wisdomsolutions

Interfaith Connect - An April 25th Interfaith Event for Youth and Young Adults

2010-03-24T13:45:00.004-04:00

Dear Folks Interested in WISDOM's Interfaith Connect Global Youth Service Day in partnership with YouthVille Detroit on Sunday April 25th from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM.

We are finally set for our interfaith community service event. We hope adults, young adults and teens of many faith traditions will come together on this Global Youth Service Day to assemble and paint park benches, paint picnic tables and the park fence, mulch, rake, weed and plant flowers, and have some time to make new friends.

Below are the flyers for the event at Gordon Park in Detroit along with registration forms, permission slips and waiver forms, health forms and a contract. Please note that all forms must be signed by parents in order for their son or daughter to participate in this interfaith event. Youth and parents must read, complete, sign and submit all forms.

I am asking that all forms be mailed by April 20th to the WISDOM Address at

WISDOM
P.O. Box 525
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48303

If you plan to bring these forms with you and your youth to the event, you must contact me and let me know this.

And all questions should be forwarded to me at

gailkatz@comcast.net or 248-978-6664

Please get back to me as soon as possible with an estimate of how many youth/young adults plan to come to Gordon Park from your organization, and how many adults will be accompanying them.

We are asking everyone to bring their own picnic lunch. Beverages will be supplied by YouthVille Detroit, and WISDOM will supply some goodies for dessert.

Boots, jeans, old clothes, insect repellent, sun screen and rain gear if needed should be brought by all participants.

Youthville Detroit will supply work gloves and tools.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Gail Katz
WISDOM President

JOIN INTERFAITH CONNECT!!
(Youth Division of Women's Interfaith Solutions for

Dialogue and Outreach in MetroDetroit)

http://www.interfaithwisdom.org/

In Partnership with Youthville Detroit

FOR AN INTERFAITH COMMUNITY SERVICE EVENT

FOR GLOBAL YOUTH SERVICE DAYS!

ADULTS, YOUNG ADULTS, AND TEENS

OF ALL FAITH TRADITIONS INVITED!

SUNDAY, APRIL 25, 2010

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

(Come for all or part of the day!!)

At Gordon Park

Clairmont and Rosa Parks Blvd. in Detroit

(parking on either side of the park or in lot across the street)

At this Interfaith Community Service Event we will

Assemble and paint park benches
Paint picnic tables and park fence
mulch, rake, weed and plant flowers

Bring a picnic lunch, boots, jeans, old clothes, insect repellent, sun screen, rain gear if necessary

Beverages, work gloves, and tools provided by Youthville Detroit!!

Do not bring any electronic devices!!

Please see attached registration forms, permission slips, waiver forms, health forms and contract. All forms must be signed by parents in order for their son/daughter to participate in this event! Youth and parents must read, complete, sign and submit the contract and health form to participate.

Training and Orientation for Adult facilitators along with 2-3 of their youth participants will be held on Monday, April 19th at Youthville Detroit, 7375 Woodward, Detroit 48202 at 6:00 PM

An Adult Must Accompany Each Group of Youth
(No More than 8 Youth Per Adult)

QUESTIONS? CONTACT Gail Katz 248-978-6664 or Nancy Otto 248-227-4159

_____________________________________________________________

Youth Director/Leader Registration Form

10:00 AM – REGISTRATION

10:15 AM - 1:00 PM Work Cleaning up Gordon Park in Detroit

• Assemble and paint park benches
• paint picnic tables
• mulch
• rake
• weed and plant flowers/plants
• paint the fence

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM "GETTING TO KNOW YOU LUNCH"

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Continue working in Gordon Park

NAME OF CONTACT ______________________________________________

NAME OF ORGANIZATION _________________________________________

EMAIL ADDRESS ________________________________________________

CELL PHONE __________________ HOME/OFFICE PHONE ______________

FAITH TRADITION (optional) ______________________________________

How many people are in your group? ________________________________

What are the ages of the youth/young adults that are coming with you? ___

The participants from each organization/family must complete individual permission slips/liability waiver & release forms (See attached forms) to participate in this Interfaith Connect event. There is a separate form for adults and youth (18 and under).

These registration forms should be mailed to:

WISDOM, P.O. Box 525, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48303

by April 20th. If you are planning to bring the permission slips with you, please contact Gail Katz, WISDOM President and let her know this.
248-978-6664, gailkatz@comcast.net

NO youth can participate without a signed permission slip!

______________________________________________________________

ADULT
Liability Waiver & Release Form

Name of participant_______________________________________________________

Religious Institution/Faith Tradition_________________________________

Home phone ___________________________________________________

Cell Phone _____________________________________________________

E-mail ________________________________________________________

Liability Waiver and Release Form

On this 25th day of April, 2010, intending to be legally bound hereby, the undersigned agrees and does hereby release from liability and to indemnify and hold harmless WISDOM (Women’s Interfaith Solutions for Dialogue and Outreach in MetroDetroit) and YouthVille Detroit. This release is for any and all liability for personal injuries (including death) and property losses or damage occasioned by, or in connection with any activity or accommodations for this event. The undersigned further agrees to abide by all the rules and regulations promulgated by WISDOM and Youthville Detroit.

________________________________________________________________
(Signature of participant)

________________________________________________________________
(Date) ( Phone numbers in case of any emergency)

______________________________________________________________

YOUTH (Under 18)
Liability Waiver & Release Form

Name of participant_____________________________________________________________

Advisor/Teacher/Parent Responsible _________________________________
Advisor/Teacher/Parent phone number _______________________________

Liability Waiver and Release Form

Your son/daughter is eligible to participate in the Interfaith Connect/YouthVille Detroit Global Youth Service Day event on this 25th day of April, 2010. This event will begin at 10:00 AM and end at 4:00 PM. This activity will take place under the guidance and the supervision of staff and volunteers from YouthVille Detroit. There is a safety training session on Monday, April 19th at 6:00 PM at YouthVille Detroit that youth leaders and the youth themselves should attend. Participants must wear protective wear (gloves, goggles, masks) as needed which will be more specifically defined at the training session and in the participant contract. Please do not bring electronic devices, i.e. IPODS, Handheld video games, Play stations, etc. Cell phones should be used only for emergencies during this event.

I hereby consent to participation by my son/daughter, _______________________________ in the event described above. I understand that this event will take place away from facility grounds and that my son/daughter will be under the supervision of the YouthVille staff and volunteers on April 25, 2010. I consent to the conditions stated herein of this form and the method of transportation to and from the site by the sponsors of their youth group. In consideration of my son/daughter being allowed to participate in this event, I hereby agree on behalf of myself and my child to release YouthVille Detroit and WISDOM, and any and all affiliated organizations, their employees, agents, and representatives, including volunteer drivers (collectively "Releasees"), from any and all claims including negligence, which may be asserted by me or my child, or on behalf of my child, arising from or relating to my child's participation in this event.

In the event this release form on behalf of my child is held to be invalid or unenforceable, I hereby agree to indemnify and hold harmless Releasees from any and all claims, including negligence, which may be asserted by me or my child or on behalf of my child arising from or relating to my child's participation in this event. The undersigned agrees and does hereby release from liability and to indemnify and hold harmless WISDOM (Women’s Interfaith Solutions for Dialogue and Outreach in MetroDetroit and YouthVille Detroit. This release is for any and all liability for personal injuries (including death) and property losses or damage occasioned by, or in connection with any activity or accommodations for this event. The undersigned further agrees to abide by all the rules and regulations promulgated by WISDOM and the Youthville Detroit.

I give my permission for my child to participate in this community service project.

_____________________________________ ________________________
(Signature of parent/guardian) (Date)

(Parent/guardian’s home phone, cell phone, emergency contact)

______________________________ _______________________________

Parent’s e-mail Youth e-mail

______________________________________________________________

PARTICIPANT CONTRACT

Global Youth Service Day is an experience where you will have the opportunity to help revitalize the Detroit community, earn service hours, grow in leadership and enrich your life. Interfaith Connect is giving youth and young adults of many faith traditions the chance to interact with others that you may never have had the chance to meet and make new friends!!
The success of this event will depend on positive attitudes and the willingness to participate fully in the program with enthusiasm and cooperation. To help promote these goals the following are some guidelines that you are asked to read and commit to following during your participation.

GOALS
♦ To bring positive energy and hope to the community.
♦ To respect the rights and dignity of all those we meet and help.
♦ To develop leadership skills and provide an experience of working as a team.

♦ PROGRAM GUIDELINES

♦ Participants must submit a signed health release form with emergency contact numbers and insurance.
♦ Participants must stay on worksite grounds unless accompanied by an adult.
♦ Participants are not allowed in vehicles driven by anyone under the age of 21. No one is allowed to ride in the back of a pickup vehicle.
♦ No smoking by participants or adult volunteers.
♦ Dress should be appropriate for the weather and activities. Work shoes that cover the entire foot and are sturdy -- required. NO SANDALS! You must wear pants with a belt. No sweat pants or shorts. You should wear old clothes that you don't mind getting messy.
♦ Participants must use tools only as instructed.
♦ Absolutely no drug or alcohol use.

In order for the event to be as successful and positive for everybody, participants who cause a negative experience for others or the program through an unwillingness to follow the guidelines, disrespect to adult leaders, staff or other participants, or involvement in any drug or alcohol use will result in the participant being sent home.
I have read and agreed to the above program goals, guidelines and participant responsibilities and would like to be a participant in the Global Youth Service Day event.

Date: __________________ _____________________ Participant Signature

Date: ___________________________________________ Parent's Signature

___________________________________________________________

HEALTH FORM
And Medical Treatment Release Form

NAME __________________________________________
BIRTHDATE ________________ _________________________

ADDRESS ________________________________________________
CITY _____________________________ ZIP ______________________

HOME PHONE ______________________________________

ALTERNATE PHONE ___________________________________

PAGER/CELL/ OTHER ___________________________________________

EMERGENCY CONTACT: _______________________________________

PHONE: __________________________________________________

FAMILY PHYSICIAN: _____________________________________________
ADDRESS: _________________________________________
PHONE: __________________

HEALTH INSURANCE COMP: _______________________________________

POLICY # ___________________________________________________
Is there any special dietary or medical requirements: i.e. asthmatic, diabetic, hypoglycemic ?
Yes / No

If yes, please describe condition and specific needs.
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Are there any restrictions or recommendations?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Please indicate if your son/daughter is on any kind of medication? (For what medical problem, what kind of medication, dosage, special instructions, i.e. with meals, etc. )
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Does your son/daughter have any allergies? What are they and what are their symptoms? What treatment do they take for their allergies?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Is your son/daughter allergic to any medications or drugs? I.e. penicillin, antibiotics including antibiotic ointments? ______________________________________________________________________
Immunization history: please include dates
DPT Booster _________________ Tetanus _______________
Polio __________________
PAST ILLNESSES: (Check mark the ones that apply)
Asthma _____ Convulsions _____ Heart Trouble _____ Rheumatic Fever ____
Diabetes _____ Bronchitis _____ Kidney Trouble _____ Sinusitis _____
Hay Fever _____ Fainting _____ Allergy to Bee Sting _____
Allergy to Poison Ivy ______

Medical Treatment Release

As a parent/guardian, I do hereby authorize the treatment by a qualified and licensed Medical physician, selected by the YouthVille staff, in an emergency which, in the opinion of the attending physician, may endanger his/her life, cause disfigurement, physical impairment, or undue discomfort if delayed, to hospitalize, secure proper treatment for and to authorize injection, anesthesia or surgery for my son /daughter ____________________. This authority is granted only after a reasonable effort has been made to reach me.

In signing this application, I hereby certify that the above information is correct and give permission for my son/daughter to be transported to and from a medical facility in the case of a medical emergency, and for the release of medical records to an attending physician in case of illness.

In case of medical emergency, I understand that every effort will be made to contact parents or guardians of participants. In the event that I cannot be reached, I hereby give permission to the physician selected by the YouthVille staff to hospitalize, secure proper treatment for, and to order injection, anesthesia or surgery for my son/daughter, as named herein.

In addition, I understand that no medication for pain relief such as Tylenol, Advil or aspirin will be dispensed by the staff unless in a medical emergency situation. Accordingly, I hereby give my son/daughter permission to take __________________ (list type of pain reliever you will be sending with your son/daughter) according to the prescribed recommended dosage of the pain reliever as needed.

Name of minor: ____________________________

Relationship to you: _________________________

This release form is completed and signed of my own free will with the sole purpose of authorizing medical treatment under emergency circumstances in my absence.

Signature of Parent or Guardian ___________________________________

Date: _________________________________________________________

Print name of Parent or Guardian ___________________________________

Update on Future WISDOM Events for 2010

2010-03-01T15:51:00.002-05:00

HERE ARE SOME WISDOM EVENTS COMING UP IN THE NEAR FUTURE!!

If you would like to register or you need more information, please email Gail at gailkatz@comcast.net or call 248-978-6664.

SATURDAY, MARCH 6, 7:00 pm, FIVE WOMEN FIVE JOURNEYS: HOW DIFFERENT ARE WE?, at the Universalist Unitarian Church of Farmington, 25301 Halsted Rd. in Farmington Hills.

SUNDAY, MARCH 14, 10:15 AM - 3:00 PM, DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES ON CHRISTIANITY, St. John's Episcopal Church in Royal Oak. Services, followed by lunch ($15.00 charge), then panel dissussion.

SUNDAY, APRIL 18, begins late morning and includes lunch, FIVE WOMEN FIVE JOURNEYS: HOW DIFFERENT ARE WE? at Congregation Beth Shalom in Oak Park

SUNDAY, APRIL 25, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Global Youth Service Day with Youthville Detroit. Interfaith Community Service event with high school youth of many faith traditions. We will be cleaning up Gordon Park in Detroit!! Bring your youth and join us!!

SUNDAY, JUNE 6, Community Service Day with WINGS (Women in Need of Guidance and Skills) in Detroit, Showing of DVD "Pray the Devil Back to Hell."

My Experiences with Religious Diversity in Australia and New Zealand, December 2009

2009-12-23T23:33:00.002-05:00

GAIL KATZ’S JOURNAL ABOUT HER RELIGIOUS ENCOUNTERS
AND OBSERVATIONS DURING HER TRIP
TO AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND
DECEMBER 2009

I have had the pleasure of writing about my experiences with religious diversity during my incredible trip to Australia and New Zealand (November 30th – December 19th, 2009), including my time at the Parliament of the World's Religions Conference, entitled “Hearing Each Other, Healing the Earth” in Melbourne Australia. I hope you enjoy my journal and the photos that accompany my thoughts!!

Gail Katz, December 2009

I left Detroit on November 28th with my husband, Bob, to fly to Australia to attend the 2009 Parliament of the World's Religions in Melbourne, Australia. Our plane left from LAX and landed in Auckland, New Zealand where we caught a Qantas flight to Cairns (pronounced like "cans"), Australia for a visit to the Great Barrier Reef and an exploration of the native wildlife there (incredible wallabees, platypuses, dingos, koalas and birds).

The beautiful landscape and the moonlit ocean waves in front of my hotel were so spiritual, but my visit in Cairns to the St. Monica’s Catholic Church, home of the Peace and Creation Stained Glass Windows, was a highlight. The Peace Window (according to the brochure made available in the church) celebrates the fifty years of peace in the Pacific region since the end of World War Two. The Cathedral itself was built as a war memorial commemorating the decisive Battle of the Coral Sea which was fought east of Cairns in May of 1942. The windows incorporate layers of meaning – natural, historical and spiritual. Some of the elements of the Peace window include a smudged dove (the Holy Spirit) which struggles to emerge in the upper right window, while in the left is a rainbow with clouds parting to reveal the sun, recalling Noah’s story with God’s renewed Covenant. Whales and dolphins frolic in a procession across the window. They represent God’s presence, as angels would have done in more traditional religious windows. They hint that they are the intelligent ones who do not go to War!! “Peace” is also written in 28 other languages around the border of the window. Whatever part of the world you are from, the word for “peace” may be recognized.

There is a lot more to say about the Peace Window at the center of the church, but along both sides is a breathtaking depiction in 24 stained glass panels of the theme of Creation in Genesis Ch. 1 & 2. The Creation theme provides the entire space with a sense of unity. The first twelve windows on one side of the church represent a world as yet uninhabitable to human beings. Darkness, deep space, the ocean, hot lava landscapes and a choking sulphurous atmosphere cannot sustain air breathing creatures. The stained glass panels then gradually depict the flora and fauna of Australia. The windows depict the creation of the heaven and earth and the tranquil, restful scene when God completed His work and rested. The windows eventually depict Paradise Lost as you approach the last set of twelve stained glass panels. The clouds, the sunset, the mountains, leaves and tree trunks are intensified in color and spirit to a point of brilliant light in the final image of the windows. All things are returning to God! I was so captivated by the stained glass (yes, I am a collector of comtemporary glass!!) and so moved spiritually by the intensity of this magnificent display that I had a hard time leaving the church.

From Cairns, I flew to Melbourne to attend the first three days of the six-day Parliament of the World’s Religions Conference. How does one describe what it was like to be in the same space with just about every faith tradition and just about every cultural dress and headdress? Here I was at this interfaith conference of about 8,000 people from about 150 countries of the world - looking at the incredible diversity of humanity - the colorful saris and robes, the multitude of kipot, turbans, hijabs, and shaved heads, along with every shade of skin on this earth. I was completely in awe of how beautiful the religious communities of the world were in this coming together of men and women from the far away corners of the earth. There were Sikhs talking with Jews and Monks conversing with Hindus. No matter where you went within the Melbourne Exhibition Center, everyone was polite and anxious to find out who you were and where you were from. There was the Tibetan monk making a sand painting of vibrant colors, right next to the shrine of the Dalai Lama, who was scheduled to be the closing keynote speaker on the last day of the conference.

In the midst of this beauty - earnest people coming together to share ideas, increase respect, and work together on interfaith initiatives - the protesters were attracting attention outside of the Melbourne Exhibition Hall - the Atheists who were shouting - "Human Rights, not Religious Rites" and the fundamentalist Christians with their banners crying "There's only one path to God - Jesus!" - reminders that people who do not open their minds to others can only produce hate and fear. It seems that Religion and Controversy struggle with each other all over the World. But we were inside the magnificent Exhibition Center - the folks that were here to listen to each other, to figure out how to save Mother Earth together, how to end poverty, and how to empower women. People who would never have come together were it not for this World Religions Conference, and would never have had the chance to dialogue with each other. I loved that a group of Sikh students stopped Rabbi Brad Hirschfield and asked him "What does it mean to be Jewish?" and together they spent an hour learning about each others' religions.

There was the dinner conversation I had with a Muslim from Tasmania who introduced me to his Imam, sitting right next to me, who was from Malaysia, and informed me that the oldest synagogue in Australia was in Tasmania, not far from his mosque of 150 people. Below are more highlights and happenings that I encountered in this very exciting conference atmosphere.

I attended a session concerned with HIndu-Jewish Dialogue, a dialogue between members of the two oldest religions. Rabbi David Rosen (Director of the American Jewish Committee's Department of Interreligious Affairs), Swami Avdeshananda Giri, Swami Parmamananda Saraswati and Bawa Jain (Secretary General of the World Council of Religious Leaders) were the speakers at this dialogue. It was interesting to hear mention of the large number of Israelis who go to India, many of them estranged from their own religion, and in the process of discovering Hinduism, also discover their own traditions. Many of these Israelis return to Israel as more committed Jews. The point was made that there are very small distinguishing traits among the DNA of human beings, and thus our religions have so much in common such as the values of family, work ethic and faith.

