InterFaith21

Promoting unity among people of faith (or no particular faith) in the 21st Century.

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St. Gregory’s ‘Children of Abraham,’ Hazelton on Quran

January 21st · Interfaith

(L-R): Rabbi David Steinhardt of B'nai Torah Congregation, C.B. Hanif of New Africa of the Palm Beaches, and the Rev. Andrew Sherman, our host, at St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church in Boca Raton.

I’m thanking our Maker for the Rev. Andrew Sherman and his St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church congregation of Boca Raton, for Rabbi David Steinhardt of the nearby B’nai Torah Congregation, and for all who gathered for last night’s “Children of Abraham” event to which I was invited to speak.

The evening’s wonderful spirit seemed to me a tremendous tribute to Rev. Sherman’s stewardship, to his and Rabbi Steinhardt’s G-d given warmth, wit and wisdom, as well as to the quest for understanding and unity among those present.

Thanks again to all who, after the program, shared your kinds words of encouragement, unity and love. Insha’Allah — G-d Willing — we’ll meet again soon.

Meanwhile I promised to a link to Lesley Hazelton’s wonderful TED video, “On reading the Koran,” the subject of my previous post.

Enjoy. Peace & Blessings. More St. Gregory’s scenes:

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What 72 virgins? Lesley Hazleton on reading the Koran

January 21st · Quran

“There are no 72 virgins in the Quran. That idea only came into being 300 years later, and most Islamic scholars see it as the equivalent of people with wings sitting on clouds and strumming harps.” — Lesley Hazelton

Much appreciation to my friend and teacher Tom O’Brien (whose New Testament Bible Study Course just started up again at  Bethesda-by-the-Sea) for recommending this wonderful video of Lesley Hazelton’s 9-minute talk so aptly described at the TED site:

“Lesley Hazleton sat down one day to read the Koran. And what she found — as a non-Muslim, a self-identified ‘tourist’ in the Islamic holy book — wasn’t what she expected. With serious scholarship and warm humor, Hazleton shares the grace, flexibility and mystery she found, in this myth-debunking talk from TEDxRainier.”

I know nothing of this amazing lady beyond what I saw and heard in the video. And what I learned from following the TED-provided links. Such as her accidentaltheologist.com site, where I’d love to spend more time.

But I’ve already taken to quoting this self-described agnostic Jew. In part because, as I’ve been known to say, I love hearing my own spirituality coming back at me in different language.

Question: In the video, Ms. Hazelton describes the opening chapter of the Quran, Al Fatihah (literally, “The Opening”), as a combination of The Lord’s Prayer and … what sounds like a Hebrew title that I can’t quite hear clearly.

I can ask her, of course, but who else might help me with that? First one gets a free year’s subscription here at InterFaith21.com 🙂

ADDENDUM. Our Dear Lady, Lesley Hazelton, was first to respond:

“Greetings and many thanks for the kind words, which came bouncing back to me this morning on the ‘dashboard’ of the Accidental Theologist –

“What I was referring to is indeed Hebrew: the Shema Israel, the central declaration of faith in Judaism (“Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One”). And the way the Fatiha is used in Islam — the frequency and variety of its use, that is — does indeed give it the status of the Lord’s Prayer and the Shema combined.

“Here’s to arcing, graceful bridges — Lesley H.”

— C.B. Hanif

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“From King to…Cosby?” Model Dialogue series continues Sunday, Jan. 23 featuring 2011 MLK honoree Edith Bush

January 21st · Martin Luther King, New Africa of the Palm Beaches

New Africa of the Palm Beaches’ Model Dialogue series kicks off Sunday, Jan. 23, 2-4 p.m. with: “From King to…Cosby?”

A forum on whether African-America’s glass is half-empty in light of Dr. Bill Cosby’s recent controversial comments. Specially invited to share unique perspective: Edith Bush, executive director of the Martin Luther King Jr. Coordinating Committee, 2011 recipient of Palm Beach State College’s prestigious MLK Individual Leadership Award.

Sunday, Feb. 20: “Where El Hajji Malik el-Shabazz was heading…”

On the anniversary of the assassination of Malcolm X, Imam Jaabir Muhammad shares unique insight from the days of the original Nation of Islam to our current day.

Sunday, March 20: “Constantine’s Sword”

James Carroll’s compelling documentary exposes the religiously inspired violence and intolerance discovered during his personal search for a better future.

Sunday, April 17: NAPB’s  10th Annual Family Interfaith Picnic

(Dyer Park, West Palm Beach. More details to come.)

All Programs 2-4 p.m. at

The United Methodist Church of the Palm Beaches

900 Brandywine Road, West Palm Beach 33409

Moderator: C.B. Hanif, multimedia journalist

No admission fee; donations accepted

Join our gatherings featuring remarkable cultural diversity and exemplary models for interaction and cooperation.

Directions from I-95: Exit #71 west onto Palm Beach Lakes Blvd. Turn right at third traffic light and left at stop sign. UMCPB is on left. Room #115. More information call 561-309-5476.

