SR-new-design.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20221026T183000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20221026T200000
DTSTAMP:20260410T015821
CREATED:20221001T034519Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221203T042126Z
UID:19289-1666809000-1666814400@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:In-Person Book Talk: "Between Thought & Action"
DESCRIPTION:This in-person book talk by Dr. Ori Z. Soltes was a discussion on “Between Thought & Action”\, Fethullah Gulen`s intellectual biography of thoughts\, words\, and actions including interviews with Hizmet movement followers. \nThis volume has two goals. One is to explore the life and the thought of Fethullah Gulen and the important educational and peace-inducing activities in which he and those inspired by him have been engaged for several decades. The outcome of those efforts—of creating schools and providing diverse social and cultural services that bring people together people from diverse backgrounds—has been to provide the face of civic and civil Islam as an antidote to the uglier side of political Islam. \nThe second goal has been to make clear how the accusations against Mr. Gulen by the minions of Turkey`s President could hardly be more false: that what Gulen and the Hizmet (service) movement that he has inspired are ultimately about is improving the world and saving it from its uglier inclinations. A brief discussion of his life and thought has been supplemented by the voices of more than 70 interviews conducted over several years\, with individuals intimate and more distant but all inspired to be part of the process of serving humanity. \n  \nEvent Video \n\n  \nAbout the Author: \n \nOri Z. Soltes teaches at Georgetown University across a range of disciplines\, from art history and theology to philosophy and political history. He is the former Director of the B’nai B’rith Klutznick National Jewish Museum and has curated more than 85 exhibitions there and in other venues across the country and overseas. He has authored or edited 25 books and several hundred articles and essays. Recent volumes include “Our Sacred Signs: How Jewish\, Christian\, and Muslim Art Draw from the Same Source”; “Searching for Oneness: Mysticism in Judaism\, Christianity\, and Islam”; “Untangling the Web: Why the Middle East is a Mess and Always Has Been”; “Tradition and Transformation: Three Millennia of Jewish Art & Architecture”; and “God and the Goalposts: A Brief History of Religion\, Sports\, Politics\, War\, and Art”.
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/in-person-book-talk-between-thought-action/
LOCATION:National Press Club\, 529 14th St NW-13th Floor\, Ballroom\, Washington\, DC\, 20045\, United States
CATEGORIES:Book Talks,Past Events,Speaker Series
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rumiforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/BETWEEN-THOUGHT-ACTION.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20221020T183000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20221020T200000
DTSTAMP:20260410T015821
CREATED:20220930T032307Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240409T034902Z
UID:19275-1666290600-1666296000@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:Scriptural Reasoning: “Joseph”
DESCRIPTION: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. \nScriptural 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. \n                Scriptural Reasoning: Introduction                         Jewish Scripture: Hebrew Bible \n                 \n               Christian Scripture: New Testament                             Islamic Scripture: Quran \n                 \nEvent Photos \n[ngg src=”galleries” ids=”402″ display=”basic_thumbnail” thumbnail_crop=”0″] \nThis Month’s Study Leader \n \nRabbi 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.  
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/scriptural-reasoning-joseph/
LOCATION:Virginia Theological Seminary-Addison Academic Center\, 3630 Bishop Walker Cir.\, Alexandria\, VA\, 22304\, United States
CATEGORIES:Interfaith Engagement,Past Events,Scriptural Reasoning
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rumiforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/SR-new-design.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20220929T183000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20220929T200000
DTSTAMP:20260410T015821
CREATED:20220914T180132Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221006T160750Z
UID:19149-1664476200-1664481600@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:In-Person Book Talk: "Hearts & Minds"
DESCRIPTION:This in-person book talked about a comparative and qualitative study of an educational phenomenon\, Hizmet\, functioning worldwide. \nDr. Parrillo and Dr. Ansari present a cross-cultural study of Hizmet schools in seven countries of varying histories and ethnic compositions. Some are fairly homogeneous\, while others are longstanding multicultural\, multiracial societies. Some have Muslim-majority populations\, others a small Muslim minority. Through hundreds of interviews with students\, parents\, staff\, and financial supporters\, the authors explored individual perceptions and experiences\, as well as the triad of student/parent/school interaction. Analyzing the commonality of the schools’ structures and processes in different settings\, they offer their insights about the schools’ success in achieving their twin goals of offering quality education and promoting interethnic harmony. \nAuthor: \n \nVincent N. Parrillo is the author of numerous books and journal articles\, some of them translated into ten languages. He is a Professor Emeritus of sociology at William Paterson University and a Fulbright Scholar and Fulbright Senior Specialist. An internationally recognized expert on immigration\, he is the author of two historical novels about Ellis Island: Guardians of the Gate and Defenders of Freedom. His newest book is Hearts and Minds: Hizmet Schools and Interethnic Relations. He is also the executive producer\, writer\, and narrator of six award-winning PBS television documentaries: Ellis Island: Gateway to America; Smokestacks and Steeples: A Portrait of Paterson; Gaetano Federici: The Sculptor Laureate of Paterson; Paterson and Its People; Silk City Artists and Musicians\, and Paterson: A Delicious Destination. \nActive in community theater\, he directed the Sondheim musical Follies in May 2022 for the Players Guild of Leonia\, where he has directed numerous mainstage productions of all genres (comedies\, dramas\, musicals)\, as well as appearing in others. He also directed The Comedy of Errors in July 2015 at Bergen County Overpeck Park.
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/in-person-book-talk-hearts-minds/
LOCATION:National Press Club\, 529 14th St NW-13th Floor\, Ballroom\, Washington\, DC\, 20045\, United States
CATEGORIES:Book Talks,Speaker Series,Upcoming Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rumiforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Untitled-design-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20220915T183000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20220915T200000
DTSTAMP:20260410T015821
CREATED:20220809T042422Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240409T035656Z
UID:19057-1663266600-1663272000@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:Scriptural Reasoning: "Gates and Doors - 2"
DESCRIPTION:Rumi Forum had its monthly circle on September 15\, 2023\, to study Abrahamic scriptures on the topic of “Gates and Doors – 2” with our study leader\, The Rev. A. Katherine Grieb\, Ph.D.\, from the Center for Anglican Communion Studies. \nScriptural 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. \n                Scriptural Reasoning: Introduction                        Jewish Scripture: Hebrew Bible \n                 \n                Christian Scripture: New Testament                           Islamic Scripture: Quran \n                 \nEvent Photos \n[ngg src=”galleries” ids=”403″ display=”basic_thumbnail” thumbnail_crop=”0″] \nThis Month’s Study Leader \nThe Rev. A. Katherine Grieb\, Ph.D. became the Center for Anglican Communion Studies (CACS) Director on July 1\, 2021. She has served the Anglican Communion for some twenty years in many roles\, on the of Inter-Anglican Theological and Doctrinal Commission (IATDC) and the Inter-Anglican Standing Committee on Unity\, Faith\, and Order (IASCUFO)\, among others. \nDr. Grieb received a B.A. in Philosophy and Religion at Hollins University\, a J.D. from Columbus School of Law at the Catholic University of America\, an M.Div. at Virginia Theological Seminary\, a Ph.D. with Distinction in Theology at Yale University\, and an LL.M. in Canon Law at Cardiff University in Wales. \nShe taught full-time at Virginia Theological Seminary as a Professor of Biblical Interpretation and New Testament from 1994 to 2021 and continues to teach part-time. She taught Biblical Greek in 2021-22 and will teach New Testament Interpretation in 2022-23.