Rabbi Rosen delineated many of the ways that the Jewish and Hindu communities were reaching out to one another, especially through many of the efforts of the American Jewish Committee.
How surprising it was after his presentation when a member of the Hindu community stood up and proclaimed that this mutual understanding between Hindus and Jews would NEVER happen!! Needless to say he was chastised for this outburst, but I do wonder what he was doing at a gathering of the people of the world's religions for interfaith understanding!!

The Friday evening, December 4th, that I was at this incredible conference in Melbourne, I was invited as part of “Communities Night” to attend Shabbat services at the Progressive synagogue in the area, Temple Beth Israel. I was instructed how to get there by use of the public tram system, and promptly ended up in the wrong place on the wrong tram. The people I spoke to on the tram were most helpful and a woman on my tram even got off before her destination to make sure that I was headed in the right direction to the synagogue. The people in Australia were so friendly and personable! Most of the synagogues in Australia are Orthodox. Progressive Judaism, similar to Reform Judaism in the States, is "an enlightened approach to Jewish practice and belief that seeks to draw on the best of Jewish tradition while responding proactively to the modern world," according to their pamphlet in the lobby of the synagogue. "The most obvious difference is our egalitarian outlook; men and women are treated equally in all aspects of synagogue life and sit together in the synagogue. We enjoy accompanying our worship with a range of musical instruments, including the organ. Though we value areas of ritual such as ‘kashrut’ (keeping kosher) and observe them within the synagogue, on a personal level we respect people's autonomy and encourage our members to make informed decisions about their Jewish life style and beliefs. Sermons often address topics of social justice and human rights that come under the heading of ‘tikkun olam,’ mending a broken world. We endeavor to show respect to people of all faiths." Temple Beth Israel is very proud of the fact that they are the first progressive congregation in Australia and New Zealand. The warmth of the community and of Rabbi Fred Morgan, the Senior Rabbi, was an experience that I won't forget. Rabbi Morgan was very involved in the Conference as well, participating in conversation with Swami Shankarananda. Both of these religious leaders had come from similar backgrounds - both Jewish New Yorkers, graduates of Columbia University, and “Hinduphiles,” yet they have ended up in two very different spiritual places. They are working together to identify points of mutual respect and common concern as religious leaders in contemporary Australia.

I have to say, as the president of WISDOM (Women's Interfaith Solutions for Dialogue and Outreach in MetroDetroit) I was quite taken with the many sessions that focused on breaking through patriarchy and underscoring new visions for women of faith. Gender relations have emerged as one of the central social and political challenges for the 21st century, and they have special significance for the world's religions. New opportunities and roles for women are opening new vistas and reflect universally agreed-upon human rights, but a host of obstacles still stand in the way of these ideals. I discovered the eloquence of Sister Joan Chittister, (Executive Director of Benetvision, a center for contemporary spirituality in Erie, Pennsylvania), who was a very dominant figure at this conference. She spoke about the fact that 70 % of people in poverty are women. In her focus on gender equality, she underscored the plight of undowried widows, illiterate girls, beaten and trafficked women, and encouraged all of us to face the fact that religion has a lot to do with these atrocities. It was mentioned at this presentation that "women, religion and development" is a barren area when it comes to research, and should be an action item and a priority. The website www.enditnow.org was highlighted. This is a global campaign to raise awareness and advocate for the end of violence against women and girls around the world. The Women, Faith and Development Alliance (WFDA) was also highlighted.

For the first time, women's organizations, faith communities and the international development community have come together to tackle the issue of women in poverty, creating one of the most powerful and far-reaching, anti-poverty coalitions in history. WFDA's goal is to “launch a campaign that will increase financial and other investment in women and girls by governments, multilateral institutions, non-governmental organizations, corporations, and individuals.” Gather the Women, another organization mentioned, invites women to “demonstrate their courage to risk leaving old conformities by joining with millions of others throughout the world to celebrate women's true worth, to express shared concern for our human family, and to create and support actions that will enable humanity to live together in a balanced, harmonious and peaceful world.”

How sobering was the fact, mentioned by Jane Sloan, Executive Director of the International Women's Development Agency, that it would cost the world two days of military spending to save the lives of six million women and girls. Sr. Joan Chittister underscored the fact that the world wide attitude toward gay men is so poor because the feminization of men is just another comment on the inferior status of women - a further statement about men's attitude toward women and their view of their own masculinity. Jacqueline Ogega, a speaker from Kenya, and the director of the African Women of Faith Network, described the potential power of women. At the brutal height of the civil war in Sierra Leone, a group of women of different faiths, distraught at their children being forcibly recruited as child soldiers, boldly decided to confront the rebels in their mountain bases, and were allowed to take some of the child soldiers back with them. This incident, said Ms. Ogega, is an example of how women have contributed to resolving conflicts in Africa, even though they are largely excluded at the political level. Women of faith had also banded together after the genocide that claimed up to 1 million lives in Rwanda to overcome deep hatred between Tutsis and Hutus and their own personal trauma to promote forgiveness. "Women are generally undervalued or not valued at all and are marginalized in terms of conflict resolution. Most of the time we look at women as victims of conflict rather than as resolving conflicts, and it is very important for us to shift that mentality." Liberian Peace Activist Asatu Bah-Kenneth, promoter and cast member of the film "Pray the Devil Back to Hell" (which was shown at the Conference, and which WISDOM plans to show as a community service event with WINGS - Women in Need of Guidance and Skills in Detroit - sometime in February), was unable to attend the conference as she could not get a visa for Australia. Her film highlights the Muslim and Christian Liberian women who, after more than a decade of civil wars leading to more than 250,000 deaths and one million refugees, rose up and forced peace on their shattered country and propelled to victory the first female head of state on the African continent!!

I have to admit I became a Sr. Joan Chittister junkie throughout this conference, and followed her to two other presentations, one entitled "The Divine Feminine." Female divinity, or feminine aspects to the divine, can be found in many religious traditions. For some women and men, the Divine Feminine is a source of strength and balance. The feminine aspects of the divine are foundational to their religious practice. Redressing the current imbalances of the world - excessive greed, polarization, isolation and environmental destructions - require a new or renewed connection to the feminine energies of the divine. Joan Chittister stated that every major spiritual tradition has a strong presence of the feminine. She addressed the fact that when God spoke to Moses, God said "I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: 'I AM has sent me to you.'" There was no gender delineated in God’s words. But most of the world defines God's presence as a masculine one. Joan said to us that we are confused about who God is, but God does not have an identity problem! By casting God in male form only, we limit our knowledge of God and lose sight of God, our mother. In Joan's powerful words, she instructed her audience that by eliminating God, the mother, we "see with one eye, we hear with one ear, we think with only half of our brain, and IT SHOWS!!" Women, who are left out of property, politics, food, water and schooling are the invisible majority of the human race. When I later attended the session entitled "Conversation with Sister Joan Chittister" it was fascinating to see that over half of the audience were men, clearly demonstrating that the societal problems previously discussed are no longer just a women's problem, but the entire human race is struggling to deal with them. This was in contrast, according to Joan, of the women-only sessions that were held at similar conferences in the past. Writing about these conference sessions now that I am home, I am struck by the articles that have appeared in the New York Times and the Jerusalem Journal about the struggle for women’s rights at the Western Wall (the Kotel) in Jerusalem. (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/22/world/middleeast/22jerusalem.html) Last month Nofrat Frenkel, age 28, an Israeli medical student and a committed follower of Conservative Judaism, a modern, egalitarian denomination, was the first woman in Israel to be arrested during prayers at the Western Wall for publicly wrapping herself in a tallit (a fringed prayer shawl). About 150 Jewish women recently gathered at the Western Wall to pray and to challenge the constraints imposed on them by traditional Jewish Orthodoxy and a ruling by the Israeli Supreme Court. Under their coats many of these women, supporters of a group of religious activists called Women of the Wall, wore a tallit, traditionally worn only by men. Wearing it openly evidently is an illegal act that can incur a fine or several months in jail. It will be interesting to see if these empowered women can make some headway with the traditional Orthodoxy!! I’m sure that Sister Joan would have powerful comments to make about this occurrence.

As a retired teacher of English as a Second Language in the Berkley School District in Michigan and the former coordinator of the Religious Diversity Journeys for Seventh Graders through the Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion, I was quite intrigued with the session entitled "Innovative Approaches to Interfaith and Multicultural Educational in Schools." This workshop explored different approaches to multicultural and interfaith education in schools through a presentation of innovative pedagogies. These educational approaches encouraged respect for the "other" through a process of storytelling and respectful listening and the use of gardens and nature in children's education. Simon Oats, an Australian teacher, illustrated his methods of working with youth through the sharing of personal stories that gives our youth time for reflection on the negative experiences of bullying, fear and injustice. I was so taken with Simon's presentation that I gave him a copy of Interfaith Heroes, Volume Two, written by Dan Buttry, and told him how I had used these stories when I worked with my seventh graders and encouraged them to become diversity heroes!! Simon promised to keep in touch with me when his storytelling book comes out in print next year. During the Question and Answer period, I stood up and highlighted WISDOM and the Religious Diversity Journeys for Seventh Graders going on in Metro Detroit. One of the session attendees was quite taken with Detroit's interfaith efforts and after the session was over, he presented me with a DVD for the youth that I work with, entitled "Animating the Golden Rule." This DVD illustrates how through self-directed explorations in art, music, rap and drama skits, teenage youth explore ways of embodying the core values of “The Golden Rule” of 13 of the world’s great religions. How appropriate this was, as WISDOM's very first event with youth was a partnership with Kids Against Hunger and our theme was how the core values of "The Golden Rule" were the same in many of the world's great religions!!

Sunday, December 6th was my final day at the Parliament of the World's Religions Conference. Although the conference continued until Wednesday, December 9th, I only attended the first three days, as I brought my husband with me to explore Australia and New Zealand for three weeks. I left him with friends in Melbourne as I gloried in my three-day educational interfaith experience. Sunday offered me a chance to hear four renown rabbis dialogue with each other about "Who Do We Want to Be: Exploring the Mission of the Jewish People in the 21st Century." I was personally interested in this session as a member of the Jewish faith, but it was fascinating to observe that three fourths of the people in the audience were not Jewish (as was evident by a show of hands when the question was asked)!! Contemporary Judaism, whether as expressed in Israel itself or in the Jewish Diaspora, faces many challenges as it moves further away in time from the identification with the Holocaust and from the foundation of Israel. This esteemed panel of Rabbis discussed these challenges and the evolving nature of Judaism today. Along with Rabbi David Rosen, already introduced earlier in my journal, was Rabbi David Saperstein, designated in Newsweek's 2009 list as the most influential rabbi in the United States and described in the Washington Post as the "quintessential religious lobbyist on Capitol Hill." Rabbi Brad Hirschfield was also among the panelists. In November 2008 WISDOM sponsored Rabbi Hirschfield at the West Bloomfield Jewish Community Center's Book Fair. He is the author of You Don't Have to Be Wrong For Me to Be Right: Finding Faith Without Fanaticism and a columnist for Beliefnet.com. Rabbi Jeremy Lawrence, the chief rabbi of the Great Synagogue of Sydney, Australia (which my husband and I visited when we arrived in Sydney three days later), was also present. Some of the major statements at this session were the following:

- Peace in the Middle East is imperative as it is the center of global conflict and the cutting edge of interactions of civilizations. We must break out of the cycle of violence.

- The rest of the world only thinks of the Middle East in terms of politics, and not about its richness and diversity.

- The beauty of the Jewish text is that we are all made in the image of God, and we need to work toward making a better world.

- We are a Noah generation - facing a world that is cursed with lack of resources and poverty - the destruction of the Earth.

- We need to embrace the Jewish commandment of “Tikkun Olam” - repairing the world. We need to embrace this world view and to bring God's light into the world. It is not enough to study the text, but we must live out the commandments through our actions.

- Every story in the Torah has a parallel in other religions with one exception - the story of Moses receiving the Laws at Sinai. The One God called upon the Jewish people to be the ethical people and to embrace social justice even more than the ritual.

- Reform Judaism is a ground breaking movement - with an embracing of GLBT (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered) Jews, mixed marriages and converts, along with acceptance of Jews having a patrilineal descent in addition to the matrilineal descent.

- We must have civility of discourse with each other, because segments of our Jewish community are so angry at each other. Divisions between Jewish groups are deepening.

- Jews are more embraced by different parts of the world now than ever before in Jewish history!!

- The question should not be "Is the world big enough for us, but are we big enough to embrace the world?"

I concluded my Conference sessions with the one entitled "Sacred Envy - Exploring What We Love About Our Faith, What We Admire In Others, and What Challenges Us In Both." The presenters were Rabbi Brad Hirschfield, Sister Joan Chittister (I couldn't resist another session with her wit and wisdom), and Imam Feisal Rauf (author of What's Right with Islam is What's Right with America: A New Vision for Muslims and the West). To be possessed of 'sacred envy' means to be envious of the beauty found in the sacred practices and teachings of faiths not our own. This conversation among the Jewish, Muslim, and Christian leaders encouraged participants to explore what they enjoy most (and least) about their own communities and also what they see as deeply beautiful (and deeply challenging) in others. We can be firmly rooted in one place and look across to another place to say that it has a beauty that only they can pull off. Sacred Envy is like a vaccine. You take in a little bit of the illness so you don't get sick from too much of it. Therefore you can envy another’s religion in a healthy and sacred way to protect ourselves from letting the envy become toxic and unhealthy. We can allow ourselves the luxury of appreciating the beauty of others. Imam Feisal explained that Muslims should not follow only the Prophet Muhammad and forget about the other prophets. Sister Chittister pointed out that God made the Tower of Babel because when everyone spoke the same language and thought the same thoughts, no one learned anything from each other. Rabbi Hirschfield underscored the point that Jewish social activism is not about only helping fellow Jews, but a way of being human and building a better life for everyone. Jewish fear, he stated, has become an obsession. More energy has gone into maintaining the fear of the destruction of the Jewish people (post-Holocaust) than building bridges.

As I prepared to leave the Conference on Sunday afternoon, I stopped to write a personal message on the 60-meter-long scroll already inscribed with thousands of messages of support and hope to the world leaders gathering in Copenhagen for the Climate Change Conference the following week.

I had learned a lot about Australia's religious diversity. 64% of Australians are Christians, with almost 26% being Catholics and almost 19% being Anglicans. This is in contrast to the first census taken in 1911 when 96% of Australians identified themselves as Christian. The non-Christian religions are clustered in Sydney and Melbourne, with 47% of Hindus and 47% of Muslims living in Sydney and 46% of Jews living in Melbourne. Australia's three most common non-Christian religious affiliations are Buddhism, Islam, and Hinduism. Buddhism is the second largest religion in the country after Christianity, with Islam being the third. 73% of the Indigenous population reported an affiliation with a Christian denomination, (Anglican and Catholic for the most part), as I discovered when I spent time with the Maoris in New Zealand.
My husband and I left Australia after a two week stay (which included a visit to Sydney's Jewish Holocaust Museum and a tour of The Great Synagogue) and spent a week in New Zealand. We were so fortunate to take a bus out to the Milford Sound, snapping photos of the incredible mountains, valleys, waterfalls, rock formations and sheep and goats everywhere. We overnighted on a ship in the middle of the Milford Sound, and I felt as if I were in heaven itself, truly God’s creations all around us.

The scenery was spectacular, but the highlight of New Zealand was the day we spent with a private Maori guide, learning about the native religion of this very beautiful country. The Maori are the indigenous people of New Zealand. They are Polynesian and comprise about 14 percent of the country's population. Maoritanga is the native language which is related to Tahitian and Hawaiian. It is believed that the Maori migrated from Polynesia in canoes around the 9th century to 13th century AD. Getting to know our Maori guide, Ngahihi o te ra Bidois, was a treat that I will always cherish. I learned right away that the traditional Maori welcome demands a hongi, which is a greeting that involves pressing noses as opposed to giving kisses.
Ngahi (for short) lives in Rotorua, New Zealand, which is the Maori Cultural Tourist capital of the world. His name was bestowed on him by Maori elders before he was born, and it means “The Rays of the Sun.” Ngahi had worked very hard to attain the relevant knowledge and skills to achieve great financial success working in the business world, and, by the age of 26, he was doing extremely well. But, he told me, he began to realize that he had turned his back on his own indigenous Maori Culture. He had lost his identity as an indigenous Maori of New Zealand. Ngahi revealed these thoughts to me - “Everything was ‘I’ this and ‘I’ that, and I couldn’t see beyond myself.” He went from being in a successful business to being unemployed with no money in the bank within a short period of time. His unemployment helped him to make the decision to come back to his people, his culture and their beliefs. Ngahi looked long and hard at his personal goals and got retrained in the education sector where his teaching included working with children in a Maori Total Immersion school, teaching and managing in what he called the secondary and tertiary sectors as well. He returned home to Rotorua after being away from his family and his tribe for 20 years, and at this time he decided to receive the most valuable gift from his Maori ancestors – the “ta moko” or the facial tattoo. It took 8 hours to have the tattoo permanently etched into his face – 8 very painful hours. Ngahi revealed to me that the tatoo pain was not as bad as the pain he felt when he realized that he had turned his back on his culture and his people, or the corporal punishment his parents received for speaking their indigenous Maori language at school, or the pain his people endured during the enforced colonized loss of their Maori language, land, culture and art forms. He is now so proud to be carrying this gift from his ancestors. As a Maori, the “wairua” or spiritual part of his being is very important to him, and he believes that we all have spiritual guardians. Ngahi explains this in regard to his “ta moko” experience.

“The spiritual part of my being was very significant in the ‘ta moko’ ceremony when I received my gift from my ancestors. During the hours between midnight and 4 in the morning, the pain seemed to disappear and I had visits from my ancestors who came to me from the spiritual realm. They shared many things with me regarding the ‘ta moko’ gift I was receiving and other gifts I had already received. Some had tears of joy as we spoke and they all brought with them light, wisdom and love which rested with me. I am a friend of Te Atua, who you may know as God, the parentless one. He is at the center of my decisions, and it is He who opens doors and encourages me to walk through them. My ‘ta moko’ indicates the gift of ‘seeing’ to those who know the ancient Maori art. There are two ‘matau’ (fish hook designs) on each side of my face which accentuate my eyes, indicating the ability to ‘see.’ My father and my mother also had the ability to ‘see’ into the spiritual realm and it made sense that I would receive at least a portion of it. The gift of ‘matakite’ (being the seer) has always been a part of my life.”

Ngahi took me and my husband to his Maori village where we had a delightful cup of tea with his aunt and uncle. Four of his uncles as well as his father still live in the village that his father’s mother used to own. He showed us his “marae,” his Maori village complex and the meaning of the wooden statues that stand at the entrance to the marae, and explained the Maori attendance at the church that stands next to the marae. St. Faith’s Church in Ohinemutu, Rotorua was the first permanent Christian church in the Rotorua area and was built in 1885. The church was rebuilt and rededicated in 1967. Most of the Maori have some connection to Christianity in addition to their native beliefs which revolve around their ancestors. The church’s decorations represent the Maori culture. The five figures at the base of the pulpit represent the demi-gods of Maori myth – they also represent the Maori in his primitive naked state before the coming of the Word. With the coming of Christianity, the Maori is seen here supporting the pulpit. Outside in the church grounds are tombs of leaders of the tribe. In the chapel is a figure of Christ sandblasted on a plate of glass, and depicts Jesus walking on Lake Rotorua. If you kneel down in front of this window, Jesus’s feet “touch the water.” His cloak is the type worn by the Maori chiefs and is adorned with Kiwi feathers. The mixture of the Maori culture and Christianity in this church was most fascinating and very spiritual.