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MLK meets the Tea Party?

January 19th · Martin Luther King

It’s fair to wonder how much, in communities all over our country, the majority of the Tea Party movement will be focused on his message on this King holiday and going forward.

— From my latest commentary in Florida Weekly.

Edith Bush, executive director of West Palm Beach’s Martin Luther King Jr. Coordinating Committee, at the 30th Annual MLK Scholarship Breakfast, Jan. 17 at the Palm Beach County Convention Center.

Read the column here. See the page here. See this week’s entire Digital Edition here. Or just keep reading. More MLK Day scenes:

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At 50th, Church of the Palms as welcoming as ever

January 1st · Christian, The Coastal Star

“If you can come with no shoes on, come on in. If we can find some shoes, we’ll give them to you” — Henrietta Smith.

— My latest InterFaith21 spotlight in The Coastal Star.

Henrietta Smith reads the Litany of Commemoration at the 50th anniversary commemoration of the first communion of the Church of the Palms in Delray Beach on Nov. 14. Oher officers of the Women's Fellowship pictured are: Margot Beck (left), Marlene Hambleton, Polly Champ and Edie Kutz. (photo provided)

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The International League of Muslim Women, South Florida Chapter’s 5th Annual Shop ’Til You Drop Day delights

December 25th · Imam W. Deen Mohammed

“You all have some of everything here.”

“This is like having real money to shop with.”

“The children’s clothes are free? I can’t believe that.”

“I’m so glad that you invited us — this is really a good thing that you are doing.”

“I’m going to church because I found me some church hats, some church clothes and some church shoes! I’m going to look good when I go to church!”

Members recalled similar comments from guests of the 5th Annual Shop ’Til You Drop Day organized by The International League of Muslim Women’s South Florida Chapter.

The public service event, held Dec. 18 at Masjid Ibrahim on Miami’s 7th Avenue, benefits women in homeless, drug treatment and battered women’s shelters.

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No labels needed to reflect on Christmas

December 24th · Christian, Florida Weekly, Imam W. Deen Mohammed, Jesus, Muslim, Prophet Muhammad, Quran

Imam W.D. Mohammed undoubtedly said it best:

“With reference to a saying of the Holy Prophet, your Imam calls attention to the fact that Muslims are to contribute to the wholesomeness of Christian religious holiday festivals. An indication of the Muslim role in promoting respect for wholesome and sacred celebrations is found in the teaching of Prophet Muhammed, which prohibits arbitrary fasting during the holidays of people of the Book. The purpose serves to preserve and to promote solemn respect for G-d and for the sacred devotion of all people.”

My thoughts in that spirit, in my latest Florida Weekly commentary:

“We need no labels to reflect on traditions, values at Christmas“

The column’s here. See the entire digital edition here. Or keep reading:

Amid all the joys of Christmas, most folks find time for reflection, if only for a moment, seeking meaning in the holiday season. So, dare I wade into the social and political swamp of (yikes!) “meaning” in this winter holiday season?

You betcha. Because despite rampant commercialism, Christmas is a spiritual commemoration of the miracle birth of Christ Jesus, peace be upon him, and of that great teacher’s way of bringing the light into the world.

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Latest C.B. Hanif, writer/editor links: the Sharing & Caring season — and WikiLeaks too

December 14th · Florida Weekly, HanifOnMedia.com, InterFaith21.com, South Florida Times, The Coastal Star

In South Florida The Season is going full swing. In my latest InterFaith21 essay in The Coastal Star, I note that Thanksgiving, the Hajj, Hanukkah and Christmas are among this year’s winter holiday highlights — and serve as reminders that “Sharing and caring are the best messages of the season.”

Also, my Catalyst for Justice colleagues Jane Tierney, Rabbi Paul Menitoff and I continue to receive affirmation of C4J’s potential. So say I in my Florida Weekly commentary, “Racial profiling: Let’s deconstruct it, rethink it to improve community.” The South Florida Times too reported on our well-received workshop at Florida Atlantic University. As I mentioned here, the program featured noted University of South Florida research-and-training expert Dr. Lori Fridell.

Last, over on HanifOnMedia.com, from Florida Weekly, I weigh in on the latest WikiLeaks release — with a little help from my friends.

Don’t hesitate to leave your comments and ideas. With appreciation.

— C.B. Hanif

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Baptists & Muslims? And more: ‘Model Interfaith Dialogue & Unity’ series continues this Sunday Dec. 19

December 14th · Bible, Christian, Focolare, Jewish, Muslim, Quran

On the courtyard of Temple Israel following “An Interfaith Thanksgiving Service Celebrating Our Diversity.”