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/scriptural-reasoning-gates-and-doors-2/
LOCATION:Virginia Theological Seminary-Addison Academic Center\, 3630 Bishop Walker Cir.\, Alexandria\, VA\, 22304\, United States
CATEGORIES:Interfaith Engagement,Past Events,Scriptural Reasoning
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://rumiforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/SR-GatesDoors-2small.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20220616T183000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20220616T194500
DTSTAMP:20260410T015822
CREATED:20220509T155316Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240409T040510Z
UID:18778-1655404200-1655408700@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:Scriptural Reasoning: "Gates and Doors - 1"
DESCRIPTION:Rumi Forum had its monthly circle on June 16\, 2023\, to study Abrahamic scriptures on the topic of “Gates and Doors – 1” with our study leader\, Rabbi Ilana Zietman\, from the GatherDC. \nScriptural 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. \n                Scriptural Reasoning: Introduction                         Jewish Scripture: Hebrew Bible \n                  \n               Christian Scripture: New Testament                              Islamic Scripture: Quran \n                 \nThis Month’s Study Leader \nRabbi Ilana Zietman is a pluralistic rabbi who fosters Jewish experiences and communities that are relevant\, thought-provoking\, and\, most importantly\, welcoming. She serves as the Community Rabbi of GatherDC\, a nonprofit that connects Jewish 20s & 30s to each other\, engages them in Jewish DC\, and facilitates their development of meaningful adult Jewish identities wherever they go in life. \nShe also serves on the advisory council of Avodah: The Jewish Service Corps in DC. In 2019\, Ilana received her rabbinic ordination and a master’s degree in Jewish Education from Hebrew College. She now lives in Petworth with her husband\, Jack\, their new baby\, Jesse\, and their sweet dog\, Ella.
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/scriptural-reasoning-gates-and-doors-1/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Interfaith Engagement,Past Events,Scriptural Reasoning
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rumiforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Scriptural-Reasoning-2.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20220518T183000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20220518T194500
DTSTAMP:20260410T015822
CREATED:20220421T170130Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240409T041448Z
UID:18702-1652898600-1652903100@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:Scriptural Reasoning: "Food"
DESCRIPTION:Rumi Forum had its monthly circle on May 18\, 2022\, to study Abrahamic scriptures on the topic of “Food” with our study leader\, Kelly Moltzen\, from the Interfaith Public Health Network. \nScriptural 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. \n              Scriptural Reasoning – Introduction                             Islamic Scripture: Quran \n                  \n              Christian Scripture: New Testament                       Jewish Scripture: Hebrew Bible \n               \nThis Month’s Study Leader \nKelly Moltzen is a co-founder and convener of the Interfaith Public Health Network\, which inspires people of faith to be agents of change in transforming communities into ones that promote health and well-being for all. As a steering committee member of the Center for Earth Ethics’ Faith and Food Coalition\, she helps bring faith voices to the United Nations Food Systems Summit process. For over 12 years\, she has worked on programs that increase access to and consumption of healthy food to address health disparities in the Bronx\, New York. \nKelly is a Registered Dietitian and received a Master’s in Public Health from New York University. She was a 2015 Re:Generate Fellow with the Food\, Health\, and Ecological Well-Being Program of Wake Forest University School of Divinity and was named to Hunter College’s NYC Food Policy Center 40 Under 40 Class of 2020. Kelly is a USA Secular Franciscan Order Ecumenical & Interfaith Committee member\, a 2021-2022 Fellow at Abrahamic House in Washington\, D.C.\, and a Rockefeller-Acumen Food Systems Fellow.
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/scriptural-reasoning-food/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Interfaith Engagement,Past Events,Scriptural Reasoning
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rumiforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Scriptural-Reasoning.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20220407T183000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20220407T203000
DTSTAMP:20260410T015822
CREATED:20220309T184213Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250318T163750Z
UID:18616-1649356200-1649363400@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:Scriptural Reasoning: “Fasting”
DESCRIPTION:On April 7\, 2022\, Rumi Forum held its first-ever in-person Scriptural Reasoning session on “Fasting\,” followed by an Iftar with our study leader\, Aaron Dunn\, from Virginia Theological Seminary.\n\nScriptural Reasoning (SR) allows Christians\, Jews\, and Muslims to study each other’s sacred texts. SR participants meet monthly to read short passages on a topic from their respective scriptures. 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 scriptures and the development of strong bonds across faith communities. \n  Scriptural Reasoning: Introduction                           Islamic Scripture: Quran \n  \n      Christian Scripture: New Testament               Jewish Scripture: Hebrew Bible \n  \nEvent Photos \n \n \nProgram Outline: \n6:30 – 7:30 pm – Scriptural Reasoning session on “Fasting” \n7:35 – 8:30 pm – Iftar dinner and conversations at the table \n \nThis Month’s Study Leader \nAaron R. Dunn is a postulant for Holy Orders in the Episcopal Diocese of Washington and a first-year Master in Divinity student at Virginia Theological Seminary. Before beginning his seminary training\, he served as the Vocal Music Teacher at the Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School in Rockville\, MD\, and before that\, as Voice Faculty and Director of an Opera Workshop at Lincoln University. Aaron holds a Bachelor’s of Music in Vocal Performance from Baldwin Wallace Conservatory of Music and a Master’s of Music from the University of Tennessee. He has worked nationally and internationally as both a vocalist and stage director.