As the time came for Ngahi to say goodbye and take us back to our Bed and Breakfast, he slipped a package into my hands. When I opened it later, I discovered he had written his memoirs as an inspirational story for others. His book was entitled Ancient Wisdom, Modern Solutions. His personal words to us inscribed in the front cover were “Dear Gail and Bob, Thank you for sharing a day with me in my Paradise. Kia Ora (which means ‘Greetings’)!!”

The next day we made the trip from Rotorua to Auckland, New Zealand, our last stop before we headed back to Los Angeles and then to Detroit. We were invited to attend Saturday Shabbat services at the progressive synagogue in Epson ( a suburb of Auckland) called Beth Shalom. Their rabbi, Dean Shapiro, was an American from Los Angeles, and was the only one in the synagogue that read the Hebrew text without a New Zealand accent!! We were warmly welcomed and were lucky to be part of the Bat Mitzvah of Leora Karon, who was presented with her first Tallit (prayer shawl) by her father (note the major difference here from my previous discussion of women and the tallit at the Western Wall!). Leora’s father reminded the congregation that the fringes (tzitzit) on the tallit are to remind us of the 613 Commandments mentioned in the Torah. I was impressed that Leora was the one to lead the Shabbat morning service predominantly in Hebrew, as well as reading the week’s Parasha (portion) from the Torah – which was the story of Joseph and his brothers in Egypt. How incredible it was to think that this exact same Torah portion was being read in Hebrew on this same Shabbat morning in synagogues all over the world!! As I looked around at the small congregation, I noticed a Maori gentleman wearing the traditional tallit and kipah (head covering)!! In an email conversation with Rabbi Dean Shapiro, he pointed out to me that his synagogue included several folks from the Maori community who considered themselves to be part of the Jewish community!! It was the last day of Chanukah, and it was so meaningful to be in the synagogue as Rabbi Shapiro retold the story of Chanukah, the story of how the Syrian-Greeks sought to forcefully Hellenize the people of Israel, and against all odds, a small bank of faithful Jews defeated one of the mightiest armies on earth, reclaimed the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and rededicated it to the service of God. The rabbi explained that this festival of light celebrates the triumph of light over darkness of purity over adulteration, of spirituality over material things.

As our driver took us on the road back to the Auckland International Airport, he drove by the St. Matthews Anglican Church to talk to us about the controversy that had occurred over the last several days in Auckland. A billboard featuring Joseph and Mary in bed had drawn condemnation from the Catholic Church. The words above the picture said “Poor Joseph, God was a hard act to follow.”
St. Matthews had erected the billboard in the hope of putting to a debate the conception story of Christmas to be able to highlight the real significance of the celebration. Church Vicar Archdeacon Glynn Cardy said that it was intended to challenge stereotypes about the way that Jesus was conceived and get people around the world talking Jesus at Christmas-time!! This controversial billboard was taken down, however, after a woman slashed it with a knife. The Anglican Bishop of Auckland, John Paterson, was among critics, calling the billboard insensitive and disrespectful. Religion and controversy, as we all know too well, frequently go hand in hand!

We landed in the Los Angeles Airport 12 hours after take-off on our Air New Zealand flight, and the next day caught a Delta flight to Detroit. It was on this flight that another interesting religious exchange took place. I had the pleasure of sitting next to a seven-year-old second-grade blond adorable little girl who became my conversation companion for the four and a half hour flight. The little girl was sitting between me and her mother, a young mid-twenties woman from California, who was flying with her husband and three children to spend Christmas with her parents in Wisconsin. As they took their seats next to me and buckled up, the mother glanced my way and saw that I was reading Bruce Feiler’s book entitled Where God Was Born, A Daring Adventure Through the Bible’s Greatest Stories. Her face just lit up, and she asked me if I was also a church-going Christian and did I study the New Testament? I explained to her that reading a book about God did not necessarily make me a Christian, that there were many religions that believed in God. I asked her if she was familiar with the Old Testament as well as the New Testament. She replied that she had read parts of it, but her primary focus was reading the New Testament each day and coming closer to Jesus. I mentioned to her that the Old Testament was called the Torah in Hebrew and was the holy text for people of the Jewish faith, and had come before the New Testament. She was truly flabbergasted that Christianity had come after Judaism, and that Christians studied text that was also holy to the Jews, as she had never met a Jew. We had an interesting discussion about WISDOM, my women’s interfaith organization, and I explained that the women on my Board of Directors were affiliated with 8 different religions, and that I was on my way home from attending a conference about religious diversity at the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Melbourne, Australia. Then her adorable little girl spoke up and announced that she knew one word in Hebrew, and it meant “hello,” but she couldn’t remember what it was. When I mentioned the word “Shalom” which I explained meant “hello,” as well as “goodbye” and “peace” in Hebrew, they were both quite surprised. (I also mentioned this was the name of one of my cats, which the little girl found most amusing!!) This encounter certainly reinforced why our interfaith efforts are so important – to increase respect and understanding about our religious diversity. There are so many people who are living in segregated communities and live with such misconceptions and lack of knowledge. Right after this exchange, my husband tapped me on the shoulder from across the airplane aisle and read me a quote from the New York Times that captured some of the comedians’ lines on TV that week. One of the comedians, Jimmy Fallon, told the joke that President Obama was getting ready to host the administration’s first Chanukah party. In an embarrassing moment, right after the President lit the menorah, Biden blew it out and made a wish. Although a joke, I felt that my airplane companion might have made this same mistake!

And so I am home again, and back to my interfaith activities that I love. I am truly blessed to have been given this opportunity to travel throughout Australia and New Zealand, attend three days of the Parliament of the World’s Religions, connect and converse with people from all over the world, stand in awe in front of spectacular water falls, geysers, mountains, flowers, birds, and animals and realize how wonderful a world we live in, if only we could all understand and respect our differences, expand our world views and just get along with each other! Peace and a Happy and Healthy 2010!!

Gail

WISDOM Events for 2010

2009-12-22T10:24:00.002-05:00

Here is a calendar of events for WISDOM for 2010.

January

7th Program Committee Meeting at Paula Drewek's home at 6:00 PM

7th General Board Meeting from 7:00 - 9:00 PM

27th Sister Circle meeting (place TBD)

31st World Sabbath 4:00 - 6:00 PM at Church of the Holy Family in Novi

February

24th Sister Circle meeting (Place TBD)

25th Five Women, Five Journeys 1:00 - 2:30 PM at Macomb Community College

March

6th Five Women, Five Journeys at Noon National Council of Jewish Women

14th Educational Day about Christianity 10:15 AM at St. John's Episcopal Church in Royal Oak

21st Interfaith Connect!! hosting of "Sacred Storytelling" for high school and college youth at Birmingham Unitarian Church 4:00 - 6:00 PM, with pot luck dinner to follow

April

3rd Easter Vigil Visit to St. Hugo of the Hills

18th Five Women Five Journeys at Congregation Beth Shalom in Oak Park

22nd WISDOM General Board Meeting (Place TBD)

28th Sister Circle

May

5th Third Annual WISDOM Dinner and Installation Ceremony - Peking House, Royal Oak

26th Sister Circle

June

30th Sister Circle

WISDOM Events for November and December 2009

2009-11-09T19:46:00.001-05:00

Below are the WISDOM events for November and December!! We hope to see you!!

Gail

1) This coming Sunday, November 15th at 3:30 PM WISDOM is hosting a “Meet the Author” dessert reception for Bruce Feiler, author of Walking the Bible, Abraham and his latest book entitled America’s Prophet: Moses and the American Story at the West Bloomfield Jewish Community Center, 16600 W. Maple Road (at the intersection of Drake and Maple). Please let Sheri Schiff know if you are planning on attending the reception by emailing her at Sheri1228@yahoo.com, as Sheri will be planning the refreshments. Following the reception, Bruce Feiler is scheduled to talk about his latest book, and WISDOM will be introducing him to the audience starting at 5:00 PM. We hope to see you at both the 3:30 PM dessert reception and the 5:00 PM presentation.

2) Tuesday evening at 7:00 PM at The Community House in Birmingham (380 South Bates Street), WISDOM will be sponsoring “Five Women, Five Journeys, How Different Are We?” as part of the Race Relations & Diversity Task Force. A panel of women from different faith traditions – Muslim, Christian, Jewish, Baha’I, and Hindu – will reflect on the changing roles and expectations of women and discuss their own personal journeys. Are they the same journey?

3) Please see invitation and registration form below for the WISDOM/WINGS Community Service Day on Sunday, December 6th at 2:00 PM.

WISDOM
(WOMEN’S INTERFAITH SOLUTIONS FOR DIALOGUE
AND OUTREACH IN METRODETROIT)

IS PLANNING A COMMUNITY SERVICE DAY

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6TH, 2009
2:00 – 5:00 PM
At WINGS
(Women in Need of Guidance and Skills)
15000 TROJAN, DETROIT 48235
South of 8 Mile, East of the Lodge, West of Hubbell St.
Parking accessible in the back of the building!!

Come and see the Documentary
“PRAY THE DEVIL BACK TO HELL”

Learn how the actions of empowered Liberian Christian and Muslim women helped end a long violent
civil war and gave their country and children a reason to hope for a better tomorrow.

SUPPORT WINGS
In their mission to empower local women and children
to end the cycles of violence and poverty in their lives,
And give them hope for a different tomorrow!!

$10.00 cover charge per person in advance
$15.00 at the door

Our Community Service project will supply these
needed articles to the women and children participating in WINGS programs in Detroit:

1) Toiletries for the women of WINGS
(soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, shampoo)
2) Baby clothes (for newborns through 2 year olds)
3) Science related toys for ages 5-12
4) Pink sweat shirts and sweat pants for teenaged girls (13-17)

Our program will include:

- Registration and a Dessert Reception
- Introduction, Viewing and Discussion of the Documentary
- Presentation of Gifts to WINGS.

______________________________________________________________

Register for the WISDOM/WINGS Community Service Event

Name __________________________________________________
Address _______________________________________________
City and Zip_____________________________________________
Phone number __________________________________________
Email Address __________________________________________
NUMBER OF GUESTS ___________________________________

I PLAN TO PURCHASE THE FOLLOWING:

_____Toiletries for the women of WINGS
_____Baby Clothes (for newborns through 2 year olds)
_____Science related toys for ages 5-12
_____Pink sweat shirts and sweat pants for teenaged girls (13-17)

I am unable to attend but I would like to write a check to WISDOM to support this community service project with WINGS.
I am enclosing a check for _____________.

Please send registration form and your $10.00 check made out to WISDOM to P.O. Box 525, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48303
Or email responses to bsheehanac@aol.com
or call Betty Sheehan at 586-260-4250

WISDOM's International Dinner and Ethnic Heritage Festival

2009-10-26T07:04:00.011-04:00

On Sunday, October 18th WISDOM held its first fundraiser at the North Congregational Church in Farmington Hills. This event entitled "A Taste of WISDOM: Harmony for Humanity International Dinner and Ethnic Heritage Festival" was in honor of the 8th Annual Daniel Pearl World Music Days, a global happening affirming the ideals of interfaith friendship and our shared humanity. WISDOM invited folks to bring food from their family traditions, and we were fortunate to have food from around the world - lots of Asian, Middle Eastern, Eastern and Western European, and North and South American dishes to sample.

After dinner, which included a raffle and silent auction, Gail Katz, President of WISDOM, made a presentation about this wonderful Women's Interfaith organization and its mission to bring together women of different faith traditions, along with their families and friends, to buid respect and understanding, to dispel myths, sterotypes, prejudices, and fear about faith traditions different from our own.

The presentation was then followed by an array of exciting and entertaining ethnic music, dance and song. It was a treat to hear the Yiddish music of the Schmaltz Klezmer Ensemble and to see people of many faith traditions dancing the "hora" around the room. We were blessed to hear gospel music, sikh drums, Arabic music on the aud, Hebrew and peace songs, as well as to watch South Indian classical music and contemporary dance.

Thanks to everyone who brought food, supplied the entertainment, and gave generously to WISDOM through cash donations or items for our raffle and silent auction. Below are some photos from the event.

Enjoy!! We hope to see you soon.

Gail

Upcoming WISDOM Events!!

2009-08-24T15:48:00.000-04:00

WISDOM Dates to Remember
2009-2010

a. Visit to Muslim Unity Center for Iftar Dinner – 6:30 PM, Thursday, Sept. 10th

b. Lift Detroit in Prayer Saturday, Sept. 12th – 11:00 AM Detroit – contact Paula Drewek drewekpau@aol.com

c. Troy Interfaith Group/WISDOM Interfaith Book Club, Monday, Sept. 21st, Troy Public Library 7:00 PM – contact Padma Kuppa, padma.kuppa@gmail.com

d. Sunday,October 18th International Dinner and Ethnic Heritage Festival 5:00 PM at North Congregational Church in Farmington Hills

e. Troy Interfaith Group/WISDOM Interfaith Book Club, Monday, October 19th, Troy Public Library 7:00 PM – contact Padma, padma.kuppa@gmail.com

f. Sunday, November 15th West Bloomfield Jewish Community Center Book Fair - America's Prophet: Moses and the American Story by Bruce Feiler, 5:00 Presentation, more information to come on WISDOM newsletter

g. Troy Interfaith Group/WISDOM Interfaith Book Club, Monday, November 16th, Troy Public Library 7:00 PM – contact Padma, padma.kuppa@gmail.com

h. Tuesday, November 17th 7:00 – 9:00 PM Five Women Five Journeys: How Different Are We? at The Birmingham Community House, Race Relations and Diversity Task Force, More information to come!!

i. Sunday, December 6th, Community Service Event with WINGS – Women in Need of Guidance and Skills, 15000 Trojan, Detroit – 2:00 – 5:00 PM Showing of DVD “Pray the Devil Back to Hell” and holiday gifts for women and children of WINGS – more information to come!!

j. January 1 through 31st, 2010 Launch of WISDOM book, Building Bridges and Crossing Divides on David Crumm’s www.ReadtheSpirit.com

k. Educational Day about Christianity, St. John’s Episcopal Church in Royal Oak on March 14 - morning services, light lunch and panel discussion, more information to come.

l. Visit to a Catholic Church for Easter Vigil – April 3rd TBD

m. April 18th, 2010 Five Women Five Journeys: How Different Are We? at Congregation Beth Shalom in Oak Park

n. Membership Celebration – March 21st 2010. Become a WISDOM member and join us!! See webpage, www.interfaithwisdom.org

o. Global Youth Service Days - Interfaith Connect!! interfaith coming together of high school and college teens on April 25 2010. More information down the road.

WISDOM International Dinner and Ethnic Heritage Festival

2009-08-12T23:11:00.002-04:00

A Taste of WISDOM” will be our First Annual International Dinner and Ethnic Heritage Festival, to be held at North Congregational Church, 36520 W. 12 Mile Road in Farmington Hills on Sunday, October 18th at 5:00 PM. Our event will also be part of the Eighth Annual Daniel Pearl World Music Days. The board members of WISDOM are very excited about this event!!

The fee for coming to the dinner is $5.00 per person with a maximum cost of $25.00 per family. We are asking you to come with a prepared dish from your family tradition to feed about 10 people and to bring with you a card listing the ingredients of that dish so that we can respect everyone’s food restrictions. We also request that you bring your own serving utensils.

There will be entertainment following the dinner that will include fun ethnic dance, music and song!! Additionally, we will be selling raffle tickets for the giving away of donated items. We hope that many of you will think about friends, family, and businesses who might be able to help support WISDOM’s future.

Please make your friends, family, and your places of worship aware of the upcoming fundraising event. Please get the word out about our fundraiser by telling folks about our invitation and registration form. If you would like us to deliver hard copies of the invitation/registration form to you or your place of worship, please let me know.

Thanks!! We are counting on your help to make this fundraiser a fabulous success. Please plan to come, bring your friends and family, and help with donations if possible.

Many thanks in advance!! Contact me with further questions by calling me on my cell phone.

248-978-6664

Gail Katz
WISDOM President

REGISTER FOR “A TASTE OF WISDOM” on Sunday, October 18th at North Congregational Church in Farmington Hills, MI

NAME _______________________________________________________________________________
ADDRESS ___________________________________________________________________________
CITY AND ZIP ______________________________________________________________________
PHONE NUMBER ___________________________________________________________________
EMAIL ADDRESS ___________________________________________________________________

NUMBER OF GUESTS (INCLUDE YOURSELF) COMING WITH YOU ______________________

I PLAN TO BRING A FAMILY DISH FROM (please check):
___ North America
___ South America
___ Africa
___ Eastern Europe
___ Western Europe
___ Middle East
____ Asia

I PLAN TO BRING: (please bring index card with name of dish and ingredients listed and serving utensils)
___ MAIN COURSE
___ VEGETABLE
___ SALAD
___ STARCH (potato, rice, wheat, etc)
___ DESSERT

COST IS $5.00 PER PERSON WITH A MAXIMUM COST OF $25.00 PER FAMILY
PLEASE FILL OUT REGISTRATION FORM AND SEND WITH YOUR CHECK MADE OUT TO WISDOM TO THE FOLLOWING ADDRESS:
WISDOM
P.O. BOX 525
BLOOMFIELD HILLS, MI 48303

I’M SORRY I CANNOT ATTEND, BUT I WOULD LIKE TO SUPPORT WISDOM’S FUNDRAISER WITH A DONATION OF $__________.

QUESTIONS? PLEASE CALL GAIL KATZ, WISDOM PRESIDENT AT
248-978-6664 OR E-MAIL HER AT gailkatz@comcast.net

Upcoming WISDOM Events for the Fall, 2009

2009-06-20T15:24:00.001-04:00

Dear WISDOM Subscribers:

I am sending you a SAVE THE DATE e-mail for our upcoming WISDOM events!! Please mark your calendars!!

1) Sunday, September 13th Educational Day about Christianity at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Royal Oak.

9:30 AM Sunday morning service followed by lunch and panel discussion about similarities and differences among some of the denominations of Christianity.

2) Sunday, October 18TH 5:00 – 9:00 PM “A Taste of WISDOM” International Dinner and Ethnic Heritage Festival at North Congregational Church on 12 Mile Road in Farmington Hills.

I have also included below an article written by the Bahraini Ambassador, who unfortunately had to cancel her trip to Detroit on June 29th. This article was posted on the PeaceXPeace website. I thought you would all enjoy reading it.

Gail

Your Voice from the Frontline

Smiling for Peace from Houda Ezra Nonoo, Bahrain
April 22nd, 2009

Her Excellency Houda Ezra Nonoo is the Ambassador from Bahrain to the USA.