Before sharing more scenes from some wonderful recent activities — among them the Thanksgiving interfaith gathering at Temple Israel in West Palm Beach, and at the Friends (Quaker) Meeting House in Lake Worth — I  should mention the next installment in our monthly interfaith DVD & Discussion series. Coming up this Sunday, Dec. 19, it’s “Different Books, Common Word: Baptists and Muslims.” This notable documentary by EthicsDaily.com posits:

From Boston to the Bible Belt and from Beaumont to the nation’s beltway, Baptists and Muslims are changing history with the way they change each other. Tired of being defined by extremists, some Baptists and Muslims in the United States have sought and found common ground: the common word in both traditions to love God and love neighbor. The courageous Baptists and Muslims in “Different Books, Common Word” will surprise you.

Robert Parham, executive editor of EthicsDaily.com and the documentary’s co-producer/director, says: “The Bible calls us to love our neighbors, not as a means of conversion, but because it’s the right thing to do.” That’s the Quranic view too — as in myriad other traditions.

All are welcome to join our warm company of spiritually and ethnically diverse friends, 2-4 p.m. at the United Methodist Church of the Palm Beaches, 900 Brandywine Road, West Palm Beach 33409.

As always, these “Models for Interfaith Dialogue and Unity” gatherings are organized by New Africa of the Palm Beaches, with support of local clergy and lay friends. The programs provide opportunities to transcend religious, ethnic and cultural divisions by learning from and about each other, while developing exemplary models for human interaction and cooperation. There’s no fee; donations to support this effort are welcome. More info: 561-309-5476.

With our dear Mercedes Mont of the Focolare, the worldwide Christian movement, than whom I know no better followers of Christ Jesus, upon whom be Peace.

Aneesha and Mercedes, caring, sharing, not wanting to leave.

More scenes:

Rabbi Richard Chapin, our humble host, welcoming all to "An Interfaith Thanksgiving Service Celebrating Our Diversity," Nov. 23 at Temple Israel in West Palm Beach.

It was a joy to meet Pastor Acosta.

Cantor Paul Offenkrantz and the Temple Israel musicians were spirit-moving.

Cantor Offenkrantz

My dear friend Deacon Dennis Demes, of the Diocese of Palm Beach, touched my heart with his comments.

The Children's Choir of Church Jesus Redentor de Vida was awesome.

In my Thanksgiving remarks...

...I shared the advice embraced by Luqman the Wise: "And whoever is thankful, is so to the profit of his own soul. And any who is ungrateful should know that G-d is Self-Sufficient, free of all wants, worthy of all praise" (Quran 31.12).

Our guest speaker Melanie Nezer, senior director, U.S. Programs and Advocacy, Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society.

Delightedly reconnecting with Charles Damsel, one of my longtime readers.

Whether with longtime friends or new...

... it truly was "An Interfaith Thanksgiving Service Celebrating Our Diversity."

Meanwhile, during the Lake Worth Interfaith Network's "6th Annual Thanksgiving Service of Gratitude"...

...at the The Friends (Quaker) Meeting Nov. 25...

Deacon Patricia Masterman of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, who pulled us all together this year...

... offered a Native American Prayer replete with drum.

I reprised many of my Thanksgiving comments from Temple Israel.

Nirmi & Vinod Sandanasamy shared a Tamil Indian Prayer.

Our friend Cynthia Friend of the Palm Beach Dharma Center, who shared a Buddhist prayer.

After, some of us paused for a photo (L-R): Rabbi Jenny Skylark, Noam Brown, Hanif, Pat Masterman, Javier del Sol, Rev. Taylor Stevens.

Later, enjoying Thanksgiving time with Melton Mustafa...

...and family and friends — and his video camera.

A few days later, checking in at the Palm Beach County Convention Center Dec. 2 ...

...to join in honoring my friend, master photographer Bevins Bennett, and others....

...as host committee members celebrated the Black Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County's annual Ascension Awards. (L-R): Keely Taylor, Verdenia Baker, Bevins Bennett, Thais Sullivan, Aneesha Hanif.

— C.B. Hanif

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El Sol a bright light in immigration debate

November 20th · Florida Weekly

Talking with Jupiter Councilman Jim Kuretski.

From my latest Florida Weekly commentary, Jupiter Councilman Jim Kuretski on the El Sol Neighborhood Resource Center:

“My position as an elected official is that any federal immigration policy reforms must take local community perspectives into account. And when we analyze why we have had no action for years, it’s my take that the inability of the federal government to effectively deal with immigration related issues is because there are such hardline positions on both sides of the debate, and there’s a willingness by federal officials to take a do-nothing approach year after year after year.”

In the meantime, he said, all the basic misperceptions have been disproved in Jupiter. “We’re grateful that we have our immigrant residents.”

Read the rest here. See this week’s entire Digital Edition here.

(R-L): Jocelyn Sabbagh, director of the El Sol Neighborhood Resource Center, Jane Tierney, CEO of Catalyst for Justice, and Jupiter Councilman Jim Kuretski...

...spoke to an attentive audience during a two-part session on immigration policy titled, "Is Florida the Next Arizona?"...

...during the South Florida Diversity Alliance's annual Diversity Summit, Oct. 30 at Nova Southeastern University.

— C.B. Hanif

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