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/scriptural-reasoning-fasting/
LOCATION:Virginia Theological Seminary-Addison Academic Center\, 3630 Bishop Walker Cir.\, Alexandria\, VA\, 22304\, United States
CATEGORIES:Interfaith Engagement,Past Events,Scriptural Reasoning
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rumiforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Scriptural-Reasoning-1-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20220402T050000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20220501T200000
DTSTAMP:20260410T015822
CREATED:20220506T141248Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220519T030942Z
UID:18729-1648875600-1651435200@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:Ramadan 2022 - An overview of Iftar programs
DESCRIPTION:Ramadan 2022 was an extraordinary time for Rumi Forum and its community partners. After two years of social distancing\, this special period was the moment to reconnect with our friends and allies\, sharing the joy of Iftar while engaging in fruitful conversations regarding future endeavors. Ramadan also became the opportunity to carry our monthly Scriptural Reasoning series into an in-person format\, which we would like to continue in the future. \n\n\nWe thank all of our community partners\, allies\, friends\, and volunteers for making Ramadan an invaluable opportunity for reinforcing existing friendships and building new ones. \n  \n\nIftar with Interfaith Leadership Forum (ILF) Partners \n \n \n  \nScriptural Reasoning session on “Fasting” and Iftar at Virginia Theological Seminary (VTS) \n \n \n  \nIftar with the Church of the Holy City (Washington\, DC) Congregation \n \n  \nIftar with members of the Public Diplomacy Council (PDC) \n \n \n  \nIftar with members of Braver Angels-Fairfax County \n \n \n  \nIftar with friends from Osher Lifelong Learning Institute – George Mason University (OLLI-GMU) \n \n  \nIftar w/JAMAAT(Jews & Muslims & Allies Acting Together) & JIDS(Jewish-Islamic Dialog Society) \n \n  \nIftar with members of the Sikh Foundation of VA \n \n  \nScriptural Reasoning on “Fasting” & Iftar with the LDS Church Reverse Open House members \n \n \n  \nScriptural Reasoning on “Fasting” & Iftar at American University w/Muslim Student Association \n \n \n  \nIftar with members of the Interfaith Encounter Association \n \n \n  \nIftar with the Holy Trinity Catholic Church (Washington\, DC) Congregation \n \n \n  \nIftar with Adat Reyim (Springfield\, VA) Congregation  \n \n \n  \nIftar with Peace Catalyst International`s Regional Coordinator
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/ramadan-2022/
LOCATION:VA
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Interfaith Engagement,Past Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rumiforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Ramadan-Events.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20220324T183000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20220324T194500
DTSTAMP:20260410T015822
CREATED:20220308T205557Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220328T145737Z
UID:18593-1648146600-1648151100@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:Scriptural Reasoning: “Encountering God-2”
DESCRIPTION:Scriptural Reasoning (SR) is a practice where Christians\, Jews\, and Muslims study each other’s sacred texts. SR participants meet once a month 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. \n  \n               Scriptural Reasoning – Introduction                Reading Material: Encountering God – 2 \n                  \nThis Month’s Study Leader\nMargaret A. Johnson\, Ph.D. is a sociologist\, author\, international speaker\, and business owner. She manages the day-to-day operations of Transfirex Translation Services\, Inc.\, a global language translation company. She volunteers as an interfaith activist in several capacities throughout the greater Washington\, DC area to develop strong communities and advocate for peace and understanding among all people. She has moderated and given talks on several panels in the DC area on Islam\, peace-building\, and diversity issues. She co-authored with Ori Z. Soltes\, Preventing Violence and Achieving World Peace from Peter Lang Publishing\, New York\, NY. \nFor over a decade\, Margaret worked as a researcher and academician at the University of Texas at Austin and Oklahoma State University. Her early career focused on change in nonprofit organizations\, small business development\, women and minority entrepreneurship\, and microcredit programs. As part of her consulting work\, she managed the W-BizInsight online survey panel to provide bi-annual metrics on the business confidence of women business owners. She wrote and produced reports for Walmart\, American Express\, Key Bank\, and Women in Public Policy.
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/scriptural-reasoning-encountering-god-2/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Interfaith Engagement,Scriptural Reasoning,Upcoming Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rumiforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Scriptural-Reasoning.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20220314T180000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20220314T193000
DTSTAMP:20260410T015822
CREATED:20220207T173231Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220407T153349Z
UID:18477-1647280800-1647286200@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:In-Person Book Talk: "I Never Thought of It That Way"
DESCRIPTION:We think we have the answers\, but we need to be asking a lot more questions. \nPartisanship is up\, trust is down\, and our social media feeds make us sure we’re right and everyone else is ignorant (or worse). But avoiding and attacking one another is breaking… everything. \nJournalist Mónica Guzmán is the loving liberal daughter of Mexican immigrants who voted—twice—for Donald Trump. When the country could no longer see straight across the political divide\, Mónica set out to find what was blinding us and discovered the most eye-opening tool we’re not using: our own curiosity. \nIn this timely\, personal guide\, Mónica Guzmán\, takes you to the real front lines of a crisis that threatens to grind America to a halt—broken conversations among confounded people. She shows you how to overcome the fear and certainty that surround us to finally do what only seems impossible: understand and even learn from people in your life whose whole worldview is different from or even opposed to yours. \nEvent Video \n\n  \nAbout the book: “I Never Thought of It That Way“ \nDrawing from cross-partisan conversations she’s had\, organized\, or witnessed everywhere from the echo chambers on social media to the wheat fields in Oregon to raw\, unfiltered fights with her own family on election night\, Mónica shows how you can put your natural sense of wonder to work for you immediately\, finding the answers you need by talking with people—rather than about them—and asking the questions you want\, curiously.  \nIn these pages\, you’ll learn:  \n • How to ask what you really want to know (even if you’re afraid to) \n • How to grow smarter from even the tensest interactions\, online or off \n • How to cross boundaries and find common ground—with anyone \nWhether you’re left\, right\, center\, or not a fan of labels: If you’re ready to fight back against the confusion\, heartbreak\, and madness of our dangerously divided times—in your own life\, at least—Mónica’s got the tools and fresh\, surprising insights to prove that seeing where people are coming from isn’t just possible. It’s easier than you think. \nEvent Photos \n[ngg src=”galleries” ids=”398″ display=”basic_thumbnail” thumbnail_crop=”0″] \nAuthor\n \nMónica Guzmán is the Director of Digital and Storytelling at Braver Angels\, a nonprofit working to depolarize America and host of the Crosscut interview series Northwest Newsmakers. She was a 2019 fellow at the Henry M. Jackson Foundation\, where she studied social and political division\, and a 2016 fellow at the Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard University\, where she studied how journalists can better meet the needs of a participatory public. \nMónica lives for great conversations sparked by curious questions. Before committing to the project of helping people understand each other across the political divide\, Mónica cofounded the award-winning Seattle newsletter The Evergrey and led a national network of groundbreaking local newsletters as VP of Local for WhereBy.Us. She was named one of the 50 most influential women in Seattle\, served twice as a juror for the Pulitzer Prizes\, and plays a barbarian named Shadrack in her besties’ Dungeons & Dragons campaign. \nDiscussant\n \nBrian Allain founded and leads Writing for Your Life\, a resource center and conference for spiritual writers\, which includes the Publishing in Color conference series\, intended to increase the number of books published by spiritual writers of color. Brian also founded and leads the teams that produce Compassionate Christianity and How to Heal Our Divides. Previously Brian served as Founding Director of the Frederick Buechner Center where he led the launch of Mr. Buechner’s online presence and established several new programs and strategic partnerships.  \nBrian has developed and led spiritual writers conferences at Princeton Theological Seminary\, Drew Theological Seminary\, Western Theological Seminary\, the University of Southern California\, Belmont University\, New Brunswick Seminary\, and several churches. He led the publishing effort for the book Buechner 101: An Introduction to Frederick Buechner\, in collaboration with Anne Lamott\, and also the book How to Heal Our Divides. All of this is a second career\, coming after business and technology leadership in high-tech. Brian has an MBA from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania\, where he was designated a Palmer Scholar\, their highest academic award.