I think I promote peace everywhere I go by smiling at people. It sounds simple, but it's true. Until I was 13 or 14 I wanted to be a veterinarian, but I gave that up to work in the family business. This current job is the height of my ambition. No other job could have so much variety. The best part of it is meeting people I would never have met otherwise, from around the world and around the US. I enjoy hearing what they think, and I enjoy dispelling their misconceptions. The questions are always: "Why aren't you covered? Can you drive? Can you go out alone?" What I tell them is that the Arab world is as diverse as the US. Bahrain, in particular, is an island, so we have always welcomed foreigners, seafaring people from everywhere. Bahraini people are friendly and love to get to know other people. We call it "The Island of 1,000 Smiles." Americans came for the first time in 1893, as missionaries, and started a clinic that is a major hospital now. Our friendship is people to people, not just a military alliance. We have Hindus, Jews, and Bahais as well as Muslims, Christians, and guest workers of many faiths and nations. My own family background is Jewish, and I celebrate the High Holidays. What breaks my peace is seeing every day's news: Sudan, Gaza, floods and earthquakes. In today's world we are all linked, so we know quickly when people are suffering near and far. What concerns me the most, though, is the Middle East, and the Arab-Israeli relationship. We can't allow another generation to go through what we have gone through. The new administration looks hopeful, even though hopes have been raised before, and then nothing. Still, I am hopeful. President Obama is my age. He's there for change. His campaign was about change and hope. It's so very important for people to have hope! Dialogue is important too. It's what we teach our children: Talk it out, don't hit. Don't bully people. He has put out some gestures to Iran, so maybe they will pick it up. Instead of spending money on bombs, I'd like to see it used to get people together, so we understand we are all human beings together. Bahrain is a small island where we all live together in peace. Peace X Peace does that too, by putting women from everywhere together. Patricia's book is such an amazing concept: Palestinian and Israeli women side by side. If governments and NGOs arrange more and more events to bring people together, we will be moving toward peace. Our baby steps will add up, and they will become something great. I think we need many more organizations like Peace X Peace.

Two Upcoming WISDOM events in June, 2009

2009-05-29T21:05:00.001-04:00

Dear WISDOM Subscribers,

Please read about two very important events coming up!!

1) This is to let you know that you are all invited to join an Interfaith Book Club that WISDOM is going to participate in jointly with the Troy Interfaith Group. The first book club session will be at the Troy Public Library, 510 West Big Beaver Road, on Monday June 8th at 7:00 PM. Please see attached invitation.

Please register for this book club via email by replying to troy.interfaith@gmail.com and including “Book Club” in the subject. Once you register, you will be sent downloadable information.

This first book club session will deal with Dan Buttry’s books entitled Interfaith Heroes. You can access some of the Interfaith Heroes at
http://www.readthespirit.com/interfaithheroes/

Rev. Charlotte Sommers, the Convener of Troy Interfaith Group and pastor of the congregation at Northminster Presbyterian Church (home of the Community Interfaith Labyrinth) will be leading the book discussion. I will be part of this exciting interfaith book club. I hope to see other WISDOM subscribers there!!

2) You are also invited to an event at the West Bloomfield Jewish Community Center event featuring Her Excellency Ambassador Houda Ezra Nonoo, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the United States, the first Jewish ambassador from an Arab nation!! This event is sponsored by the Institute for Retired Professionals (IRP), and the Seminars for Adult Jewish Enrichment (SAJE), and co-sponsored by WISDOM among other organizations.

The event will be about “Women’s Rights: A View of Life in Bahrain.”

Houda Ezra Nonoo is ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the United States. Appointed in 2008, she is the country’s first non-Muslim ambassador, the first Jew to be appointed by any Arab country as ambassador to the United States and only the third Bahraini woman ever named ambassador to any nation. Ambassador Nonoo was born in 1964 in Bahrain, a close U.S. ally whose Jewish community of about 50 dates to Talmudic times. Descended from Iraqi merchants, Ambassador Nonoo received her MBA from the International University of Europe in Waterford, UK. In 2006, the King of Bahrain, Hamad ibn Isa Al Khalifah, appointed Nonoo to the Shura (consultative) Council, in the upper chamber of parliament, where she served on the Committee for Finance and Economic Affairs. Ambassador Nonoo is one of the founding members of the Bahrain Human Rights Watch Society and has worked to improve conditions in factories, as well as raise awareness about the rights of women, children and domestic workers. She is married and has two teenage sons.

Advance registration and payment are requested by Thursday, June 18, 2009. Cost is $10.00 in advance and $12.00 at the door. Please fill out the response form below with payment or call 248-432-5692 to charge by phone. For questions or more information about this event, please contact Sharon Levine, IRP director, at 248-967-4030 ext. 2018 or slevine@jccdet.org

Number of attendees: ___________________ Total enclosed ___________________________

Name(s): ______________________________________________________________________

Address: ______________________________________________________________________

City: ____________________________State: _______________________ Zip: ______________

Phone: _________________________________ Email: ________________________________

Method of payment: (please circle) Check (enclosed) Visa Mastercard

Name on card ___________________________________________________________________

Card number: ____________________________________________________________________

Signature: ______________________________________________________________________

Please make checks payable to JCC of Metropolitan Detroit
Kindly RSVP by June 18, 2009. Return response card with payment to:

Jewish Community Center of Metropolitan Detroit
Attn: IRP/SAJE
6600 West Maple Road
West Bloomfield, MI 48322

It would be so wonderful to have a WISDOM presence at this event. I will definitely be there as WISDOM president, and I hope that you will join me.

Gail

WISDOM Annual Dinner and Installation Ceremony, May 2009

2009-05-10T08:17:00.010-04:00

Dear WISDOM Subscribers:

On Thursday evening, May 7, 2009 the WISDOM Board of Directors held their Second Annual Dinner and Installation Ceremony at the Peking House in Royal Oak. What a wonderful evening!! The food was outstanding, and the warmth and friendship in the room was priceless.

Gail Katz, WISDOM President, welcomed everyone, and the Rev. Sharon Buttry gave a blessing over the meal. Following a dinner of vegetarian choices, Chinese chicken and peapods and beef, Professor Charles Mabee, Director of the Religious Studies Program at Oakland University and the MDIV Program at the Ecumenical Theological Seminary, gave a presentation entitled "Inter-Religious Dialogue in Metro-Detroit."

Following his presentation the following board members were installed with a beautiful candle ceremony:

Executive Board

Gail Katz (Co-Founder) - President
Shahina Begg (Co-Founder) - Vice President
Patricia Harris (Co-Founder) - Vice President
Paula Drewek - Secretary
Bhavna Mehta - Treasurer

General Board

Sharon Buttry
Ellen Ehrlich
Fran Hildebrandt
Claudine Kafi
Padma Kuppa
Rehana Qureshi
Gigi Salka
Sheri Schiff
Elaine Schonberger
Betty Sheehan
Supreet Singh
Noelle Sutherland
Anjali Vale

Advisory Board

Beth Applebaum
Marsha Foster Boyd
Brenda Rosenberg
Freda Sampson
Judy Satterthwaite

Gail Katz then gave a review of WISDOM's accomplishments since the first annual dinner in May of 2008 and the evening closed with a beautiful interfaith prayer delivered by the WISDOM Program Committee Chair Judy Satterthwaite.

Thanks to all of the WISDOM Board members who have given of their time, their energy, their creativity and their financial resources to help make WISDOM the lively vital organization that we have become!!

Here's to a productive 2009-2010 year.

Enjoy the photos of the evening below.

Peace, Gail

WISDOM Honors the Rev. Sharon Buttry

2009-05-01T09:49:00.004-04:00

WISDOM honored the Rev. Sharon Buttry at the Birmingham Bloomfield Race Relations and Diversity Task Force Tenth Annual Diversity Champion Honor Roll on April 30, 2009.

Sharon lives in Hamtramck and serves as outreach director at Acts 29 Fellowship, a Christian mission dedicated to meeting the critical needs of neighbors of 26 different language groups. "My neighborhood is a United Nations: next door is Yemen, Libya and Poland; the smell of good cooking fills the air as I walk home each night."

Since moving to Michigan in 1996, Sharon has made many interfaith friends through the Hamtramck "Call to Prayer" ballot question and as a WISDOM Board member. Sharon and her husband Dan have facilitated workshops in conflict transformation in Poland, Thailand, Italy, India and Ethiopia.

Sharon has been an incredible asset to WISDOM. She facilitated our WISDOM retreat last January, and served a secretary on the Executive Board.

Thank you Sharon for all that you have done for WISDOM!!

Please enjoy the photos below.

WISDOM Membership Celebration

2009-03-30T17:12:00.014-04:00

Dear WISDOM Supporters:

On Sunday, March 29, 2009 WISDOM hosted their first Membership Celebration. About 40 women came together - WISDOM Board members, non-board members, and potential members - came to the Mulberry Square Condominium Clubhouse in Bloomfield Hills for appetizers and desserts. We shared our stories, auctioned off WISDOM tee-shirts and flowers, and had a marvelous time despite the rain and snow that battered the clubhouse windows outside. We offer a big thank you to everyone who brought treats and took the time to meet and greet each other. Thank you to our WISDOM members, and to all the people who joined WISDOM at this member celebration. We welcome all of you to WISDOM, and we hope to see you active on a WISDOM committee soon. Please take a few moments to look at the pictures below.

Gail Katz
WISDOM President

WISDOM event - Stewards of the Earth on April 26

2009-03-06T13:39:00.001-05:00

Come one, Come all. . .
Women, Men, Children and Teens!

Join WISDOM for a Celebration of Earth Day and help us be
“STEWARDS OF THE EARTH”

SUNDAY, APRIL 26, 2009
10:30 AM – 3:00 PM

At the E.L.JOHNSON NATURE CENTER
3325 FRANKLIN ROAD, BLOOMFIELD HILLS, MI 48302
248-341-6485

At this INTERFAITH ECOLOGICAL INITIATIVE
We will:
. Learn together from Natural Resources Educator, Dan Badgley
. Work together to help groom trails and restore habitat
. Eat together and have fun as friends and families

Bring your own picnic lunch and something to share (for 5)
Beverages provided by WISDOM
Bring work gloves, protective clothing, hat,
Insect repellent, sun screen.

All ages
Are encouraged to attend!!
Please see registration forms
Permission slips/waiver forms

AN ADULT MUST ACCOMPANY EACH GROUP OF YOUTH
(NO MORE THAN 10 YOUTH PER ADULT)

QUESTIONS?
CONTACT GAIL KATZ 248-978-6664
JUDY SATTERTHWAITE 248-495-2866

WISDOM
STEWARDS OF THE EARTH
E.L.JOHNSON NATURE CENTER
SUNDAY, APRIL 26TH, 2009
Registration Form

10:30 AM – REGISTRATION

11:00 AM – TALK BY NATURE CENTER MANAGER DAN BADGLEY

11:20 AM – 2:00 PM OUTDOOR ECO-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES

1. SPREADING MULCH ON THE NATURE TRAILS
2. CUTTING DOWN AND ROOTING OUT
INVASIVE WEEDS

2:00 PM – 3:00 PM “GETTING TO KNOW YOU LUNCH”

NAME OF CONTACT ______________________________________________

NAME OF ORGANIZATION _________________________________________

EMAIL ADDRESS _________________________________________________

CELL PHONE __________________ HOME/OFFICE PHONE ______________

FAITH TRADITION (optional) _______________________________________

How many people are in your group? ________________________________

What are the ages of the youth (if any) that are coming with you? ________

Please send the registration form to WISDOM, P.O. Box 525, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48303 as soon as possible to reserve your place.

The participants from each organization/family must complete individual permission slips/liability Waiver & Release Forms (See forms below!!) to participate in the WISDOM event. There is a separate form for adults and youth.

These forms must be mailed to WISDOM, P.O. Box 525, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48303 by April 15th

Questions? Contact Gail Katz, WISDOM President, 248-978-6664

ADULT
Liability Waiver & Release Form
STEWARDS OF THE EARTH
E.L.JOHNSON NATURE CENTER
BLOOMFIELD HILLS
APRIL 26, 2009
11:30 AM – 3:00 PM

Name of participant_________________________________________________________________

Religious Institution/Faith Tradition ______________________________________________

Home phone _______________________Cell Phone _________________________________

E-mail ______________________________________________________________________

Liability Waiver and Release Form

On this 26th day of April, 2009, intending to be legally bound hereby, the undersigned agrees and does hereby release from liability and to indemnify and hold harmless WISDOM (Women’s Interfaith Solutions for Dialogue and Outreach in MetroDetroit). This release is for any and all liability for personal injuries (including death) and property losses or damage occasioned by, or in connection with any activity or accommodations for this event. The undersigned further agrees to abide by all the rules and regulations promulgated by WISDOM and the E.L. Johnson Nature Center.

_____________________________________ ____________________________
(Signature of participant) (Date)

( Phone numbers in case of any emergency

YOUTH (Under 18)
Liability Waiver & Release Form
STEWARDS OF THE EARTH
E.L.JOHNSON NATURE CENTER
BLOOMFIELD HILLS
APRIL 26, 2009

Name of participant_________________________________________________________________

Advisor/Teacher/Parent Responsible ______________________________________

Advisor/Teacher/Parent phone number ____________________________________

Liability Waiver and Release Form

On this 26th day of April, 2009, intending to be legally bound hereby, the undersigned agrees and does hereby release from liability and to indemnify and hold harmless WISDOM (Women’s Interfaith Solutions for Dialogue and Outreach in MetroDetroit. This release is for any and all liability for personal injuries (including death) and property losses or damage occasioned by, or in connection with any activity or accommodations for this event. The undersigned further agrees to abide by all the rules and regulations promulgated by WISDOM and the E.L. Johnson Nature Center.

Please do not bring electronic devices, i.e. IPODS, Handheld video games, Play stations, etc. Cell phones should be used only for emergencies during this event.

I give my permission for my child to participate in this community service project.

_____________________________________ ____________________________
(Signature of parent/guardian) (Date)

(Parent/guardian’s home phone, cell phone, emergency contact)

______________________________ ____________________________________
Parent’s e-mail Youth e-mail

A Muslim Holiday and a Jewish Holiday

2009-03-06T13:33:00.001-05:00

Dear WISDOM Subscribers:

Below is an article in today’s Detroit News about the commemoration of the birth of the prophet Muhammad which will occur this Saturday evening, March 7th, and why many Muslims feel this celebration is especially important this year.

Following this article is another one from this week’s Jewish News about the Jewish holiday of Purim which occurs Monday, March 9th at sundown.

We wish all of our Muslim and Jewish brothers and sisters very happy and peaceful holidays!!

Gail

Muslims honor birth of prophet
Gregg Krupa / The Detroit News

As Muslims commemorate the birth of the prophet Muhammad beginning Saturday at dusk, some say that remembering the events of the prophet's life and the guidance revealed by the Quran are especially important this year, after some pointed attacks on the reputation of the man they believe to be God's messenger and the perfect human being. Mawlid An-Nabi, the prophet's birthday, is remembered by Sunni Muslims on the 12th day of the third lunar month, and by the Shi'a on the 17th day. In Metro Detroit, many Sunnis will mark it Saturday, and many Shi'a during the following week or next weekend. He was born in about 570. "What we do is to read the Quran and the history of the prophet," said Akil Fahd, of the Tijani Zawiya, a Muslim center on the east side. "The thing that makes it more important this year than in other years is the attacks on the prophet and his character. "It is more important this year to remember him for what he has done as opposed to the attacks that have been thrust upon him." Many Muslims in Metro Detroit were distressed last year when DVDs of the movie "Obsession," which they say slandered Muhammad and Islam, were delivered to homes throughout Metro Detroit. They also expressed indignation about local radio broadcasts by a Coptic priest who accused the prophet of unnatural acts, and by the Dutch film "Fitna," which interspersed readings from sacred Islamic texts with scenes of violence. "Fortunately, in many ways, these attacks ended up helping us in the end because Muslims and non-Muslims were forced to take a look at the life of Muhammad and to see that these movies were unfair portraits of the prophet and Islam," said Mohamed Abbass, who worships at the American Islamic Community Center in Madison Heights. "It's allowed us to have a constructive dialogue. "But, this year, Muslims have found that they need to connect with their prophet, because sadly we have to sort of defend our faith," Abbass said.

PURIM AT A GLANCE

(Information taken from an article by Elizabeth Applebaum in this week’s Jewish News)

Purim beings the 14th day of the Jewish month of Adar, which this year corresponds to sundown, Monday, Mar 9, until sundown, Tuesday, March 10. This holiday commemorates how Queen Esther and Mordechai thwarted the plans of the evil Haman to kill all the Jews during the reign of King Ahaseurus of ancient Persia (4th century BCE). The name Purim means “lots” (objects, such as dice, used in making a choice by chance). It refers to the lots cast by Haman to determine the month in which to exterminate the Jews (Esther 3:7; 9:26).
The main event of Purim is the public reading of Megilat Ester, the Book of Esther (or Scroll of Esther) commonly known as the Megillah (which in Hebrew means “scroll”). The day before Purim is Ta’anit Ester, the Fast of Esther. This fast beings in the morning (Monday, 6:43 AM Detroit time) and ends at sundown (8:01 PM), although Jews do not eat until after the evening prayer service, when Purim actually begins. In synagogues, the Megillah is read during the evening service. Some hold additional readings after the service. The Megillah also is read in the synagogue the next morning (Tuesday).
Jews will attend both the evening and the morning readings of the Megillah. Every mention of evil Haman’s name during the reading is accompanied by booing and hissing or the use of noise makers. One of the main themes of Purim is that things are not as they seem: the beautiful Queen Esther of Persia is actually the Jewish girl, Hadassah; loyal palace guards are scheming insurrectionists; the great conqueror, King Ahaseurus, is a drunken lecher; the capable administrator, Haman, is a genocidal maniac; events seem to happen by themselves, but all is determined by God. In accordance with this theme, children and adults hide their true identities by dressing up in costumes for the holiday celebration. Because the Jews survived this planned massacre, Purim is a festival of joy and a time of fun. Carnivals, skits, practical jokes and silliness are all part of the day.

In addition Jews observe three practices on Purim:

1) Gifts of food are sent to fellow Jews – the gifts consist of food ready to eat or that can be enjoyed with minimal preparation

2) Generous contributions of money are given to the poor. The rabbis teach that donations to the poor should form the bulk of the Purim expense

3) A festive meal is to be eaten. On Purim, one is to include more wine or liquor with the meal, than usual, enough to make things lively, but not to become drunk. The meal should begin during the daytime, but if it extends into the evening when Purim is over, that’s OK.

On Purim, unlike other holidays, work is permitted, fires may be kindled, electricity turned on, cars driven, money handled, etc.

The most traditional food for Purim by Eastern European Jews is the Hamentoshen – or cookies with three sides (and a fruit filling) to symbolize the three sided hat that the villain Hamen wore!! You can even buy them at Costco!!

(at least the one in Bloomfield Hills!! Gail)

WISDOM Update

2009-02-28T15:12:00.001-05:00

Dear WISDOM Subscribers:

Last Tuesday night the Jewish Community Center of West Bloomfield had the honor and privilege of hosting a very special priest who is doing incredible work. 600 people from throughout both the Jewish and general communities of Metro Detroit came out to hear Father Patrick Desbois speak about his unbelievable work travelling throughout Eastern Europe uncovering and documenting previously undiscovered mass graves of Jews murdered during the Holocaust. People were truly touched by this man – and his life’s mission.

Trish Harris, Sheri Schiff and myself attended the dinner for Father Desbois and his lecture on behalf of WISDOM, who was one of the sponsors. Another important sponsor in the interfaith community was the Archdiocese of Detroit. Father Desbois’ talk about his work in Belarus and the Ukraine searching for unmarked mass graves of Jews who were shot systematically - their bodies piled on top of each other in pits that were dug by children - had everyone shocked and in tears throughout his talk. Father Desbois has written a book entitled The Holocaust By Bullets: A Priest’s Journey to Uncover the Truth Behind the Murder of 1.5 Million Jews that details his work over the last several years.

