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DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20241107T183000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20241107T200000
DTSTAMP:20260424T212730
CREATED:20241029T142823Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241112T165337Z
UID:21603-1731004200-1731009600@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:Scriptural Reasoning: “Curiosity”
DESCRIPTION:Rumi Forum held its monthly circle on November 7\, 2024\, to study Abrahamic scriptures on “Curiosity” with Fatimah Popal\, our study leader from MakeSpace. \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 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 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            \nThis Month`s Study Leader \n \nFatimah Popal is a co-founder and Managing Director of MakeSpace (est. 2013)\, a third space serving as an inclusive community of God-conscious\, compassionate\, and empowered American Muslims\, providing a platform for those often sidelined – women and youth. Before MakeSpace\, she served as a community builder at a local mosque for over a decade\, focusing on outreach\, interfaith collaboration\, youth empowerment\, and pastoral care. Ms. Popal is also an Interfaith Communities for Dialogue (ICD) board member who promotes mutual understanding and positive relationships amongst faith-based communities. \nMs. Popal holds a Master of Science and a Bachelor of Science in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from the Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution at George Mason University. Her specializations are identity\, trauma and healing\, interpersonal and organizational conflict\, and restorative justice. She also serves as the first Muslim chaplain for Fairfax County’s police department.
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/scriptural-reasoning-curiosity/
LOCATION:Virginia Theological Seminary-Addison Academic Center\, 3630 Bishop Walker Cir.\, Alexandria\, VA\, 22304\, United States
CATEGORIES:Interfaith Engagement,Past Events,Scriptural Reasoning
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20241112T183000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20241112T203000
DTSTAMP:20260424T212730
CREATED:20241114T164158Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241212T181323Z
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SUMMARY:2024 Annual Gala and Dialogue Awards Ceremony
DESCRIPTION:Rumi Forum’s 2024 Annual Gala and Dialogue Awards Ceremony marked the Forum’s 25th anniversary. This milestone reflects a quarter-century of dedication to fostering understanding\, compassion\, and peace through dialogue. Our evening was filled with inspiring speakers\, heartfelt performances\, and the celebration of individuals who embody the values of inclusivity and unity. \nEvent Recap \n\nOpening Remarks \nThe evening began with a warm welcome from our MC\, Natalie Bencivenga\, who highlighted Rumi Forum’s mission to bridge divides and celebrate diversity. She set the tone for an evening of reflection and unity\, reminding us of Rumi’s words: “Raise your words\, not your voice. It is rain that grows flowers\, not thunder.” \nDr. Ori Soltes\, Chairman of the Rumi Forum’s Board of Directors\, shared his perspective on the Forum’s journey and impact. Following him\, Rabbi Stephanie Bernstein\, Chaplain of Washington\, DC’s Metropolitan Police Department\, delivered remarks that underscored the importance of dialogue in building a harmonious society. \nSpecial Performance \nWe were delighted to host Sufi Melody\, a renowned ensemble from the Washington\, DC area. Their mesmerizing music\, inspired by the inclusive tradition of Sufism\, brought a sense of unity and joy to our gathering. \nHonoring Our Founder \nDr. Zeki Saritoprak\, founder of Rumi Forum\, took the stage to share the inspiring story behind the Forum’s creation\, mission\, and guiding vision\, which have shaped its work over the past 25 years. His reflections reminded us of the transformative power of dialogue in building connections across faiths and cultures. \nTribute to Fethullah Gülen \nIn a special moment\, we reflected on the legacy of the late honorary chairman\, Fethullah Gülen. Known for his commitment to peace and interfaith understanding\, Mr. Gülen’s work has been a beacon of hope and compassion. A video tribute highlighted his contributions and enduring impact on communities worldwide. \nPresentation of the 2024 Dialogue Award \nRev. Thomas L. Bowen\, White House Senior Advisor for Public Engagement\, presented the 2024 Dialogue Award to Imam Dr. Talib Shareef\, a leader whose work exemplifies the values of inclusivity and harmony. Imam Shareef’s acceptance speech was a powerful reminder of the importance of unity and compassion in today’s world. \nClosing Remarks \nThe evening concluded with remarks from Ibrahim Anli\, Executive Director of Rumi Forum. He expressed gratitude for the support and partnership of all in attendance. He encouraged us to carry forward the spirit of unity\, working together toward a more peaceful and equitable world. \nJoin Us in Advancing Dialogue and Understanding \nThis event would not have been possible without the generous support of our community. We invite you to contribute to our 25th-anniversary campaign to help us reach our goal of raising $25\,000. Your support enables us to continue our work\, from hosting community events to providing educational resources\, as we build a world rooted in mutual respect and understanding. \nEvent Photos \n\n		\n		\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n		\n\nFull Video \n\nAbout Rumi Forum: \nRumi 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. \nAbout the Rumi Dialogue Award: \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!
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/2024-annual-gala-and-dialogue-awards-ceremony/
LOCATION:National Press Club\, 529 14th St NW-13th Floor\, Ballroom\, Washington\, DC\, 20045\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Interfaith Engagement,Past Events
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20241123T180000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20241123T200000
DTSTAMP:20260424T212730
CREATED:20241202T160859Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250408T161227Z
UID:22557-1732384800-1732392000@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:Quarterly Social-Fall 2024: “Friendship”
DESCRIPTION:Rumi Forum organized its “Fall 2024 Quarterly Social” at the Friends Meeting of Washington on November 23\, 2024. Quarterly Social is an opportunity to meet individuals from various walks of life and engage in stimulating conversations. Each Quarterly Social gathering features a different theme on which participants share their reflections in an open and welcoming environment. The meetings take the form of facilitated conversations in which participants themselves are the speakers. \nOur theme for the Fall 2024 Quarterly Social was “Friendship.” There were some questions to ponder before our gathering: \n\nHow do you define friendship? \nHow do you pick your friends? What qualities do you look for in a friend? \nWhat role does honesty play in your friendships? \nHave you or your friend ever had to be brutally honest with each other? \nHow do you handle conflicts and disagreements with friends? \nWhat does “friends become our chosen family” mean to you? \nHow do you navigate friendships with people from different backgrounds and cultures?
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/quarterly-social-fall-2024-friendship/
LOCATION:Friends Meeting of Washington\, 2111 Decatur Pl. NW\, Washington\, DC\, 20008\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Interfaith Engagement,Past Events
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