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/i-never-thought-of-it-that-way/
LOCATION:Church of the Holy City\, 1611 16th Street\, NW\, Washington\, DC\, 20009\, United States
CATEGORIES:Book Talks,Past Events,Speaker Series
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rumiforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/I-Never-Thought-Of-It-That-Way-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20220224T184500
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20220224T212000
DTSTAMP:20260410T015822
CREATED:20220113T210645Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220407T153307Z
UID:18387-1645728300-1645737600@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:3rd Interfaith Leadership Forum:Building Interfaith Partnerships Beyond Racism and Religious Nationalism
DESCRIPTION:Rumi Forum\, Interfaith Council of Metropolitan Washington\, and Washington Theological Consortium presented the 3rd Interfaith Leadership Forum: “Building Interfaith Partnerships Beyond Racism and Religious Nationalism” on February 24\, 2022. \nEvent Video \n\n  \nAbout the Event: \nReligious nationalism is on the rise worldwide. In the U.S.\, it has primarily taken the form of White Christian Nationalism: the affiliation of being White and Christian with belonging and mattering in this country. This program explored the nature of global nationalism and its specific manifestation in the U.S. First\, we heard from Dr. Mark Juergensmeyer\, who is an expert who has been studying this trend for over thirty years. His keynote remarks were followed by a panel of diverse faith leaders who shared their views on building interfaith solidarity to resist the White Supremacist Christian ideology threatening our nation. This program was a forum for people of faith to learn\, become activated\, and feel equipped to respond together effectively. \n  \nProgram Outline: \nOpening Remarks\nRev. David Lindsey\, Executive Director\, Interfaith Council of Metropolitan Washington (IFC) \n  \nKeynote\n“The Capitol Insurrection and the Global Rise of Religious Nationalism”\nDr. Mark Juergensmeyer\, Founding Director of the Orfalea Center of Global and International Studies at the University of California Santa Barbara \n  \nPanel Presentations\nModerated by Rev. David Lindsey\, IFC \n“The Interfaith Imperative”\nRabbi Jack Moline – President\, Interfaith Alliance \n“Doctrine of Discovery\, Manifest Destiny and Christian Nationalism: Nothing New.”\nCharles Watson Jr. – Director of Education\, Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty \n“The Pro-Democracy Faith Movement”\nMaggie Siddiqi – Senior Director\, Religion and Faith\, Center for American Progress \n“Religious Liberty and the Shortfall of Advocacy”\nSimran Singh – Vice Chairman\, IRF (International Religious Freedom) Secretariat \n  \nRumi Forum presents this event as a collaborating partner of the Interfaith Council of Metropolitan Washington (IFCMW) during the 3rd Annual World Interfaith Harmony Week in the DMV. We are glad that this session of our monthly Scriptural Reasoning program coincides with the annual worldwide observance during the month of February 2022. \nThe Forum would like to thank you to our sponsor DC Mayor’s Office of Religious Affairs.
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/3rd-interfaith-leadership-forum/
LOCATION:Youtube
CATEGORIES:February 2022,Interfaith Leadership Forum,Past Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rumiforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/3rd-Interfaith-Leadership-Forum-1-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20220217T183000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20220217T194500
DTSTAMP:20260410T015822
CREATED:20220114T160230Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220308T172334Z
UID:18399-1645122600-1645127100@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:Scriptural Reasoning: "Encountering God-1"
DESCRIPTION:Scriptural Reasoning (SR) is a practice where Christians\, Jews\, and Muslims study each other’s sacred texts. SR participants meet once a month 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. \n             Scriptural Reasoning – Introduction                  Reading Material: Encountering God – 1 \n                  \nThis Month’s Study Leader\nDr. Robert D. Miller II\, a Secular Franciscan\, joined the faculty of the Catholic University of America in 2008 and is now Ordinary Professor of Old Testament. He is Affiliated Faculty at the University of Pretoria and a Life Member of St John’s College\, Cambridge. \nProfessor Miller is a scholar of the history\, literature\, religion\, and archaeology of Ancient Israel in the First Temple Period. His books\, Chieftains of the Highland Clans: A History of Israel in the 12th and 11th Centuries BC (2005)\, Oral Tradition in Ancient Israel (2011)\, and related articles made him a recognized authority on Early Israel.  \nProfessor Miller has also worked in the interface of science and theology as the recipient of two major grants\, Religion and Science in Pastoral Ministry and Science for Seminarians. \nHe is also active in Jewish-Christian and Muslim-Christian dialogue at the local and international levels. A practicing archaeologist\, Professor Miller is a former member of the Board of Trustees of the American Schools of Oriental Research and serves as Chair of the Board of Control of the New American Bible for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. \n  \nRumi Forum presents this event as a collaborating partner of the Interfaith Council of Metropolitan Washington (IFCMW) during the 3rd Annual World Interfaith Harmony Week in the DMV.  \nWe are glad that this session of our monthly Scriptural Reasoning program coincides with the annual worldwide observance during the month of February 2022. \n  \nWe would like to thank Rose Castle Foundation for their permission to use their content.
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/scriptural-reasoning-encountering-god-1/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Interfaith Engagement,Past Events,Scriptural Reasoning
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rumiforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Scriptural-Reasoning.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20220209T190000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20220209T210000
DTSTAMP:20260410T015822
CREATED:20220109T154059Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220308T172247Z
UID:18340-1644433200-1644440400@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:Panel Discussion: "Modern Muslim and Jewish Thinkers Who Have Inspired Us"
DESCRIPTION:On February 9\, 2022\, at 7:00 p.m.\, the Jewish Islamic Dialogue Society (JIDS) and Rumi Forum brought in four scholars to talk about Muslim and Jewish thinkers who left their mark on the modern world. We heard presentations about two modern Jewish thinkers: Rami Shapiro\, who has brought a passion for various eastern faiths into his study of Judaism\, and Menachem Mendel Schneerson (aka the Lubavitcher Rebbe)\, whose ideas sparked the rapidly growing Chabad Movement within Judaism. We will also hear presentations about two modern Muslim thinkers: Said Nursi\, whose commentary of the Qur’an inspired a renewed way of engaging with the modern age; and Muhammad Iqbal\, who had a remarkable impact on the intellectual and cultural reconstruction of Islam in South Asia and beyond. \n As a collaborating partner of the Interfaith Council of Metropolitan Washington (IFCMW)\, the event took place during the 3rd Annual World Interfaith Harmony Week in the DMV. Dan Spiro\, who’s the president of JIDS\, moderated the dialogue between these scholars to lead to an enriching conversation between the participants.  \nEvent Video \n\n  \nDr. Marcia Hermansen talked about Muhammad Iqbal\, who was known as the “intellectual father of Pakistan” due to his contribution to the reconstruction of Islam in South Asia. Iqbal was deeply intrigued by contemporary Western thought and reached his audience through poetry in Urdu and Persian while also delivering critical analyses in English. Herb Levy discussed Rabbi Rami Shapiro\, who had a multilingual approach to Judaism and taught a Judaism that was free from chosenness\, xenophobia\, and ethnonationalism. He saw religions as languages\, asserting that no language is true or false\, and believed writing is nature’s way of showing us how sloppy our thinking is. Like Iqbal\, he also used poetry to speak to his audience. Dr. Zeki Saritoprak brought up Said Nursi\, whose writings were inspirations for modern sciences and technologies. Nursi emphasized the importance of knowledge and dialogue\, preached non-violence\, and portrayed the prominence of shared values. Rabbi Lee Weissman talked about the Lubavitcher Rebbe\, who was often referred to as the “leader of the generation.” His view was inclusive of the entirety of Jewish people\, and he took mystical philosophy and turned it into an activist movement. \nAll of these thinkers brought changes and inspirations to many people\, emphasizing the importance of knowledge\, writing\, and shared understanding. They depicted the beauty of faith within oneself and how it flourishes within a community. \n  \n \nThese presentations were given\, respectively\, by four scholars: Herb Levy\, Rabbi Lee Weissman\, Dr. Zeki Saritoprak\, and Dr. Marcia Hermansen.  \nRumi Forum and JIDS present this event as a collaborating partner of the Interfaith Council of Metropolitan Washington (IFCMW) during the 3rd Annual World Interfaith Harmony Week in the DMV. We are glad that this panel discussion coincides with the annual worldwide observance during the month of February 2022. \n  \nPanelists: \nHerb Levy was raised in an Orthodox home in Baltimore\, completing the high school department of the (then) Baltimore Hebrew College\, in addition to public high school. Through his college years\, he became disconnected from the Judaism that he was raised on but began to reconstruct Judaism to address the social change commitment he made in his life. He spent over 40 years working in affordable housing as his contribution to Tikkun Olam. He’s been active in Kol Ami Reconstructionist of Arlington VA since its birth in December 2000. \n  \nRabbi Lee Weissman has been a Jewish educator in California for over 25 years. For over 10 years\, Lee has been an interfaith activist both online and in person. His Facebook forum “Abraham’s Tent” offers a place for Muslims and Jews to communicate on religious issues. His Twitter account @JihadiJew has a wide interfaith following. Lee’s personal passion is Chassidic philosophy\, particularly the teachings of Rebbe Nachman of Breslov. Lee currently attends Magen David Sephardic Congregation. \n  \n  \nDr. Zeki Saritoprak is the Bediuzzaman Said Nursi Chair in Islamic Studies and a Professor in the Department of Theology and Religious Studies at John Carroll University in Cleveland\, Ohio. He holds a Ph.D. in Islamic Theology from the University of Marmara in Turkey. His dissertation which examines the personification of evil in the Islamic tradition was published in 1992. Professor Saritoprak is the author of over thirty academic articles and encyclopedia entries on topics in Islam. His most recent books are “Islam’s Jesus” (University Press of Florida\, 2014) and “Islamic Spirituality: Theology and Practice for the Modern World” (Bloomsbury\, 2017). \n  \nDr. Marcia Hermansen is Director of the Islamic World Studies Program and Professor in the Theology Department at Loyola University Chicago where she teaches courses in Islamic Studies and the academic study of religion. She received her Ph.D. in Arabic and Islamic Studies from the University of Chicago and her numerous authored and co-edited books include Religious Diversity at School: Educating for New Pluralistic Contexts (2021)\, Varieties of American Sufism (2020)\, Islam\, Religions\, and Pluralism in Europe (2016)\, Islam and Citizenship Education (2015)\, and Muslima Theology: The Voices of Muslim Women Theologians (2013)\, as well as translations of works of Shah Wali Allah of Delhi.
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/modern-muslim-and-jewish-thinkers-who-have-inspired-us/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Panel Discussions,Past Events,Speaker Series
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rumiforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Modern-Muslim-and-Jewish-Thinkers-Who-Have-Inspired-Us.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20220203T190000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20220203T210000
DTSTAMP:20260410T015822
CREATED:20220111T181357Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220210T181543Z
UID:18365-1643914800-1643922000@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:Panel Discussion:"How Do We Deal With Covid\, Social Injustice\, and Polarization?"
DESCRIPTION:Rumi Forum\, Prince George’s County Office of Human Rights\, and Prince George’s County Memorial Library System presented a virtual panel discussion on “How Do We Deal With Covid\, Social Injustice\, and Polarization?” on February 3\, 2022\, for a conversation for our time\, in recognition of World Interfaith Harmony Week. \nEvent Video \n\nHow do we build and use interfaith harmony to develop restoration\, reconciliation\, and resiliency as applicable to the world that we live in now? We are plagued: by the Covid-19 pandemic\, by social injustice\, by economic inequities\, limited and inequitable access to resources\, environmental injustice\, and the polarization of our times. Three faith leaders will consider these difficult questions and provide hope and practical solutions to taking steps towards restoration\, reconciliation\, and resiliency today. Join Rumi Forum\, Prince George’s County Office of Human Rights\, and Prince George’s County Memorial Library System on February 3rd at 7 pm for a conversation for our time\, in recognition of World Interfaith Harmony Week. \nPanelists: \nRahmah A. Abdulaleem is the Executive Director of KARAMAH: Muslim Women Lawyers for Human Rights where she works to create a global network of advocates knowledgeable about the gender-equitable principles of Islam and are able to advance the cause of Muslim women’s rights in legal and social environments. Ms. Abdulaleem was raised in Philadelphia and was an active member of Masjidullah in Philadelphia during her youth. She graduated from Duke University with a double major in Religion and Sociology and a certificate in Markets & Management Studies. Ms. Abdulaleem obtained her J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School and worked at a top international corporate law firm for 14 years.  \n  \nRabbi Abbi Sharofsky is the JCRC’s Director of Intergroup Relations/JCRC Rabbi in Residence. She studied at the Jewish Theological Seminary and was ordained in 2012. Abbi also holds a master’s degree from the Davidson School of Jewish Education at the Jewish Theological Seminary\, specializing in experiential Jewish education. Abbi was the deputy director of the Jewish Welfare Board Jewish Chaplains Council\, where she worked with Jewish military personnel and veterans. Rabbi Sharofsky is the recipient of the 2016 JPRO Network Young Professional Award for her dedication to the Jewish community through her work in the Jewish not-for-profit field. She is a Rabbis Without Borders fellow\, 2018 cohort.  \n  \n \nCharles A. Tapp was elected President of the Potomac Conference Corporation in March of 2021. Prior to taking this post\, Tapp served as senior pastor of the Sligo Seventh-day Adventist church. \nFor nearly 40 years and in many scenarios\, Tapp has served as a pastor\, professor\, administrator\, writer\, and radio/television host sharing God’s love and saving grace with the world. His ministry is fueled by the message found in Zechariah 4:6: “Not by might\, nor by power\, but by my Spirit\, says the LORD Almighty.” Prayer is at the center of his life and the way he leads the ministry of Sligo Church. \n  \n \nRumi Forum presents this event as a collaborating partner of the Interfaith Council of Metropolitan Washington (IFCMW) during the 3rd Annual World Interfaith Harmony Week in the DMV. We are glad that this panel discussion coincides with the annual worldwide observance during the month of February 2022.