Please mark April 26th on your calendars. WISDOM will be sponsoring an event called “Stewards of the Earth” which will take place between 10:30 AM and 2:00 PM at the Johnson Nature Center in Bloomfield Hills. We are inviting all WISDOM subscribers, members and their families to help us put mulch on the nature trails and to pull invasive weeds. This will be a wonderful interfaith event open to adults and youth. April 26th is part of the Global Youth Service Days, and the Interfaith Initiative for Young Adults will be partnering with WISDOM to involve middle school, high school, and college youth to come together to do community service, to make new friends and to share lunch together. We will be asking everyone to bring their own lunch and something to share with 5 other people!! Lunch will begin around 1:00 PM and we will structure some conversation topics so that the adults and the youth can get to know each other and have fun!!

I will be getting some flyers about the Global Youth Service Day events out to all of you soon, along with permission slips for any of you bringing your own families or sponsors bringing a group of students!!

Peace!!

Gail KatzWISDOM President
248-978-6664 cell phone

The Baha'is in Iran

2009-02-25T11:02:00.000-05:00

Dear WISDOM Sisters:

Please read the following article by Congressman Mark Kirk of Illinois about the situation of the Baha’is in Iran.

Gail

Congressman Mark Kirk: Then they came for the Baha’is
February 18, 2009

The following speech by Hon. Mark Steven Kirk of Illinois was delivered to the House of Representatives:

Bipartisan Resolution Condemning Persecution of Baha’is in Iran
”In Germany, they first came for the gypsies, and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a gypsy. Then they came for the Bolsheviks, and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Bolshevik. Then they came for the Jews, and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Jew. Then they came for the trade unionists and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a trade unionist. Then they came for the Catholics. I didn’t speak up then because I was a Protestant. Then they came for me, and there was no one left to speak up.”
–Martin Niemoller, a Lutheran pastor arrested by the Gestapo in 1937.
Mr. KIRK. Madam Speaker, then they came for the Baha’is.
The Baha’i Faith is the youngest of the world’s independent monotheistic religions. Founded in Iran in 1844, it now claims more than 5 million adherents in 236 countries and territories. Gathering worshipers from nearly every national, ethnic and religious background, the Baha’is preach tolerance, diversity and equality.
To an Islamic dictatorship that denies its people basic political and human rights, this religion founded in Iran on the tenets of religious tolerance remains an anathema to the Supreme Leader. And the world is standing by as Iran’s state-sponsored persecution of its Baha’i minority nears its final stages.
In 2006, Iran’s Armed Forces Command Headquarters ordered the Ministry of Information, the Revolutionary Guard, and the Police Force to identify members of the Baha’i Faith in Iran and monitor their activities.
In that same year, we saw the largest roundup of Baha’is since the 1980s. The Iranian Interior Ministry ordered provincial officials to ”cautiously and carefully monitor and manage” all Baha’i social activities. The Central Security Office of Iran’s Ministry of Science, Research and Technology ordered 81 Iranian universities to expel any student discovered to be a Baha’i.
In 2007, the situation worsened. More than two-thirds of the Baha’is enrolled in universities were expelled once identified as Baha’is. Police entered Baha’i homes and businesses to collect details on family members.
Twenty-live industries were ordered to deny licenses to Baha’is. Employers were pressured to fire Baha’i employees and banks were instructed to refuse loans to Baha’i-owned businesses. Baha’i cemeteries were destroyed.
In November 2007, three Baha’i youths were detained for educating underprivileged children.
The following month, the Iranian Parliament published a draft Islamic penal code, requiring the death penalty for all ”apostates”–a term applied to Baha’is and any convert away from Islam.
On May 14. 2008, seven members of Iran’s national Baha’i coordinating group were arrested. This is reminiscent of the mass disappearance and assumed murder of all the members of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Iran in August, 1980.
On August 1, 2008, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H. Res. 1008, condemning the persecution of Baha’is in Iran and calling for the immediate release of all Baha’is imprisoned solely on the basis of their religion.
Our bipartisan voice bought the Baha’i leadership some time–but it appears only 6 months.
This week, the Government of Iran charged the seven Baha’i leaders with ”espionage for Israel, insulting religious sanctities and propaganda against the Islamic republic.” Deputy Tehran Prosecutor Hassan Haddad declared, ”The charges against seven defendants in the case of the illegal Baha’i group were examined . . . and the case will be sent to the revolutionary court next week.”
It is time for the international community to act.
Today, along with my colleagues Jim McGovern and Brad Sherman, I am introducing a bipartisan resolution calling on the Government of Iran to immediately release the seven Baha’i leaders and all others imprisoned solely the basis of their religion.
I urge President Obama and Secretary Clinton, in concert with the international community, to publicly condemn Iran’s persecution of its religious minorities and demand the release of these seven community leaders.

The Lenten Season

2009-02-25T10:55:00.002-05:00

Dear WISDOM Sisters:

I would like to share with you some thoughts about the upcoming Christian Lenten season by Rev. Kenneth W. Collins. Following Rev. Collins discussion about Lent, please read David Crumm’s www.Readthespirit.com happenings that will be taking place online during Lent.

I wish all our Christian friends a peaceful and meaningful Lenten Season.

Gail

The Season of Lent

Theme:

Retreating Into the Wilderness with Jesus

Dates:

Lent is a forty-day period before Easter. It begins on Ash Wednesday
and ends on the day before Easter Day. We skip Sundays when we
count the forty days, because Sundays commemorate the
Resurrection.
In the Roman Catholic Church, Lent officially ends at sundown on
Holy Thursday, with the beginning of the mass of the Lord’s Supper.

Colors:

In most churches, the decorations are purple or blue, royal colors to
prepare for the King.

The East:

In Orthodox churches, this season is called the Great Lent. It begins
on Clean Monday.

Special Days:

Ash Wednesday
The Annunciation, 25 March

Lent is a season of soul-searching and repentance. It is a season for
reflection and taking stock. Lent originated in the very earliest days of
the Church as a preparatory time for Easter, when the faithful rededicated
themselves and when converts were instructed in the faith and prepared
for baptism. By observing the forty days of Lent, the individual Christian
imitates Jesus’ withdrawal into the wilderness for forty days. All
churches that have a continuous history extending before AD 1500
observe Lent. The ancient church that wrote, collected, canonized, and
propagated the New Testament also observed Lent, believing it to be a
commandment from the apostles. (See The Apostolic Constitutions, Book
V, Section III.)

Fasting is a spiritual discipline that does not involve starvation or
dehydration. Quite often, our bodily appetites control our actions. The
purpose of fasting is to make your bodily appetites your servant rather
than your master.

The Western Church

Because Sunday is the day of the Resurrection, we skip over Sundays
when we calculate the length of Lent. Therefore, in the Western Church,
Lent always begins on Ash Wednesday, the seventh Wednesday before
Easter.

In many countries, the last day before Lent (called Mardi Gras, Shrove
Tuesday, Carnival, or Fasching) has become a last fling before the
solemnity of Lent. For centuries, it was customary to fast by abstaining
from meat during Lent, which is why some people call the festival
Carnival, which is Latin for farewell to meat.

The Eastern Church

The Eastern Church does not skip over Sundays when calculating the
length of the Great Lent. Therefore, the Great Lent always begins on
Clean Monday, the seventh Monday before Easter, and ends on the
Friday before Palm Sunday—using of course the eastern date for Easter.
The Lenten fast is relaxed on the weekends in honor of the Sabbath
(Saturday) and the Resurrection (Sunday). The Great Lent is followed by
Lazarus Saturday and Palm Sunday, which are feast days, then the
Lenten fast resumes on Monday of Holy Week. Technically, in the
Eastern Church, Holy Week is a separate season from the Great Lent.

Special Days

The purpose of the liturgical calendar is to relive the major events in
Jesus’ life in real time, which is why Lent is forty days long. If Jesus
were born on 25 December, then His conception would have been nine
months earlier, on about 25 March. That is when the angel Gabriel would
have announced Jesus’ birth to Mary. Thus 25 March is known in the
historic church as The Annunciation.

Roughly speaking, the Western Church consists of Protestants, Catholics, and
Anglicans. The Eastern Church consists of the Eastern Orthodox churches, the
Oriental Orthodox churches, and the eastern-rite churches affiliated with the
Roman Catholic Church

Copyright ©1995-2004 by the Rev. Kenneth W. Collins. All rights reserved.

And from our very special friend, David Crumm on www.ReadtheSpirit.com. If you are interested, go to this website to follow David’s Lenten discussion!!

Welcome to a Spiritual Journey with Friends: Our Lent / Things We Carry
WELCOME!

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday (February 25) for Western Christians and on Clean Monday (March 2) for Orthodox Christians. We invite you to bookmark this page, think about buying a copy of our companion book (click the Amazon link at right) — and plan to enjoy an exciting, challenging and spiritually rewarding journey with friends!

"Our Lent: Things We Carry" is a 40-chapter journey written by ReadTheSpirit Editor David Crumm. But — there's so much more to this online Lenten pilgrimage.

You'll find readers adding their comments throughout Lent along the right side of this page. Please, take a moment right now and add a quick Comment — we really do appreciate hearing from you.
Plus — we've got some exciting "Partners" this year who will share a wide range of spiritual reflections. Please, click on that "Meet Our Partners" link (at left) to read a pre-Lenten story about preparing for this season!
Popular writer Phyllis Tickle is providing special introductions to ancient Christian practices, such as Fasting and Fixed-Hour Prayer.
Peter Wallace — another inspirational author beloved for his collections of day-by-day inspirational reflections (and also the man behind the Day 1 Web site and radio network) — will share his thoughts throughout the season.
In addition each day, you can listen to the Scottish brogue and deep wisdom of Norman Pritchard, pastor of a landmark Presbyterian church in the Midwest.
We've also invited urban pastor Tonya Arnesen to share her thoughts as senior pastor of an ethnically and culturally diverse congregation in the heart of one of America's great cities.
Right now, you're joining nearly 2 billion people around the world in reflecting on Lent!
WHY make this Lent a special season in your life?
Lent is the perfect Christian season for our spiritual revival in this new Third Millennium. Uncluttered by the commercial avalanche that has all but buried the Christmas season over the past century, Lent retains much of its ancient religious potential. Dr. Wayne Baker, the University of Michigan scholar who produces the OurValues.org discussion site, has shown in his own research over the years why we're drawn toward experiences like this. Compared with other global cultures, Americans are overwhelmingly religious. But, when it comes to values concerning self expression — all of those individual choices that lie at the heart of spiritual reflection — Americans surpass Scandinavians in our zeal to honestly express ourselves.
In such an era, Lent is the perfect, untarnished blend of religious tradition and spiritual adventure — ancient roots blossoming into self reflection and self expression.
Or, to put it another way, Lent is the "Lord of the Rings" of scriptural stories — a loyal fellowship of men and women fearlessly summoning all of their traditional knowledge as they make their way toward a dangerous encounter in a city where the fate of the world hangs in the balance.
Yet, unlike the J.R.R. Tolkien trilogy, each of us is invited to make our own Lenten pilgrimage each year. That's how millions of Christians experience the season — preparing our hearts, minds and daily lives in fresh ways for this epic quest. Thousands of churches distribute coat-pocket devotionals, guidebooks to help shape the Lenten journey.
That is the core of this season — a personal encounter with the sacred.
WHAT'S the main plot of this 40-day story?
The big picture behind "Our Lent: Things We Carry" is this: Jesus' journey 2,000 years ago was a public pilgrimage of such profound importance that we mark it each year, day by day, even in the Third Millennium since he walked the Earth. Rather than leaving such a powerful religious narrative locked inside individual churches and individual lives — we are moving the Lenten adventure back into the biggest public roadway of our time: the Internet.
While some of the "things" along this journey are scenes and lessons, most of the things in our 40-chapter journey are quite tangible things: coins, basins, bowls, bread, cups, swords and tables, to name a few. This was the stuff of Jesus' world. It's still the stuff of our lives, 2,000 years after Jesus' world-shaking walk to Jerusalem.

This year, come along.
Walk with us. Bring friends.
You're already carrying things.
Help us to lighten the load!

Exciting WISDOM News

2009-01-28T08:12:00.001-05:00

Dear WISDOM Sisters:

Last weekend the WISDOM Board of Directors had an incredibly energetic all day retreat at the Muslim Unity Center, and we came away with some very exciting ideas about WISDOM for 2009-2010. I would like to share some of these ideas with you, and then ask you to let me know if you would like to get more involved with WISDOM by either joining us in the planning of these events, or nominating yourself or someone else to serve on the WISDOM Board of Directors. Below is the WISDOM nomination form, along with the letter that describes the mission of WISDOM and the responsibilities of Board members. We look forward to hearing from you. Our WISDOM Board concluded our retreat on a spiritual high and with charged energy and strengthened friendships! We look forward to bringing in new WISDOM Sisters on our board and on our committees!! Our annual dinner and installation ceremoney is going to be May 7th. We hope to hear from our interested WISDOM Sisters by the beginning of March.

We at WISDOM are going to plan for:

A WISDOM Book Club

A Speaker's Bureau for other Houses of worship, colleges, universities, clubs

Habitat for Humanity Builds

Putting together an Interfaith Calendar

Setting up Guest Visits at different houses of worship for WISDOM

Planning an Educational Day about Christianity

Planning an Annual International Dinner/Concert as our Fundraiser and Signature Event

Putting together an April 26th Stewardship of the Earth event, involving high school and college students as part of Global Youth Service Day

Writing a third volume of Interfaith Heroes with our own stories of our interfaith journeys

Starting a Young Adult division of WISDOM

Setting up a WISDOM Group on Facebook (this is already started - check it out on Facebook!!)

Partnering with other organizations that share our mission

We are excited to hear from you, if you have the passion to help us further our WISDOM mission!!

Peace, Shalom, Salaam, Shanti!!

Gail Katz

WISDOM President

WISDOM
WOMEN’S INTERFAITH SOLUTIONS FOR
DIALOGUE AND OUTREACH IN METRODETROIT
2009 BOARD OF DIRECTORS NOMINATION FORM

I propose myself or the following individual(s) for consideration by the Nominating Committee for service as a member of the WISDOM Board of Directors. I understand that this information will be kept strictly confidential and that because of the limited number of vacancies, there is no guarantee of election to the Board.

Name of Nominee _________________________________________________________

Address _________________________________________________________________
Street City Zip

E-mail Address ___________________________________________________________

Home Phone _________________________ Alternate phone _____________________

Occupation ______________________________________________________________

Faith-based Tradition ______________________________________________________

Place of worship __________________________________________________________

Please list up to three affiliations, organizations, and/or volunteer community activities (please include title or position where appropriate):

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

If the nominee has served on a WISDOM committee, please list committee(s). and year(s) served.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

Please use the space below to indicate why you believe that you or this person would be a valuable asset to the WISDOM Board.

Name of person submitting this form ________________________________________

Organization ____________________________________________________________

Phone ____________________________ e-mail ________________________________

Please return the completed form to:

WISDOM
NOMINATING COMMITTEE
P.O. BOX 525
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48303

OR FAX to:
248-332-6653

Or E-mail to:
wisdom@interfaithwisdom.org

WISDOM BOARD MEMBER DESCRIPTION

WISDOM invites nominations of potential outstanding board members from around the Metropolitan Detroit area who represent the diversity of the many faith based traditions in our community.

The mission of WISDOM (www.interfaithwisdom.org) is to:

Provide concrete modeling of women from different faith traditions working together in harmony for the common good
Empower women to take a more active role in furthering social justice and world peace
Dispel myths, stereotypes, prejudices, and fear about faith traditions different from our own
Nurture the growth of empathy and spiritual energy that result from our projects and interfaith dialogue

The responsibilities of WISDOM Board Members include:

Being an ambassador of WISDOM’s work and values to the community
Actively serving on at least one standing committee
Attending board meetings, committee meetings, and WISDOM programs and events, including the annual installation dinner.
Asking questions and requesting information and participating in making decisions on issues, policies and other board matters
Making a donation each May that is substantive and meaningful to the financial stability of the organization
Actively supporting WISDOM development to further sustain the organization whenever possible by identifying prospective funding sources (individuals, businesses and foundations) and facilitating meetings when appropriate.
Recruiting friends and colleagues for WISDOM membership
Identifying prospective board members

An Inaugural Prayer for President Barack Obama — and All of Us

2009-01-12T16:29:00.000-05:00

Dear WISDOM Sisters:
This is so beautiful!!
Gail

An Inaugural Prayer for President Barack Obama — and All of Us

An Inaugural Prayer for President Obama and UsBy the Rev. Marsha M. Woolley (Senior pastor of Newburg United Methodist Church in Livonia, Michigan.)

CREATING GOD OF LANDS AFAR AND MINE… On tiptoe we stand…expectant, eager, hopeful, anticipating…peering over the edge from what has been and on the threshold of what is to come; longing for, yearning for a better way, a more holistic way, a more gracious way of living in this country and in the world. It seems the whole world is holding its breath, daring to believe that the mess we’ve created is not permanent; that you have indeed raised up in our midst one who can lead us in ways that will restore the values and character upon which this land was once established.

In this inaugural time, O God, we hold our breath…praying that the good identified in Barack Obama will be used to turn around the hollow systems that have led us down selfish paths, to mend the broken bureaucracies that have led to inertia and inaction, to discard the worthless wasting of precious resources, and to pave new avenues of liberty and justice for all people. Yet, keep us from holding our breath… as if this one appointed man can or should — or is even expected to — heal this country alone. Indeed, keep us all breathing and alive and active as agents of the change so desperately needed, as aides in the healing process, and as willing participants in the necessary sacrifices required of us all.

As we breathe in the hope and anticipation of this new beginning, let us exhale and rid ourselves of the well-learned skepticism we hold for government and our leaders. As we breathe in our desire for affordable health care and living wages for all, let us exhale and rid ourselves of the sense of entitlement and selfish greed that consumes so much of how we live. As we breathe in and hold up this new First Family, let us exhale and rid ourselves of any too-high expectations we have for them to “fix” this country. As we inhale and realize our desire to know all about them and to watch them at all times, let us exhale, and respect their need for privacy, and grant them the gentle times of family togetherness. As we inhale and confess our expectation that this new President will be wise and powerful and able to live up to the promises of his campaign, let us, in our exhaling, come to understand that he will only be as wise and powerful as we allow him to be; that the only change that will happen is the change we all choose to make happen together. Indeed as we breathe in, recognizing that we are inspired and motivated by what we’ve heard from this elected one, let us also slowly breathe out and realize that what we have really heard is a voice being given to the stirring of our own hearts.

Oh, it’s true, O God, we are on tiptoe…as expectant as anyone can be…praying that you might be able to create in our midst a new way of living that better honors your creation, that more fully respects your desire for community, that more urgently works for peace and justice for ALL.

To that end, we dare ask that your hand of blessing be upon President Obama — chosen not for the color of his skin but for the content of his character — that he might guide and lead us in the ways You would have us go. Thru him and with him, make us all agents of good…in our homes, in our communities, in our country and in this world. Gracious God, for all the possibilities, promise and privilege of the freedom we enjoy and celebrate this day, we humbly offer our thanks, not only with our lips, but also with our lives. In earnest hope that a new day has indeed been inaugurated in our midst, we pray.

Amen.

Important Religious Events for January

2009-01-12T16:23:00.002-05:00

Dear WISDOM Sisters:

1) Sunday, January 18th is World Religion Day for the Baha’is, an observance that began in 1950 to address the need for religious unity. World Religion Day was initiated by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the United States, the U.S. Baha’i governing body.

It is observed the third Sunday in January by Baha'is in the United States and increasingly by people around the globe. The day is celebrated by hosting interfaith discussions, conferences and other events that foster understanding and communication among the followers of all religions.
The purpose of World Religion Day is to call attention to the harmony of the various religions’ spiritual principles and to emphasize that religion is the motivating force for world unity.
As stated in the Baha'i writings, “Religion should be the cause of love and agreement, a bond to unify all mankind for it is a message of peace and goodwill to man from God” and “Religion is the greatest of all means for the establishment of order in the world and for the peaceful contentment of all that dwell therein.”

World Religion Day has spread to many other countries. In 1985, the government of Sri Lanka issued a postage stamp in commemoration of the day.

2) It’s also the start of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, a century-old observance among Christians.

Since the 18th century, proponents for Christian Unity have advocated common prayer. In 1907, an Episcopal priest and an Anglican vicar explored the possibility of prayer for Christian Unity. The Rev. Spencer Jones, Anglican Vicar of Moreton-on-Marsh, England, wrote to the Rev. Paul Wattson, an American Episcopal priest, suggesting that a day of prayer for Christian Unity might be observed each year on the Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul (June 29). Wattson proposed instead an eight-day octave observance of prayers, sermons and conferences between the Feast of the Chair of St. Peter (formerly on January 18th) and the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul on January 25th.

The Reverend Wattson and Mother Lurana White, co-founders of the Society of the Atonement, a small group of Franciscan Sisters and Friars, founded the Church Unity Octave the very next year in 1908. They publicly dedicated January 18 to 25 to prayer for Christian unity in the Sisters' Our Lady of the Angels Chapel, Graymoor, Garrison, N.Y. Mother Lurana later wrote in her diary: "I often think if the Society of the Atonement had never done another thing, this alone is a great work of God, so far reaching in its effects as to baffle our weighing its influence either now or in the days to come."

The Sisters and the Friars, along with thirteen lay associates, entered the Roman Catholic Church in 1909. Pope Pius X shortly thereafter gave his official blessing to the Octave and in 1916 Pope Benedict XV encouraged its observance throughout the entire Roman Catholic Church. In the 1930s, the name was changed to the "Chair of Unity Octave" to emphasize the centrality of the Petrine ministry.

Meanwhile, other movements for Christian Unity were also being promoted. In 1921, a committee of Protestant Church leaders for the World Conference on Faith and Order declared that a special octave of prayer for Church Unity would be held each year ending on Pentecost Sunday (Whitsunday). In 1935, a Roman Catholic priest, Abbé Paul Couturier, from Lyon, France, advocated a Universal Week of Prayer for Christian Unity in January that would foster a "unity that Christ wills, as he wills, and when he wills." In 1941, the Commission on Faith and Order moved its Pentecost observance to January with the hope that Protestants and Catholics might pray together for the unity that they so earnestly sought.

In 1964, the bishops at the Second Vatican Council issued the Decree on Ecumenism, calling prayer "the soul of the ecumenical movement." Because the ideas of Abbé Couturier emphasized a more common basis upon which every Christian Church could pray together for unity, representatives from the Orthodox, Protestant and Roman Catholic Churches agreed in 1967 to jointly observe a time of prayer called the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Since 1968, the World Council of Churches and the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity have collaborated annually in selecting scriptural themes and helpful materials to promote prayer for the unity of the Christian Churches. As a worldwide observance seeking "unity in diversity" (words taken from the Preface of the Mass for Christian Unity), the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity focuses upon the shared yearnings of all Christians "that all may be one" (Jn. 17:21) according to the will of Christ.

In January 2008, the Society of the Atonement will mark one hundred years of consistently praying and working for the unity of the Christian Churches.

3) And Sunday, January 25th at 4:00 – 6:00 PM at Christ Church Cranbrook in Bloomfield Hills is theTenth Annual World Sabbath of Religious Reconciliation!! www.wsdayofpeace.org
Have a great week!!

Gail

WISDOM sponsors Rabbi Brad Hirschfield at the Jewish Center's Book Fair

2008-11-20T09:48:00.003-05:00

WISDOM was one of the co-sponsors of the Sunday evening, November 16th ,2009 Jewish Community Center Book Fair presentation by interfaith activist Rabbi Brad Hirschfield, author of You Don't Have to Be Wrong for Me to Be Right. WISDOM held a Pre-Glow in the former Milk and Honey Restaurant and about 40 WISDOM interfaith supporters nibbled on Middle Eastern appetizers, veggies, fruit and brownies while chatting amongst themselves.

Following the Pre-Glow Imam Salie made some very passionate remarks about reaching out to include other religions to increase respect and understanding, and then introduced Rabbi Brad Hirschfield. The Rabbi spoke for an hour to a mesmerized crowd of people about how he has reached across boundaries, not to dilute those boundaries or differences, but to love that particularity and the full human experience. He stressed how we all need to heal polarizations, and to turn faith from generating hatred to being part of the solution. He remarked that what's so crucial is not the things we say to each other, but the things that we don't say.

What a wonderful and inspirational interfaith evening!! Please see some of the photos below that were taken that evening!!

Gail Katz
WISDOM President

WISDOM learns about three Eastern Faiths

2008-11-11T20:37:00.005-05:00

On Sunday, November 9th, WISDOM held an educational day about three Eastern faith traditions - Hinduism, Sikhism and Jainism. We began our day at the Bharatiya Temple in Troy with Padma Kuppa instructing us about the basics of Hinduism as we sat in the beautiful and holy prayer hall. Padma was surrounded by some of the youth of the temple who helped her explain the tenets of the Hindu faith. The WISDOM participants dined on an Indian vegetarian lunch with the members of the Temple, and listened to the priest, Brahmasri V. Janaki Rama Sastry, give a lecture on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Murthi Pratishta. We then journeyed to Plymouth Township to the Sikh Gurdwara Sahib. Raman Singh and Supreet Singh gave us a personal view of the Sikh holy book, the Guru Granth Sahib and a tour of the temple. The powerpoint was very clear and informative, and we all felt so welcome and comfortable in the Gurdwara. We were treated to Samosas and other goodies before we continued on our way. We ended our day at the Jain Temple in Farmington Hills. We thank both Bhavna and her husband for being such gracious hosts, accompanying us to view the 24 tirthankaras, answering our myriad of questions, and showing us a very informative powerpoint about Jainism. The Jain vow of "Ahimsa," non-violence, gave us all pause for reflection on our daily lives and the state of the world. Thank you Padma, Raman, Supreet and Bhavna for all of your hard work, time and energy. My thanks also go to the programming committee for their support of this wonderful day. For all of you who made this journey with us, I thank you for taking time out of your busy weekend to learn about three Eastern faiths which have a great presence in Metro Detroit, to widen your worldviews, and to help make our community a place of greater respect and understanding. Please take a few moments to view some of the pictures that were taken at this terrific WISDOM event.

Gail Katz WISDOM President

Jewish Holiday of Succot

2008-10-13T20:59:00.002-04:00

Dear WISDOM Sisters:

I would like to share with you an explanation of Succot, written by Todd Mendel, president of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Metro Detroit.

At sundown tonight,Monday, October 13th, the Jewish holiday of Succot begins. This is a holiday that Jews observe not only for its rituals and spirituality, but also for its social justice message that links the Jewish community to the world at large. A main feature of the holiday is to build a Succah. This is the structure that Jews lived in several thousand years ago while they wandered the desert for 40 years. During that time period, the Jews left slavery in Egypt (celebrated by the holiday of Passover), received the Torah at Mount Sinai (celebrated by the holiday of Shavous) and then entered the land of Israel. The structures that you may see around town or in someone’s backyard are these Succahs. Jews eat most meals in the Succah for the duration of the eight day holiday. Some Jews even sleep in them. The rules and regulations for building a Succah are quite extensive and have ensured for millennia that these temporary structures are very much like the original structures. Even today, they continue to serve the same spiritual purpose as they always have by bringing Jewish families and the community together to spend time with and appreciate each other. Special prayers are said in the synagogue during the holiday, and it is also required to shake a Lulav and Esrog. A Lulav is the spine of a palm branch, with some smaller myrtle and willow tree branches attached to it with a holder. An Esrog is a fantastic smelling citrus fruit that is somewhat similar to a lemon. The Hebrew bible specifically mentions that these items are to be used during Succot, and numerous reasons have been asserted over thousands of years as to why these items were specifically chosen.

There is one more special observance on the day following the last day of Succot. It is called Simchat Torah. On that day, there is great celebration in the Jewish Community. Each week during the year, a difference chapter of the five books of Moses is read and studied in the synagogue. They are read in order, starting with “In the beginning, God created…” and the last one is just after Moses dies and the Jews are to go into the land of Israel – the Promised Land. On Simchat Torah, when the chapters are all finished, the Jewish community around the world starts reading the Torah over and goes back to the beginning for another year of reading and studying these texts. This is one more set of traditions and holidays that has maintained the cohesiveness of the Jewish people and that has helped us survive throughout the ages.

The holiday of Succot also leads us to focus on the importance of shelter and housing, our mandate to welcome others into our homes, the environment and the exigencies of nature. It is a reminder that the Jewish people’s pursuit of social justice is never complete. Metro Detroit’s Jewish community is profoundly committed to fulfilling that responsibility. Our social service agencies, such as Jewish Family Service and JVS, provide many lifesaving and life-enhancing services for those in need in both the Jewish and Non-Jewish communities. Requests for service from those agencies have increased dramatically in recent months due to worsening economic conditions, and the agencies’ response has been nothing short of heroic. The Jewish Community Relations Council is working in coalition with other ethnic communities to preserve and grow the flow of federal funds supporting those and other agencies’ service.

Interfaith Thanksgiving Celebration

2008-10-01T08:17:00.002-04:00

The 22nd Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Celebration
From Every Tribe, Race and Nation:
We, the People

AN INTERFAITH CELEBRATION

Sponsored by the major faith and cultural communities of Metro-Detroit

Wednesday,
November 26, 2008
7:30 PM

Westminster Presbyterian
17567 Hubbell St.
Detroit, MI 48107

Featuring:

• The MOSAIC Youth Theater

• Prayers, readings and
meditations representing 8
different faith traditions

• .Hindu Dance

• Music by Gesu Parish, Roman Catholic choir

A free will offering will be gathered for the work of the MOSAIC Youth Theater.

For more information, call: Westminister Presbyterian, Phone 313-341-2697

Directions to the the Church

From the Lodge Freeway North or South
take the 7 Mile Rd. exit. Turn
WEST onto 7 Mile Rd. Drive to the first stoplight, which is Hubbell Street.
TURN LEFT (south) onto Hubbell. Travel 5 blocks and look for Westminster
Church on your right. Park in the north or west parking lots.

From the Southfield Freeway North
take the Southfield Freeway to the
McNichols Rd. exit. TURN RIGHT (east) and travel 5 stoplights (including the
6 Mile-Southfield freeway intersection). TURN LEFT (north) onto Hubbell
Street, drive past the church and TURN LEFT into the church parking lot.

From the Southfield Freeway South
take the 7 Mile Rd. exit. TURN LEFT
across the freeway onto 7 Mile Rd. Travel to Hubbell Street. TURN RIGHT
(south), and travel 5 blocks until you see the church on the right.

Address: 17567 Hubbell Street at West Outer Drive.
Phone: 313.341.2697 Ext: 200

November 9th WISDOM hosts journeys to three Eastern Religions

2008-09-27T15:50:00.002-04:00

Dear WISDOM Sisters:

WISDOM is proud to announce our next Educational Day about three Eastern Faiths – Sikhism, Hinduism, and Jainism called “Sacred Spaces/Eastern Faiths”on Sunday, November 9th from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM (lunch included) for a $25.00 charge.

We are very excited about this wonderful day of learning. Please mark your calendars, register, and let’s all come together as women of many faith traditions to increase respect and understanding in Metro Detroit!! A maximum of 75 people for this event, so register early.

Gail Katz
WISDOM President

Sacred Spaces/Eastern Faiths
Join WISDOM
Sunday, November 9th from 11:00AM – 6:00 PM
Learn about the faiths of our neighbors!!

Tour a Hindu Temple, Sikh Gurdwara & a Jain Temple

Bharatiya Temple of Metropolitan Detroit in Troy
Gurdwara Sahib - Hidden Falls in Plymouth
Jain Society of Greater Detroit in Farmington Hills

Get Answers to Basic Questions

What does the house of worship look like?
Who is the founder of the faith?
What are the scriptures?
What are some core beliefs?
What are the life rituals and customs of the faith?

Increase Your Knowledge

A basic history of the faith community in the world & in America.
A question and answer session along with a tour of the premises.
An opportunity to be part of a prayer service/religious event
Take-home materials for further reference.

Directions from House of Worship to House of Worship
November 9th, 2008 WISDOM Event

Driving Directions Link:

<http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&saddr=Bharatiya+Temple,+Troy,+MI&daddr=Gurdwara+Sahib,+Plymouth+Twp.+MI+to:Jain+Temple,+Farmington+Hills,+MI&hl=en&geocode=&mra=ls&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=41.224889,93.164063&ie=UTF8&z=11>

Start address: Bharatiya Temple 6850 N Adams Rd Troy, MI 48098 End address: Jain Temple 29250 W 12 Mile Rd Farmington Hills, MI 48334

Start at: Bharatiya Temple 6850 N Adams Rd Troy, MI 48098

1. Head south on N Adams Rd toward Repton Ln - 0.9 mi

2. Turn right at E Square Lake Rd - 0.1 mi

3. Turn right to merge onto I-75 S toward Detroit - 12.7 mi

4. Take exit 61 to merge onto I-696 W toward Lansing - 16.4 mi

5. Take the exit toward I-275 S/I-96 E - 0.8 mi

6. Keep left at the fork, follow signs for Toledo/I-96 E/Detroit and merge onto I-275 S/I-96 E - 6.6 mi

7. Take the exit on the left onto I-96 E toward Detroit - 1.5 mi

8. Take exit 173 toward Levan Rd/Newburgh Rd - 0.3 mi

9. Merge onto Schoolcraft Rd - 52 ft

10. Slight left toward Schoolcraft Rd - 371 ft

11. Turn left at Schoolcraft Rd - 0.5 mi

12. Continue straight to stay on Schoolcraft Rd - 1.0 mi Arrive at: Gurdwara Sahib 40600 Schoolcraft Rd Plymouth, MI 48170

13. Head northwest on Schoolcraft Rd toward N Haggerty Rd - 0.1 mi

14. Turn right at N Haggerty Rd - 1.9 mi

15. Turn right at 6 Mile Rd - 0.5 mi

16. Take the ramp onto I-275 N/I-96 W - 4.1 mi

17. Take exit 165 to merge onto I-696 E toward Port Huron - 4.8 mi

18. Take exit 5 for Orchard Lake Rd - 0.4 mi

19. Turn left at Orchard Lake Rd (signs for Orchard Lake) - 0.3 mi

20. Turn right at W 12 Mile Rd - 1.2 mi Arrive at: Jain Temple 29250 W 12 Mile Rd Farmington Hills, MI 48334

SACRED SPACES/EASTERN FAITHS
WISDOM EVENT

REGISTRATION FORM
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9TH
11:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Cost $25.00 to cover lunch and expenses

Name: _________________________________________________
Address: _______________________________________________
City: ___________________________________________________
State, Zip: _______________________________________________
Telephone: Home __________________________________________
Work __________________________________________________
Cell ___________________________________________________
E-mail Address: __________________________________________
Faith Tradition __________________________________________
Please complete the form and send with your $25.00 check by November 5th to:

WISDOM P.O. Box 525 Bloomfield Hills, Michigan 48303
Questions? Call Gail Katz, WISDOM President
248-978-6664
Or e-mail gailkatz@comcast.net

Sacred Spaces/Eastern Faiths
Tour a Hindu Temple, Sikh Gurdwara & a Jain Temple
with WISDOM on Sunday, November 9th 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Outline of The Tours

The first House of Worship (HOW) is the Bharatiya Temple of Metro-Detroit:
6850 N Adams Road, Troy, MI 48098 (Enter from South Blvd because of the construction)

We will start our tour here at 11 a.m., and leave to the next HOW after a light vegetarian lunch.

The second House of Worship is the Gurdwara Sahib - Hidden Falls:
40600 Schoolcraft Rd, Plymouth Township, MI 48170

We will start our tour here at 2:30 p.m. and leave to the next HOW after this segment.

The third House of Worship is the Jain Society of Greater Detroit:
29278 W. 12 Mile Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48334

We will start our tour here at 4:30 and expect to conclude the day by 6 p.m.

What to Wear & What to Do
People are usually dressed modestly, and will have showered before coming. Please dress appropriately so that you can comfortably and with decency sit on the carpeted floor in the Prayer Hall. Those who are unable to sit on the floor will be provided folding chairs in the Prayer Hall at the Hindu Temple.

All visitors entering the Prayer Halls will have to remove their shoes and place them in the shoe racks provided. At the Gurdwara, you will be asked to cover your head. Scarves will be provided or you can bring you own.

Strictly No Smoking is allowed on the premises. Visitors cannot enter the HOW while under the influence of Alcohol or Drugs.

What to Expect
Answers to basic questions – who is the founder, what are the scriptures, life rituals and customs of the faith, central figures, a basic history of the faith community both in the world and in the American context – will be provided. There will be a question and answer session along with a tour of the premises. Participants may have the opportunity to observe or participate in a prayer service or another religious event. Take-home materials will be provided for further reference.

November 16th WISDOM sponsors speaker at the Jewish Community Center Book Fair

2008-09-27T15:46:00.001-04:00

Dear WISDOM Sisters:

This is a reminder of the upcoming WISDOM sponsored Jewish Community Center’s Book Fair event featuring interfaith activist Rabbi Brad Hirschfield on November 16th at 8:15 PM. Rabbi Hirschfield’s book is entitled You Don’t Have to Be Wrong, for Me to Be Right. Rabbi Hirschfield will be introduced by Imam Achmat Salie from the Muslim Unity Center in Bloomfield Hills. The address of the Jewish Community Center is 6600 W. Maple Road West Bloomfield 48322. The Jewish Community Center is located at the intersection of Maple and Drake Roads. The phone number at the JCC is 248-661-1000. This event is free and open to the public.

Along with WISDOM, the other co-sponsors of this event are Pathways to Peace Foundation, the American Jewish Committee, and the Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion. Rabbi Hirschfield seeks to build bridges among people of different faiths – and those with no faith at all. He is devoted to teaching inclusiveness, celebrating diversity, and delivering a message of acceptance. His book provides a pragmatic path to peace, understanding, and hope that appeals to the common wisdom of all religions. Rabbi Hirschfield addresses:

- the ways faith has many faces

- how justice can coexist with forgiveness and mercy

- how unity does not necessitate uniformity

- the ways we can learn to disagree without disconnecting.

At last year’s book fair WISDOM sponsored the three authors of The Faith Club. We hope that this year’s interfaith presentation at the Jewish Community Center’s Book Fair will be as well attended by our interfaith community!! (Last year’s event attracted over 600 people!!) Please mark your calendar for a wonderful, stimulating interfaith evening.