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/how-do-we-deal-with-covid-social-injustice-and-polarization/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Panel Discussions,Past Events,Speaker Series
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://rumiforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/3R-Interfaith-Panel-Feb.3.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20220126T183000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20220126T193000
DTSTAMP:20260410T015822
CREATED:20220118T163252Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220207T142321Z
UID:18417-1643221800-1643225400@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:Community Event: "Multi-faith Supplication"
DESCRIPTION:At a time of dramatic challenges such as the surge in pandemic cases\, the multi-faith prayer is intended to be a moment of supplication for Divine blessing. Our goal is also to make the healing words of different faiths known to others as we ask our Creator to deliver us from difficulties. \nIt will be a pleasure to have you among us along with faith leaders from various traditions who will offer healing or prayer from their own tradition. The event will be broadcast live on YouTube and will also be posted on Rumi Forum’s YouTube channel for those who want to watch and share it later. \nEvent Video \n\n  \nFaith Leaders: \n \nRev. Kevin Gillespie\, S.J. is the Pastor of Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Washington\, D.C. Before coming to Holy Trinity\, Fr. Gillespie served as president of Saint Joseph’s University\, Associate Provost at the Loyola University of Chicago\, and Assistant Professor in the Department of Pastoral Care and Counseling at the Loyola University of Maryland. Fr. Gillespie is a psychologist of religion who has published in the areas of psychology and Catholicism; counseling and spirituality; post-traumatic growth and transcendence.  He has presented programs in the US and on five continents. \n  \n \nRabbi Chana Leslie Glazer is the Rabbi of Congregation Adat Reyim and a pluralistic Jewish spiritual leader and educator of all ages. She came to Adat Reyim in July 2020 from Bucknell University in Lewisburg\, PA\, where she served as the campus rabbi\, Hillel advisor\, and director of Jewish Life. Rabbi Glazer is deeply committed to Jewish pluralism and inclusion\, having worked\, lived\, or studied with many denominations of Judaism – including the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College\, where she received her ordination\, earning multiple honors and awards.  \n  \n \nThe Rev. Canon Leonard L. Hamlin\, Sr. began his tenure at the Washington National Cathedral in April 2018. In his role as Canon Missioner\, Dr. Hamlin oversees the Cathedral’s outreach and social justice initiatives\, including gun violence prevention and racial justice and reconciliation. In particular\, Dr. Hamlin assists in the building of partnerships and the equipping of the Cathedral community and the congregation to serve as the hands and feet of Christ in the world. Prior to his arrival at the Cathedral\, Dr. Hamlin served as the Pastor of Macedonia Baptist Church in Arlington\, Va. for 22 years. \n  \nImam Faizul Khan is the founding member of the Islamic Society of Washington Area (ISWA)\, a diverse\, growing\, and religious community that started in 1973 in Silver Spring\, Maryland. Imam Khan has been involved in social\, religious\, cultural\, educational\, and outreach programs in the community for over forty-five years. He is the Imam of ISWA\, past Board Member of the Shura Council of Islamic Society of North America (ISNA)\, General Secretary of the Council of Muslim Organizations\, (CMO) in the Washington Metropolitan Area\, and serves as Director of three other regional Islamic organizations\, including recently appointed as President of the Montgomery County Faith Advisory Council. \n  \n \nRabbi Gilah Langner came to Kol Ami as the Spiritual Leader in 2016 after working in a variety of settings since her ordination as a rabbi in 2003.  She is passionate about Jewish texts and learning\, about bringing Jewish values to bear on social issues\, and about empowering folks to find their spiritual core in Judaism. Rabbi Gilah served the congregation Shirat Hanefesh in Chevy Chase\, MD\, was principal of Shoreshim Hebrew School and the Kehila Chadasha Hebrew School\, led Jewish meditation sessions at the Jewish Mindfulness Center of Washington at Adas Israel\, spent eight years as a visiting chaplain both at Georgetown University Hospital and at senior residences\, taught as an adjunct professor at The George Washington University and at the Catholic University of America\, and co-directed the Washington Jewish Healing Network. \n  \n \nNisa Muhammad is the Assistant Dean for Religious Life at Howard University.  She is responsible for religious programming that serves the various needs of the campus\, advocates for the religious needs of a diverse student population\, teach non-academic personal enrichment classes on the Islamic tradition\, and works closely as part of the staff in the Office of the Dean of the Chapel where the guiding principles are Faith\, Service\, and Justice.  Her other responsibilities include organizing the Muslim worship and devotion services\, counseling and advising students\, faculty\, staff\, and responding to a myriad of questions and challenges from race to religion to relationships. Her work organizing the summer Children’s Defense Fund Freedom School program is highly accomplished and reaches national acclaim.   \n  \nMatthew Regan is an elected officer for an umbrella organization of DC-area Buddhist temples. Founded in 1987\, the International Buddhist Committee (IBC) of Washington\, DC promotes inter-Buddhist and interfaith understanding through the annual International Vesak (Buddha’s birthday) celebration and other special events. He facilitates meetings\, prepares meeting agendas\, and complies with the minutes. Represents the IBC at interfaith and communities events. \n  \nDr. Siva Subramanian is the chief of the Department of Neonatology\, senior ethicist\, and professor of Pediatrics and Obstetrics and Gynecology at Georgetown University Hospital. He became the first Hindu-American to be honored with the Interfaith Council of Metropolitan Washington’s ‘Interfaith Leadership Award’ at its 40th anniversary interfaith conference at the Washington Hebrew Congregation in 2019. He has also co-founded Sri Siva Vishnu Temple (1976)\, the Council of Hindu Temples of Northern America (1984)\, and the Hindu American Community Service Incorporation (2009).
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/community-event-multi-faith-supplication/
LOCATION:Youtube
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Interfaith Engagement,Past Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rumiforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Multi-faith-Supplication-1-2.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20220113T183000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20220113T194500
DTSTAMP:20260410T015822
CREATED:20211229T161436Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220302T195951Z
UID:18298-1642098600-1642103100@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:Scriptural Reasoning: "Education and Learning"
DESCRIPTION:Scriptural Reasoning (SR) is a practice where Christians\, Jews\, and Muslims study each other’s sacred texts. SR participants meet once a month 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. \n              Scriptural Reasoning – Introduction             Reading Material: Education and Learning \n                       \nThis Month’s Study Leader\n \nDr. Vanessa Avery is the Executive Director of Sharing Sacred Spaces\, Inc.\, where she builds community across differences using the unique tools of architecture\, space\, hospitality\, and dialogue. \nAs Director of Sharing Sacred Spaces\, Vanessa is also a Fellow at Hartford International University for Religion and Peace where she develops intercultural and interreligious DEI strategies and training for workplaces that are committed to leadership in religious and spiritual inclusion. \nVanessa is a lecturer of Interfaith Engagement at Yale Divinity School and affiliate faculty in Comparative Religion and Sociology at California State University. \n  \nWe would like to thank Rose Castle Foundation for their permission to use their content.