Gail Katz

WISDOM President

Rabbi Brad Hirschfield
Author of:
You Don’t Have to Be Wrong for Me to Be Right
“A wise and important story, engagingly told. I hope everyone, from the most
piously committed to the most militantly atheist, reads it and absorbs its
lessons.” – Rabbi Harold S. Kushner
“Brad Hirschfield brings a unique understanding – forged in years of theological
study and personal interreligious dialogues – of where so many great faiths have
gone wrong…” – Joseph Telushkin
Orthodox Rabbi, and former activist in the West Bank, Rabbi Hirschfield has
a bright outlook on life and diversity. He shares his personal experiences
and applies them to Jewish text, and the knowledge he communicates is
appropriate for those of all religions. You Don’t Have to be Wrong for Me to
be Right ultimately provides a realistic approach to peace, harmony and
acceptance.
Rabbi Hirschfield was listed in Newsweek as one
of America’s Top 50 Rabbis. Currently, he is
President of The National Jewish Center for
Learning and Leadership (CLAL).
Sunday, November 16, 2008 ● 8:15 p.m.
Free of charge
Co-sponsored By:
Pathways to Peace Foundation, American Jewish Committee, WISDOM, Muslim Unity Center, and SAFE For All Seasons

Stories of Forgiveness and Upcoming Jewish Holidays

2008-09-19T09:09:00.002-04:00

Dear WISDOM Sisters:

I am forwarding a request to you from a Free Press Journalist by the name of Cassandra Spratling. She is working on an article about the power of forgiveness tied to a new garden of forgiveness being opened at the Dominican Center for Religious Development in Detroit.
In addition to that garden, she will be writing about a couple creating a park in Highland Park so kids have a safe place to play—part of their forgiveness of a man who killed their 2-year-old son in a hit and run.
She is looking for other examples of expressions of forgiveness or personal stories that demonstrate the power of forgiveness.

Since the garden is in Detroit and the playground will be in Highland Park, she especially needs to find people or examples in Oakland or Macomb county. If you can help Cassandra with her article for the Free Press, please reply to me at wisdom@interfaithwisdom.org with your contact information and I will forward it on to her. Thanks!!

While we are talking about forgiveness, I would like to mention that the Jewish holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are fast approaching. Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement is centered around forgiveness. I would like to wish our Jewish Sisters a Happy and Healthy New Year (the Jewish New Year!!). Please read on for more information.

Gail Katz
WISDOM President

Rosh Hashanah, the first Jewish holiday of the year, begins at sundown on Monday, September 29th and ends at sundown on Wednesday, October 1st. Rosh Hashanah literally means “head of the year” and is New Year’s Day for the Jewish people. Rosh Hashanah commemorates the day when God created Adam and Eve. At this time God judges everyone and weighs their good deeds, or mitzvot, next to their sins. Thus, Rosh Hashanah is also called the Day of Judgment. If you have a superabundance of good deeds, you will immediately be inscribed in God’s Book of Life and Blessing. If you have way too many sins, and you are wicked, you will be inscribed in the Book for Death and Misfortune. Most people, however, are not in either of these extremes. So God gives people an extra ten days to improve their lives by committing to the Ten Commandments, and by asking their fellow human beings for forgiveness for hurtful words that may have been said, or hurtful acts that may have been committed during the year. Jews are supposed to be mindful of making peace and reconciliation.These ten days of repentance end on Yom Kippur, which begins at sundown on Wednesday, October 8th and ends at sundown on Thursday, October 9th. This repentance must be accompanied by a commitment to change. Yom Kippur is the Day of Atonement, the day when God’s written decree for each Jewish person for the coming year is about to be sealed. This day is supposed to be spent fasting, in prayer and meditation, in confession of sin, and in reconciliation with God and with his/her fellow man and woman.

Yom Kippur is the conclusion of the 10 days of repentance that began with Rosh Hashanah, and the time when God will inscribe you in the Book of Life and Blessing (or not, as the case may be). But it also has a story from the Bible (Torah) connected with it that gives it special meaning. When the Jews were brought out of Egypt, they made a golden calf and worshipped it. This was a horrible sin against God. Moses begged God for 40 days and 40 nights until he could obtain His forgiveness. The day that God forgave the Jews for this major sin (the 10th of Tishrei on the Jewish calendar) was selected as the Day of Atonement for future generations. This is became the day of Yom Kippur for future generations.

Visiting Sacred Places Exhibit at the DIA

2008-09-15T11:49:00.002-04:00

Wisdom women and friends gathered at the Detroit Institute of Arts Sunday afternoon to view and discuss the photographic exhibit, “Sacred Places,” by Kenro Izu. The 23 women assembled first visited the exhibit with guide, Paula Drewek, to highlight special features of Izu’s photography: his 300 lb. camera and reliance on platinum-palladium processing of negatives; his focus on ancient stone monuments amidst natural settings, the presence of sacred geometry, and the dense atmosphere of spirituality which his photographs captured were among features discussed. Group members were able to interact with one another during the viewing based upon a series of study questions prepared in advance. Many of the sites Izu chose to photograph were in remote locations suggesting a pilgrimage of sorts to journey there. Sites at Angkor Wat,Cambodia, Borobudur, Java, Stonehenge, and Easter Island received the bulk of attention before the group adjourned to the auditorium to hear Mr. Izu speak on his history as a photographer and his choice of sites and techniques to photograph. This was most enlightening as well as enjoyable. Mr. Izu has a marvelous sense of humor and familiarized the full house with his latest photographs in Bhutan and her people. Following his presentation, the group met in Prentice court to discuss responses to his work and our own experience of sacred places. Trish Harris, who had planned the event, lead the discussion which educed a great variety of comments and experiences. We concluded that “sacredness” is both a characteristic of certain places as well as the framework of understanding which observers bring to the site. Discussants included women from Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Unity and Baha’i traditions, offering great diversity of sacred places and their connotations. To cap the afternoon, members of the group met at the Traffic Jam for an early dinner and socializing.

Please continue on to the next blog entry to view upcoming interfaith initiatives in Metro Detroit!!

Upcoming Interfaith Events

2008-09-15T11:27:00.002-04:00

Dear WISDOM Sisters:

There are so many interfaith events coming up this fall. Please make a note of the following:

1) The One Peace event celebrating United Nations International Day of Peace this Sunday, September 21, 2008 at Eastern Michigan University Convocation Center from 1:00 -5:00 PM

2) On Saturday morning, September 27th from 9 AM until 1PM, the Western Campus of Wayne County Community College (located just north of the Haggerty Road/Interstate 94 intersection, at 9555 Haggerty Road in Belleville) will hold and sponsor its Second Annual Conference on Religion and Politics. This year it will be addressing Peacemaking and the Rev. Dan Buttry (author of Interfaith Heroes) will be the keynote speaker with additional presentations from Raman Singh (Sikh), Lisa Klopfer (Friends), and Ted Amsden (Baha’i). For further information please e-mail Bob Bruttell at rabruttell@aol.com or call (734) 699-7008.

3) On September 30th, Tuesday, from 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM “Quickening the Art Spirit” with Rev. Dr. Mary Ellen Ashcroft, St. Francis Retreat Center in Dewitt, MI $35.00 fee. Register at www.stfrancis.ws

4) The Thursday, October 16th General Board meeting of WISDOM will include a very special happening at the NorthMinster Presbyterian Church in Troy (3633 West Big Beaver Road – just East of Coolidge on the North side of Big Beaver – 248-644-5920). WISDOM would like to invite the public to join us as we hear Pastor Charlotte Sommers discuss the building of the Troy Interfaith Labyrinth and what the Labyrinth symbolizes, we walk the Interfaith Labyrinth, and we discuss our personal reactions to the Labyrinth during a “bring your own bag lunch” interfaith lunchtime. Please join us on October 16th as we walk a spiritual path built to aid in meditation. E-mail Gail Katz at wisdom@interfaithwisdom.org to let her know you plan to attend the Labyrinth Walk and brown bag lunch.

5) Thursday, November 6th from 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM at Macomb Community College Center Campus Library (CENTER CAMPUS 44575 Garfield Road, Clinton Township, MI 48038-1139) MACOMB MULTICULTURAL INTERNATIONAL INITIATIVES presents “Detroit’s Religious Diversity - Dilemma or Opportunity”.

Never in their wildest dream did they think a coffee date, less than 2 years ago, would result in the establishment of a vibrant non-profit which is making a difference in Detroit. They have gone from a group of 4 women, a Catholic, a Jew, a Muslim, and a Protestant to a highly active organization with Board of Director’s, community events, and web presence. Come and learn about WISDOM (Women’s Interfaith Solutions for Dialogue and Outreach in Metro-Detroit) its evolution, the successes, challenges, and lessons learned. The co-founders and several Board members will be in attendance.
WISDOM founding members: Gail Katz, Shahina Begg, and Trish Harris will present
For more information email MMII@Macomb.edu or for directions go to http://www.macomb.edu/About+Macomb/Maps+and+Locations/Center+Campus.htm

6) WISDOM is planning an Educational Temple Tour on Sunday November 9th. The cost will be $25.00 per person, and the flyer and registration forms will be sent out sometime soon. We hope you will form carpools with other interested folks to go to the following holy places to learn about three Eastern religions – Hinduism, Sikhism, and Jainism. The tentative agenda is as follows:

11:00 AM – 1:30 PM Hindu Bharatiya Temple on Adams Road in Troy (includes a vegetarian lunch)

2:30 – 4:00 PM Sikh Gurdwara Sahib on Schoolcraft Road in Plymouth

4:30 – 6:00 PM Jain Temple on 12 Mile Road in Farmington Hills

7) Monday and Tuesday, November 10th and 11th, New Directions-New Connections Conference, “Unity Within the Family of Abraham” for those who work with youth in our faith communities. Featuring Reuniting the Children of Abraham on Monday Nov. 10th from 5 to 9 PM. Marriott Centerpoint, located at 3600 Centerpoint Pkwy, Pontiac. To register go to www.cyodetroit.org.

8) Sunday, November 16th at 8:15 PM, “You Don’t Have to be Wrong for Me to Be Right” , Rabbi Brad Hirschfield, Interfaith Activist, at the Jewish Book Fair at the Jewish Community Center, 6600 W. Maple Rd., West Bloomfield 48322. More information at (248) 432-5467

9) Wednesday, November 26th 7 PM at the Westminster Church of Detroit at 17567 Hubbell St. at W. Outer Drive, the 22nd Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service.

10) Sunday, January 25th, at 4:00 PM the Tenth Annual World Sabbath of Religious Reconciliation at Christ Church Cranbrook in Bloomfield Hills, MI.

October 16th Labyrinth event for WISDOM

2008-08-29T16:53:00.001-04:00

The Thursday, October 16th General Board meeting of WISDOM will include a very special happening at the NorthMinster Presbyterian Church in Troy (3633 West Big Beaver Road – just East of Coolidge on the North side of Big Beaver – 248-644-5920).

Starting at Noon on October 16th Thursday, WISDOM would like to invite the public to join us as we hear Pastor Charlotte Sommers discuss the building of the Interfaith Labyrinth and what the Labyrinth symbolizes, we walk the Interfaith Labyrinth, and we discuss our personal reactions to the Labyringth during a “bring your own bag lunch” interfaith lunchtime. Please read the article below about the Troy Interfaith Labyrinth and mark your calendars to join us on October 16th as we walk a spiritual path built to aid in meditation. What can we get out of walking a labyrinth? “The labyrinth can be used for many goals. It is a tool. If a person enters seeking to quiet their mind and relax, they will find calm. If a person enters seeking insight into their life, then they will find out about themselves. There are a number of techniques that are effective. One is to enter recalling your life. At each turn look for either a decision or event that changed your life. Watch as the path brings you nearer the goal and then back out. Another technique is to start with a song, prayer or meditation. Give thanks for a blessing each time you turn to your left and release an event that pains you on each turn to the right. It has been said that the labyrinth came into the western religions in a response to the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem. At that time, it became impossible for most people to travel to Jerusalem for the pilgrimage holidays. The labyrinth was substituted for the pilgrimage. As churches grew in Europe, a labyrinth was often included in either the floor or the garden.” (This information came from www.BodyMindSpiritGuide.com).

Please e-mail us at wisdom@interfaithwisdom.org to let us know if you would like to join us at the Labyrinth at noon on October 16th. There is no charge – just bring a “brown bag lunch” for yourself. WISDOM will provide drinks and coffee, so we would like to know how many folks plan to join us. The Labyrinth and lunch should conclude no later than 1:30 PM.

Here is an article that appeared in the Detroit News about the Troy Labyrinth.

Church's labyrinth a route to reflection
Troy Interfaith Group builds gift with donations
Catherine Jun / The Detroit News
TROY -- To most, the newly landscaped ground in front of Northminster Presbyterian Church might look like nothing more than a brick-laden courtyard.
But a careful look at the pavement reveals a meandering pattern, one that if followed will lead visitors on a slow, meditative walk to the courtyard's center -- and possibly to a more peaceful state of mind.
It's a labyrinth, fashioned after those found on the grounds of cathedrals in medieval Europe, once used for repentance or as a substitute for a pilgrimage to Jerusalem.
The one in front of the church on Big Beaver is nondenominational, drawing people seeking a moment of quiet reflection.
It was laid last month by several religious groups that wanted to offer something to people of all beliefs.
"We see it as a symbol of our peace among our diversity," said the Rev. Charlotte Sommers, pastor at the church and member of the Troy Interfaith Group, which spearheaded the project.
The group built the labyrinth with donations, about $47,000, mostly from individuals and area houses of worship.
For those involved in the project, it is a concrete reminder of the growing interfaith network in the city, formed several years ago to hold its own prayer event when a Hindu was denied participation in the long-held National Day of Prayer event in front of City Hall.
"We never expected to go beyond an initial event," said the Rev. Rich Peacock of Troy First United Methodist Church, who convenes the group's monthly meetings.
Eventually, "the interest and the need to understand each other and the need to witness that we can work together mushroomed," he said in a recent interview.
About 100 people from about nine faiths turned out for the dedication this month, said Sommers.
Among them was Reema Butt, an Ahmadiyya Muslim, one of the several growing area faith communities.
"It is very inviting," she said.
Butt has since returned to walk the colored bricks. And as she walks, she recites in her head the first chapter of the Koran, a supplication that asks for help in seeking the right path.
"I just think about the words and prayer," she said.

August 24th Eco-Friendly WISDOM Event

2008-08-29T10:02:00.009-04:00

Here is a message from Judy Satterthwaite, WISDOM Program Chairperson:

On August 24th, we had a beautiful, sunny day at Addison Oaks County Park where 18 members of our WISDOM family and friends met to do our part for the environment. Each brought their own picnic lunch and many people graciously shared extra dishes, so we all had an opportunity to sample foods from other cultures. Our location, Lakeview Pavilion, was built to give visitors a wonderful view of the lake, but it had become so overgrown that the lake was hardly visible. Kathleen Dougherty, Natural Resources Educator for the Parks, explained how this happened. The plants, Autumn Olive, Oriental Bittersweet and Buckthorn, were normally planted as ornamental shrubs in private yards…but birds have eaten the berries and deposited the seeds in places where they have grown into massive tree-like bushes that choke out our native plants and trees. Our job was to cut these bushes as low to the ground as possible so that Kathleen and her assistant Kim, could follow and coat the cuts with a systemic herbicide that would kill the roots. Some people forged into the woods and begin cutting through the jungle of intertwined brush while others dragged the cut branches to a large pile. We had a great time…all worked in teams, taking turns cutting, dragging, and resting! All ages…from 9 to 72…worked well together and had fun doing it. When we left after 2 ½ hours of productive work, there was a beautiful view of the lake including a family of five swans swimming in a majestic line across the water. We playfully named them the “Salka Swans” because there were also five members in Gigi Salka's family hard at work. When we left at three o’clock, we had only opened a small clearing but all felt the satisfaction of a job well done!

What a wonderful interfaith coming together of WISDOM families and friends to make a difference in our environment. Please see all of our great photos of the event below!!

WISDOM Educational Event and this week's Jain Festival

2008-08-25T09:58:00.001-04:00

Dear WISDOM Sisters:

Below is a description from the Pluralism Project website (http://www.pluralism.org) about the Jain festival Paryushan which begins on Wednesday, August 27th this week. If you are interested in learning more about the Jain religion and other religions from India, WISDOM is planning an Educational Day on Sunday November 9th. The cost will be $25.00 per person, and the flyer and registration forms will be sent out sometime around the middle of September. We hope you will form carpools with other interested folks to go to the following holy places to learn about three Eastern religions – Hinduism, Sikhism, and Jainism. The tentative agenda is as follows:

11:00 AM – 1:30 PM Hindu Bharatiya Temple on Adams Road in Troy (includes a vegetarian lunch)

2:30 – 4:00 PM Sikh Gurdwara Sahib on Schoolcraft Road in Plymouth

4:30 – 6:00 PM Jain Temple on 12 Mile Road in Farmington Hills

I hope to see you at this wonderful educational opportunity!! Mark your calendars.wis

Gail Katz
WISDOM President

Paryushan is the most important Jain religious observance of the year. For both Shvetambars, who observe the festival over a period of eight days, and Digambars, for whom Paryushan Parva lasts ten days, this is a time of intensive study, reflection, and purification. It takes place in the middle of the four-month rainy season in India, a time when the monks and nuns cease moving about from place to place and stay with a community. Paryushan means, literally, "abiding" or "coming together." The monks and nuns who have to maintain fixed residence during the rainy season abide with the laity and are available to them for instruction and guidance. It is also a time when the laity take on various temporary vows of study and fasting, a spiritual intensity similar to temporary monasticism. In this respect, it bears comparison with periods of rigorous religious practice in other traditions, such as the Christian observance of Lent. Paryushan concludes with a time of confession and forgiveness for the transgressions of the previous year.

In the United States, Jains often combine the two observances, with the eight days of the Shvetambar tradition followed by the ten of the Digambar tradition. It is customary for religious leaders, such as Gurudev Chitrabhanu, to stay at one of the Jain centers in order to be available to the laity during the period of Paryushan. Arrangements are made with such leaders well in advance to assure members of their presence. There are not enough to cover all the centers, however. Some centers may host visiting renunciants from India who have not yet undertaken all the vows of full mendicancy and can therefore travel in vehicles and live in America, with all the compromises to the monastic life that this entails. Other centers may have the presence of samans or samanis, monks and nuns in a new order created especially to attend to Jain communities outside India.

Even if there are no religious leaders in residence, the laity meet every evening during Paryushan, shifting their focus of life to the soul for these days. The most important part of Paryushan is daily meditation and prayer, which provides an opportunity for looking within and looking toward the teachings of the Tirthankaras for guidance. Beginning on the fourth day of Paryushan, it is customary for Murtipujak Shvetambars to read from the Kalpa Sutra, a scripture which recounts the life of Mahavira--the fourteen dreams of his mother before his birth, followed by the story of his birth, his life, and his liberation. It also recounts the lives of other Tirthankaras and the rules of Paryushan. In India, the book of scripture would be carried ceremonially through the streets, water sprinkled in its path along the way, purifying the entire town.

Jains often take time off from work during this period and eat a much simpler diet. They add to their normal vegetarian restrictions by avoiding such foods as potatoes, onions, and garlic--the eating of which entail killing the plant instead of just taking its fruit. Many Jains also fast during Paryushan, some for the entire period. At the end of Paryushan, those who have fasted for the eight or ten days break their fast with a special meal during which they do not touch food, but are fed by friends and loved ones in honor of their achievement.

For Shvetambars, the final day of Paryushan is Samvastsari Pratikraman, the "Annual Confession." The act of confessing any infringement of the five great vows to one's teacher is part of the life of a devout Jain throughout the year. But on this day it becomes the focus of the entire community. The ritual of asking forgiveness from the teacher is widened in scope to include family and friends and, finally, all living beings. The culmination of confession is receiving forgiveness from all living beings and also granting forgiveness to all beings.