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/scriptural-reasoning-education-and-learning/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Interfaith Engagement,Past Events,Scriptural Reasoning
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rumiforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Scriptural-Reasoning-1-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20211213T183000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20211213T194500
DTSTAMP:20260410T015822
CREATED:20211201T162503Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220302T195508Z
UID:18190-1639420200-1639424700@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:Scriptural Reasoning: “Dreams”
DESCRIPTION:Scriptural Reasoning (SR) is a practice where Christians\, Jews\, and Muslims study each other’s sacred texts. SR participants meet once a month 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. \n               Scriptural Reasoning – Introduction                          Reading Material: Dreams \n                       \nThis Month’s Study Leader \n \nRev. Ebony Grisom (she/her) is the Interim Director of Protestant Christian Ministry and serves as chaplain to Protestant Students across Georgetown University.  \nShe seeks to deepen ecumenical and interreligious understanding and collaboration\, and accompanies students of all religious and non-religious identities in our community.  \nRev. Grisom earned degrees from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte\, Providence College\, and Duke Divinity School. She brings a wealth of experience to the Hilltop having worked in high school to graduate school admissions offices\, pastoral leadership\, and faith-based advocacy. \nSince her arrival at Georgetown University in 2019\, Rev. Grisom has served the Main and Law Center campuses and co-chairs the MLK Initiative: Let Freedom Ring! Although “Rev. G” (as she’s known on campus) has her feet planted in the DMV\, she remains a proud New York City native who keeps a MetroCard at the ready in case there’s a need to traverse the City that never sleeps. You can find her in her Main Campus or Law Center office talking with students and colleagues about all things sacred and secular including traveling\, crafting\, advocacy\, faith formation\, race\, gender\, theology (and their intercessions)\, history\, Blue Devils\, music\, sports\, and her favorite Hoya of all time\, Patrick Ewing. \nWe would like to thank Rose Castle Foundation for their permission to use their content.
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/scriptural-reasoning-dreams/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Interfaith Engagement,Past Events,Scriptural Reasoning
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rumiforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Scriptural-Reasoning.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20211209T183000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20211209T200000
DTSTAMP:20260410T015822
CREATED:20211123T173852Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211216T194529Z
UID:18154-1639074600-1639080000@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:In-Person Book Talk: "People of the Book"
DESCRIPTION:On December 9\, 2021\, participants joined this in-person book talk for a considered study of Muslim–Christian coexistence and dialogue in the time of Prophet Muhammad. \nThe Christians that lived around the Arabian Peninsula during Muhammad’s lifetime are shrouded in mystery. Some of the stories of the Prophet’s interactions with them are based on legends and myths\, while others are more authentic and plausible. But who exactly were these Christians? Why did Muhammad interact with them as he reportedly did? And what lessons can today’s Christians and Muslims learn from these encounters? \n  \nScholar Craig Considine\, one of the most powerful global voices speaking in admiration of the prophet of Islam\, provides answers to these questions. Through a careful study of works by historians and theologians\, he highlights an idea central to Muhammad’s vision: an inclusive Ummah\, or Muslim nation\, rooted in citizenship rights\, interfaith dialogue\, and freedom of conscience\, religion\, and speech. In this unprecedented sociological analysis of one of history’s most influential human beings\, Considine offers groundbreaking insight that could redefine Christian and Muslim relations. \nYou can find more information about the book here. \nAbout the author\nDr. Craig Considine is an award-winning professor and the best–selling author of The Humanity of Muhammad–A Christian View (2020). He is recognized as an authority in interfaith dialogue\, particularly Christian and Muslim relations. Dr. Considine has written seven books for the field of Islamic studies\, including People of the Book–Prophet Muhammad’s Encounter with Christians (2021)\, Muslims in America: Examining the Facts (2018)\, and Islam\, Race\, & Pluralism in the Pakistani Diaspora (2017). \n  \nThroughout the years\, Dr. Considine’s peer-reviewed articles have appeared in Sociology and Religions and his op-eds have been published in Newsweek and Foreign Policy. Dr. Considine’s opinions appear regularly in the leading news and media outlets around the world. He also has experience in filmmaking\, having directed the critically acclaimed documentary film Journey into America. Dr. Considine has spoken to audiences for Oxford University\, the University of Edinburgh\, Trinity College Dublin\, the University of Dublin\, and Hamad Bin Khalifa University (Doha). He is a practicing Roman Catholic with ancestral roots mainly in Sant’Elia Fiumerapido and Monacilioni\, Italy and Lisdoonvarna\, Ireland\, but also England and Scotland. Craig is a native of Needham\, Massachusetts. He holds a Ph.D. in sociology from Trinity College Dublin\, the University of Dublin\, an MSc Lond. in international relations from Royal Holloway\, the University of London\, and a BA in international relations from American University in Washington\, DC. \nEvent Video
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/people-of-the-book/
LOCATION:Busboys and Poets – 450K\, 450 K St. NW\, Washington\, DC\, 20001\, United States
CATEGORIES:Book Talks,Past Events,Speaker Series
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rumiforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/People-of-the-Book-2.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20211202T183000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20211202T200000
DTSTAMP:20260410T015822
CREATED:20211026T201537Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211216T194452Z
UID:18116-1638469800-1638475200@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:Panel Discussion: "How to Heal Our Divides"
DESCRIPTION:Rumi Forum launches 3R Series \nRestoration\, Reconciliation\, Resiliency\nCOVID came along and dominated our lives almost two years ago at a time when we were already battered by interracial tensions and divisive political rhetoric. The isolation that the pandemic forced us into has affected the psyche of all\, and COVID-related economic difficulties made the lives of many rather difficult. In the middle of these historic moments\, we had a contentious election that peaked with an attack on the Congress\, the symbol of our nation.  \nIt appears that we are in dire need of restoring our trust in our political system\, in our government and agencies\, in our civil society\, and more importantly in each other. Our goal with the 3R Series is to inspire a vision of Restoration through Reconciliation and to remind ourselves of the Resiliency Americans have demonstrated again and again in difficult times throughout our history. We hope this effort will inspire hope\, instill an urgency\, and drive people to act to bridge the divides in our society so that we can heal and be whole once again. \n Event Video \n\n  \nAbout the book\, “How to Heal our Divides” \n\nIf we didn’t recognize them already\, 2020 put a spotlight on several serious\, deep divides that have had strong negative impacts on our society – racial\, political\, religious\, and other divides. Much has been written describing these divides and how they came about or encouraging us to look deeply inside ourselves to discover our own flaws. All good things! But there has been a lack of attention regarding what to do about it. “How to Heal Our Divides” is a project aimed at building awareness of organizations that are taking real action to address these issues. The project is not an attempt to gloss over serious problems or “make happy” but instead to highlight tangible efforts that are solving problems – actually healing divides in effective and practical ways.  \nPerhaps you are tempted to just write off “the other side” and lambast them for all the terrible things they’ve done. But is that really in the best interest of our country and our culture? Shouldn’t we instead try to listen and learn and actually talk to each other? Are there at least some things we can work on together\, even if we don’t agree on everything? (How many people have you met with whom you agree on absolutely everything?) Granted\, some will never listen. But some will. We owe it to our children to try to make things better. \n\nModerator \nAllison K. Ralph\, Ph.D.\, is the Associate Director of the Inclusive America Project at the Aspen Institute. Prior to joining the Inclusive America Project as Assistant Director in 2019\, she served the Project as consultant and advisor for two years\, including as editor of Pluralism in Peril: Challenges to an American Ideal. She began her career in the non-profit sector at the El-Hibri Foundation after earning her doctorate in Church History from The Catholic University of America in 2015. She also holds a B.A. in History from the University of North Florida and an M.Phil. in Church History from the University of Cambridge. At heart\, she is still the blue-collar farm girl and custom picture framer she was raised as at the family home and business. \nPanelists \n Martin Brooks is the President of Peace Catalyst International. He has been with Peace Catalyst International since 2011 when he and his wife Susan returned from Turkish Cyprus. Drawing on the teachings and examples of Jesus\, Martin has worked with local churches and mosques to create safe spaces to ask questions and build greater trust between Christians and Muslims. He has organized dialogue events\, iftar meals\, and Peace Feasts with Palestinians\, Syrians\, Turks\, Pakistanis\, Somalis\, Kurds\, and Iranians. A gifted collaborator\, he works with city officials\, refugee agencies\, local clergy\, and interfaith groups to seek the peace of the city and mutual thriving for all. \nJeff Burns\, D.Min\, is a peace and human rights\, activist. He has been active in building bridges of reconciliation\, peacemaking\, and friendship between Muslims and Christians in the U.S. and overseas for the last ten years. Jeff served as the East Coast Regional Director for Peace Catalyst International for four years. PCI focuses on reconciliation and peacemaking in the way of Jesus. Before his calling as a peacemaker Jeff served as a senior pastor for 18 years. He went on to become a part of the house church movement in the U.S. As a leader in the house church movement; Jeff served as an elder in the Sojourners Simple Church Network in Raleigh\, NC for nine years where he started an intentional community that focused on peacemaking with the local Muslim community. \nRev. Richard L. Tafel serves as the minister at the Church of the Holy City. With an undergraduate degree in Philosophy and a graduate degree in Theology from Harvard University\, Tafel is ordained and his first job was as Assistant Minister of Harvard University’s Memorial Church. With his knowledge of politics and vision for social change\, he launched his first company that helped nonprofits engage in public policy. He worked domestically with College Summit on access for low-income students to college. In addition\, he created the global strategy for the AIDS Responsibility Project that helped facilitate the delivery of AIDS drugs to Africa. In addition\, they worked with Brazil\, Mexico\, and Jamaica on ending HIV/AIDS discrimination.
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/how-to-heal-our-divides/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Panel Discussions,Past Events,Speaker Series
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rumiforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/3R-Series-How-to-Heal-Our-Divides-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20211117T190000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20211117T201500
DTSTAMP:20260410T015822
CREATED:20211026T202606Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220302T191827Z
UID:18130-1637175600-1637180100@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:Scriptural Reasoning: "Delegating Responsibility"
DESCRIPTION:Scriptural Reasoning (SR) is a practice where Christians\, Jews\, and Muslims study each other’s sacred texts. SR participants meet once a month 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. \n              Scriptural Reasoning – Introduction            Reading Material: Delegating Responsibility \n                        \nThis Month’s Study Leader \nOri Z. Soltes is Professor of the Teaching of Jewish Civilization at Georgetown University. He teaches across a range of disciplines. He is the former Director of the B’nai B’rith Klutznick National Jewish Museum. As co-founding Director of the Holocaust Art Restitution Project\, he has spent twenty years focused on the issue of Nazi-plundered art. Soltes has authored and edited 19 books and scores of articles and exhibition catalog essays. Recent volumes include Our Sacred Signs: How Jewish\, Christian and Muslim Art Draw from the Same Source; The Ashen Rainbow: Essays on the Arts and the Holocaust; Mysticism in Judaism. Christianity and Islam: Searching for Oneness; Tradition and Transformation: Three Millennia of Jewish Art and Architecture; Magic and Religion in the Greco-Roman World: The Beginnings of Judaism and Christianity; and God and the Goalposts: A Brief History of Sports\, Religion\, Politics\, War\, and Art. \n  \nWe would like to thank Rose Castle Foundation for their permission to use their content.
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/scriptural-reasoning-delegating-responsibility/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Interfaith Engagement,Past Events,Scriptural Reasoning
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rumiforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Scriptural-Reasoning-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20211028T183000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20211028T200000
DTSTAMP:20260410T015822
CREATED:20210930T194005Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211216T194349Z
UID:18019-1635445800-1635451200@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:In-Person Book Talk: "God`s Diplomats"
DESCRIPTION:Using inside sources and extensive field reporting about the secretive\, high-stakes world of international diplomacy\, Vatican reporter Victor Gaetan takes readers to the Holy See to explicate Pope Francis‘s diplomacy\, show why it works\, and offer readers a startling contrast to the dangerous inadequacies of recent U.S. international decisions.  \nYou can find more information about the book here. \n \n  \nAbout the author\nVictor Gaetan\, Ph.D.\, has served as an international correspondent for Catholic News Service and the National Catholic Register. He contributes to Foreign Affairs and America magazine. He has written from Asia\, Europe\, Latin America\, and the Middle East—experiences that provided a wealth of contacts with the notoriously tight-lipped papal diplomatic corps. He gathered rare insight in the Vatican Secret Archives\, which is not open to the public. \nFor over 20 years he has filed stories from countries in turmoil: Bosnia-Herzegovina\, Cuba\, Lebanon\, Kosovo\, Peru\, Turkey\, and Ukraine as well as from Hong Kong\, Korea\, and Taiwan. He has received numerous awards from the Catholic Press Association of North America and has written for secular publications ranging from Art & Auction to Le Figaro. \nGaetan received a Ph.D. in Ideology in Literature from Tufts University; a master`s degree from the Fletcher School of International Law and Diplomacy (MALD)\, and a license in Byzantine and Ottoman Studies from Sorbonne University in Paris (comparable to a BA). \nAbout the discussant\nMartine Miller is the Vice President of International Center for Religion & Diplomacy and a mediator and conflict transformation specialist with over 20 years of engaged experience—with communities\, governments\, regional bodies (i.e. EU\, AU\, and ASEAN)\, UN agencies\, a range of inter/national non-governmental organizations and academic institutions. Her work has engaged her directly in fluid war to post-war reconstruction and development contexts across 70 countries in Africa\, Asia\, and the Pacific\, West to East Europe\, and North and South America. \n  \nEvent Video \n\nEvent Photos\n[ngg src=”galleries” ids=”396\,397″ display=”basic_thumbnail” thumbnail_crop=”0″]
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/gods-diplomats/
LOCATION:Alex Galleries\, 2106 R St.\, NW\, Washington\, DC\, 20008
CATEGORIES:Book Talks,Past Events,Speaker Series
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rumiforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Gods-Diplomats.jpg
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