This ritual of forgiveness is sometimes called the rite of "universal friendship." Most Jain centers in the U.S. now conduct at least part of the ritual of forgiveness in English for the benefit of the youth. The St. Louis and San Diego Jain communities, for instance, have published English-language "Pratikraman" booklets. The spirit of the day is contained in this verse, recited by heart:

“I grant forgiveness to all living beings, May all living beings grant me forgiveness; My friendship is with all living beings, My enmity is totally non-existent. Let there be peace, harmony, and prosperity for all.”

Hinduism and Upcoming Hindu Holidays

2008-08-12T14:23:00.001-04:00

Dear WISDOM Sisters:

There are several Hindu holidays on the horizon, and Padma Kuppa, our esteemed Hindu WISDOM board member, has graciously taken the time to educate all of us about Hinduism, and the three Hindu holidays coming up in August and early September. Thank you, Padma!! Please take the time to learn about our sisters’ religion!!

Gail Katz
WISDOM President

Hinduism

It is difficult to define Hinduism, better known as Sanatana Dharma,
since it is not a particular creed or ideaology but a way of life. It
also has no founder. There are varying schools of thought and
philosophy, but there are three spiritual truths which all human
beings have to deal with:

God (Brahman)

Individual Soul (Atman)

Creation (Jagat)

The Hindu philosophy of Vedanta, or monism, proposes that everything
in this world is God. According to this philosophy, God is the ocean,
and an individual soul is a wave of this ocean, having a temporary
identity of its own, but a part of the ocean. According to the
alternative philosophy dvaita, or dualism, God and man are separate;
man is like a clay pot filled with water that comes from the same
ocean that God is. The essential life-giving principle or
consciousness of everyone is the same.

The Hindu scriptures include the Vedas, teachings developed by sages
and seers over many centuries, the Upanishads, the Puranas (of which
the Ramayana and Mahabharata are very popular) and the Bhagavad Gita.
They are all written in the ancient language of Sanskrit. The Puranas
contain examples and stories to illustrate the concepts found in Vedas
in much simpler language. The Ramayana and Mahabharata are the
historical narrations of Rama and Krishna, which serve as a guide for
the common man to live a moral life. Hindus believe that the universe
undergoes endless cycles of creation, preservation and dissolution,
and the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Siva represent or govern these
three (creation, preservation, dissolution) respectively. Rama and
Krishna are avatars or forms of Vishnu, the preserver, and the
philosophy of the Vedas and other scriptures is presented with
analogies and parables in a way easy for a common man to understand.

India, where the majority of the one billion Hindus worldwide live, is
a country of many languages and ethnicities. Hence many religious
works, including literature and hymns or bhajans have been written
over the centuries in many commonly spoken Indian languages which
include Hindustani or Hindi, Gujarathi, Tamil and Telugu.

Holy Festivals of Hinduism: Insights into the Annual Celebrations
Hindus Enjoy the World Over -
August/September 2008 Edition
________________________________

When it comes to Hindu festivals, Nepal rules - they celebrate 19 a
year on their official calendar, three of them exclusively for women!

India, by contrast, sets aside just two Hindu days a year on its
national calendar - Navaratri and Diwali. Many others are on the
religious calendar, which is lunisolar and similar to the Jewish
calendar in that we sometimes have an extra month. There are also
regional calendars in different parts of India, and holidays differ by
ethnic and geographic area. In America, the US Congress officially
recognized Diwali as a annual holiday for American Hindus, in 2007.
But whatever official calendars say, Hindus miss no opportunity to set
mundane matters aside and join with friends, neighbors and strangers
alike in invocation of the One Supreme God and the many Gods, in honor
of the Guru or in celebration of the passing of the seasons. While
anthropologists generally assign mere social significance in the
cycles of festivals, the devout Hindu knows these are times of
profound mystical connection to the inner worlds, times when God and
the Gods touch our world, revitalize our very souls, lighten our
karmas and bless our families. The following are India-wide or
rather, worldwide, festivals which are celebrated at this time of year.

Aug. 16, 2008: Raksha Bandhan

On the full moon of Karkata, or Cancer (Sravana July/August), sisters
tie a rakhi around the wrist of their brothers, who in return give a
present of clothing, cash or jewelry and become obligated for the
safety of the sister. The rakhi can also be given to anyone chosen as
an "adopted brother," even outside the Hindu community. It signifies
that she is praying for his welfare and that he is determined to give
protection to her. Originally the rakhi was a handspun cotton thread
dyed yellow with turmeric, but now many colors and materials are used.
Three knots are made in the thread to signify protection in thought,
word and deed. This day is also celebrated as Narali Purnima, "coconut
full moon," when coconuts are offered to Varuna, God of the Sea, by
throwing them into the ocean. It is also called Avani Avittam, or
Jandhyala Purnima, the ceremony of changing of the sacred thread among
the brahmins. This tradition dates back to Vedic times when the year's
studies were commenced on this day. Here in America, one can buy a
rakhi at the local Indian store, make one or even order one online!
Additionally, the temple priests will perform the rites for people who
wish to change their sacred thread (aka yajurveda upakarma) - .
________________________________

Aug. 23, 2008: Krishna Janmashtami

Lord Krishna, eighth incarnation of Vishnu, was born on the eighth
lunar day (ashtami) of the dark half of Karkata, or Cancer (Sravana
July/August). Devotees fast the preceding day until midnight, the time
that Krishna was born to Vasudeva and Devaki in the Mathura kingdom's
prison 5,000 years ago. At midnight, amidst grand ceremony, the temple
priest places the image of the newborn Krishna in a swinging crib.
Among the traditional observances, pots of sweets, curd and butter are
hung near homes, on trees and street poles in recollection of
Krishna's love for these things. Teenage boys dressed as cowherds form
human pyramids to reach and break the pots. The following day is again
one of festivity, including puja, storytelling and the Ras Leela, a
folk theater depicting major events of Krishna's life. "Dark as a rain
cloud," reads one account of His birth, "He made the prison glow with
the splendor of His crown, His jewelry and His yellow silk robes. He
was the Lord God incarnate." American Hindus celebrate in different
ways depending on the "ethnic leanings" of their local temple - the
Bharatiya Temple in Troy usually has a cultural program after the
religious and celebratory rituals. This year, there will be aa Raas
Garba - a more social or folk dance that can be performed by all who
wish to participate, often using sticks or dandiyas, going about in a
circular pattern. A link to the activities can be found here:
http://www.bharatiya-temple.org/home/events/KrishnaJanmashtami.shtml.

________________________________

Sept. 3, 2008: Ganesha Chaturthi

The fourth lunar day of the bright half of Simha, or Leo (Bhadra
August/September), is celebrated around the world as the birthday of
Ganesha, the elephant-headed God of Wisdom and Lord of Obstacles. As
with other festivals, the homes and temples are elaborately decorated
for the day. The special activity is the making of clay images of
Ganesha, reverently formed and decorated. Some are huge works of art
created by craftsmen, others are tiny icons painted and decorated by
children. At the end of the day, or seven or ten days later, these
images are ceremoniously immersed in the ocean or a nearby stream or
lake, signifying the creation of Ganesha from the Earth and His return
and dissolution in the ocean of universal consciousness. So intense
has been His presence at this time that even grown men weep at His
auspicious departure. His worship on this day removes obstacles and
ensures smooth progress in all ventures through the year. As Ganesha
is common to all Hindu sects and schools of belief and practice, this
festival is serving both inside and outside of India as a day to
celebrate Hindu unity. As it falls on a working day, the Bharatiya
Temple, like many American temples, has an event which involves
children performing the a simplified version of the ritual or puja, on
the following Sunday (Sept. 7). Many Hindu families will perform the
ritual in their homes, often making special food items such as
'modaka" which are considered Ganesha's favorite. The puja is one that
celebrates nature and may involve the use of fruit, vegetables and
other plant materials (leaves, grass, etc.) depending on the region of
India that one comes from.

WISDOM Eco-Friendly event on August 24th

2008-08-10T14:09:00.001-04:00

WISDOM INVITES YOU TO:

An Eco-friendly Interfaith Event

Join us Sunday, August 24th, 11:30-4:00
Lakeview Pavilion
Addison Oaks County Park
1480 W. Romeo Road, Leonard, Michigan

RAIN or SHINE
Let us . . .
Learn together from Natural Resources Educator, Kathleen Dougherty

Work together on Habitat Restoration Projects –

Play together as friends and families
. . . Games, swimming and a family picnic

· Bring your own picnic lunch and favorite outdoor games.
· Volleyball net, horseshoe pit and barbeque grill on site.
· Water bottles provided by WISDOM
· Bring long sleeve shirts and pants, gloves, insect repellant and sun screen!

Your cost is the Park Entrance Fee of $7 per car
($1 discount coupon can be printed from www.Oakgov.com)
And a $5.00 check made out to WISDOM
Questions? Please call Judy Satterthwaite (248) 651-8918

Please send registration form and your $5.00 check by August 18 to: WISDOM, P.O. Box 525, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48303

Name: __________________________, phone #_________________
How many in your family? Adults___ Kids_____ ages of kids _______

Directions to Addison Oaks County Park

Take I-75 North and get off at exit 77 to M-59 East. Go 5.8 Miles and take exit #46 and make a left (North) on M-150 which becomes Rochester Road. Continue for about 12 miles until you come to Romeo Road. Make a left on W. Romeo Road and go 1.7 miles until you arrive at Addison Oaks - 1480 W. Romeo Road which will be on your right.

SACRED PLACES at the DIA on September 14th

2008-08-10T13:51:00.002-04:00

DEAR WISDOM SISTERS!!

NOW AT THE DETROIT INSTITUTE OF ARTS
THERE IS AN EXHIBITION OF BLACK AND WHITE PHOTOGRAPHS
ENTITLED “SACRED PLACES” BY KENRO IZU!!

ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2008 STARTING AT 1:00 pm
WISDOM WOULD LIKE TO USE THE OCCASION OF THIS EXHIBIT
TO HOLD BOTH A CELEBRATION AND EXPLORATION
OF PLACES THAT ARE SACRED TO US!!

WE WILL FIRST PARTICIPATE IN A TOUR OF THE IZU EXHIBIT. THIS EXHIBIT HIGHLIGHTS IMAGES OF RELIGIOUS SITES AND MONUMENTS IN ASIA, THE PACIFIC ISLANDS, THE MIDDLE EAST AND EUROPE. IZU’S IMAGES CONVEY THE SPIRITUAL ESSENCE OF THESE PLACES THAT HAVE RESONATED OVER MILLENNIA WITH PEOPLE OF MANY FAITHS.

THE DIA EXHIBIT TOUR WILL BE FOLLOWED BY OUR OWN “SHOW AND TELL” DISCUSSION, ALLOWING INDIVIDUALS TO SHARE THEIR THOUGHTS AND PHOTOS OF PLACES THAT ARE EITHER SACRED PERSONALLY, OR SACRED TO A FAITH TRADITION. (PLEASE BRING PHOTOS, BUT NOTE THAT
THEY SHOULD BE NO LARGER THAN 8 X 10 – DIA RULE!!.)

AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE DISCUSSION OF OUR “SACRED PLACES,” WE HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO CONTINUE TO EXPLORE OTHER DIA EXHIBITS AND THEN JOIN TOGETHER IN AN OPTIONAL MEAL AT THE TRAFFIC JAM AND SNUG RESTAURANT AT 511 W. CANFIELD, TO CONTINUE OUR DIALOGUE AND GET TO KNOW ONE ANOTHER BETTER.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE KENRO IZU EXHIBIT, PLEASE GO TO WWW.DIA.ORG AND CLICK ON “KENRO IZU: SACRED PLACES EXHIBITION.”

LOCATION: THE DETROIT INSTITUTE OF ARTS - 5200 WOODWARD AVENUE IN DETROIT. THE MAIN NUMBER IS (313) 833-7900. THE WEEKEND HOTLINE NUMBER IS (313) 833-7530.

MEETING LOCATION: WE WILL ENTER THE DIA THROUGH THE GROUP & EVENT ENTRANCE ON JOHN R. WE WILL ASSEMBLE AND CONDUCT REGISTRATION IN THE PRENTIS COURT.

TIME: REGISTRATIOIN WILL TAKE PLACE BETWEEN 1:00 AND 1:15 PM. PLEASE SEE ATTACHED FLYER FOR THE DETAILED AGENDA FOR THE DAY! PLEASE ARRIVE IN PRENTIS COURT FOR REGISTRATION BY 1:00 pm. YOUR PROMPTNESS WILL BE APPRECIATED BY ALL, SINCE WE CANNOT BEGIN THE TOUR UNTIL ALL THE PARTICIPANTS ARE CHECKED IN.

PARKING:

- VALET PARKING IS AVAILABLE AT THE FARNSWORTH STREET
ENTRANCE
- SECURED SELF-PARKING IS AVAILABLE DIRECTLY BEHIND THE
MUSEUM ON JOHN R STREET
- SELF-PARKING IS AVAILABLE IN THE UNDERGROUND PARKING
GARAGE ON THE CORNER OF WOODWARD AND FARNSWORTH

COST: MUSEUM ENTRY, TOUR AND DISCUSSION $15.00. OPTIONAL DINNER AT THE TRAFFIC JAM IS AT YOUR OWN EXPENSE.

CONTACTS: EVENT CHAIRPERSON – TRISH HARRIS (248) 335-0964

MAIL $15.00 CHECKS TO WISDOM, P.O. BOX 525, BLOOMFIELD HILLS, 48303 BY SEPTEMBER 8, 2008

PLEASE SEE INFORMATION BELOW FOR DETAILED AGENDA AND REGISTRATION
FORM!!

SACRED PLACES

COME JOIN WISDOM AT THE DIA
AS WE EXPLORE WHAT MAKES A PLACE SACRED

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2008

1:00 – 1:15 PM REGISTRATION CHECK –IN (USE GROUP

& EVENTS ENTRANCE ON JOHN R AND MEET IN

PRENTIS COURT)

1:15 – 2:30 PM TOUR OF THE KENRO IZU EXHIBIT “SACRED

PLACES” AT THE DETROIT INSTITUTE OF ARTS

2:30 – 3:30 PM “SHOW AND TELL” GROUP SHARING OF

THOUGHTS AND PHOTOS OF PLACES THAT

ARE SACRED TO US AND OUR FAITH

TRADITIONS (KRESGE COURT)

3:30 – 5:00 PM OPTIONAL TOUR OF OTHER EXHIBITS AT

THE DIA

5:00 PM OPTIONAL MEAL TOGETHER AT THE TRAFFIC

JAM AND SNUG (511 W. CANFIELD) FOR THOSE

NOT FASTING DUE TO RAMADAN

REGISTRATION FORM

NAME: __________________________________________________

ADDRESS: ________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

TELEPHONE: ---------------------------------------------------------------(HOME)

-----------------------------------------------------------------(CELL)

EMAIL: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FAITH TRADITION: -----------------------------------------------------------------------

I PLAN TO PARTICIPATE IN:

. DIA EXHIBIT ONLY _________
. DIA EXHIBIT AND ‘SHOW AND TELL’ DISCUSSION ______
. TOUR OF OTHER DIA EXHIBITS FROM 3:30 – 5:00 pm ____
. DINNER AT THE TRAFFIC JAM AND SNUG _______

PLEASE SEND A CHECK FOR $15.00
BY SEPTEMBER 8TH MADE OUT TO WISDOM

AND MAIL TO:

WISDOM, P.O. BOX 525, BLOOMFIELD HILLS, MI 48303

QUESTIONS? CALL TRISH HARRIS AT (248) 335-0964

If You Think Life's Messy, A Wise Rabbi Says That's Great!!

2008-07-11T07:13:00.002-04:00

From David Crumm's Read The Spirit Column (ReadtheSpirit.com) on July 10, 2008.

On Thursdays, we often feature guest writers. These are among the most popular stories we publish here at ReadTheSpirit. And, today, we're welcoming back Gail Katz, whose earlier guest story is still popular among our readers. This time, we invited Gail to share a review of a book by Rabbi Irwin Kula. It's on a theme that's very close to our hearts: Finding spiritual meaning in the often chaotic twists and turns of daily life.

Here is Gail's reflection on Rabbi Kula's book: "Yearnings: Embracing the Messiness of Life” is a book in which all of us -- people of many faith traditions -- can find fresh insights into what we share: Being human.

I heard Rabbi Irwin Kula give a talk about his book this summer. It's a book that I enjoy, so I was pleased to learn more about him. He is an eighth-generation rabbi, nationally known speaker and teacher -- and the president of the National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership (CLAL). He is a regular on the TV and radio talk show circuit and host of the public television broadcast called, “The Wisdom of Our Yearnings.” His book is an exploration of our day-to-day living, an uncovering of the spirituality that can be found in all of our desires and longings, leading us to appreciate more deeply our varied pathways toward God. Kula organizes his book around our major yearnings, such as desires for truth, meaning, love, happiness and transcendence. What I find most appealing is the way he writes about human nature -- and the intense human desire for certainty. In his chapter, “God Will Be What God Will Be,” Kula describes the God that everyone would like to evoke: a God “who tells them exactly what they want to hear -– whether God is our intuition, that soft, still voice within that we feel holds some magical truth, or the guy in the heavens who affirms our perception of the world.” What we don’t accept so easily is that God is more often challenging and life changing -– that God is the voice urging us to question every truth.

The word “prayer,” the rabbi teaches, comes from the same Latin root as the word precarious. The certainty we yearn for is, at best, precarious. Kula’s central insight for all of us is that the precariousness of life is bound up in our own sense of ourselves, and “when we hold our identities lightly, knowing that they are temporary constructions, humble absolutes, the crises and crossroads in our lives tend to be less shattering.” What great advice for handling the day-to-day challenges to our sense of our selves!! Kula continues to refer to these challenges as the “sacred messiness of life.” It is the search for meaning –- the sorting though all of the messes -– that can transform us and give rise to wisdom.

I was most impressed with Kula’s use of the Yeshiva as an illustration of the need to accept uncertainly in our lives. In a Yeshiva, Jewish students wrestle with the meaning of the sacred texts -– the Torah, the Mishnah and the Talmud. In some settings, hundreds of students sit across from each other for 10-12 hours a day, discussing and analyzing, voices rising and falling with great emotion and vitality in debate. One point of view rarely prevails over the others. With this illustration, Kula is trying to teach us: Winning is not the point. Disagreement is the gift that alerts us to “something wonderful waiting to be uncovered.” Kula’s point here is that we all need to re-assess how we deal with conflict and stress in our lives. Rather than dividing us, arguments should be about finding connection with each other. We need to look at the entire weaving, not just our own thread in the tapestry.

Another fascinating discussion in Kula’s book has to do with the enactment of rituals. I love the way Kula extends an interfaith perspective about rituals, explaining to his readers that all rituals can become rote and boring, and the act of seeing and participating in another group’s rituals can enliven our own spirituality. Kula describes rituals as “Songs of grace and dances of death: they can foment aggression and inspire love; calm the mind and stir things up; enchant the ordinary or transform it.” Rituals across the religious spectrum –- the Jewish practice of blowing the shofar on the New Year, the Catholic Eucharist, the Islamic Henna marriage ritual, the Buddhist mandala, or the masked dance of the Hopi -- all invite us to enter an “alternative universe.”

Kula also unlocks the beauty of the Sabbath -– something that Jewish and non-Jewish readers may find particularly helpful. And, he writes that, when we return from the Sabbath into the new workweek -- “we do not enter the workweek alone, that all of our creative work is in the end collaborative.” In practicing the Sabbath, in recalibrating and rebalancing, we are “learning how to be better doers and do being better.” These are words that should give all of us pause!!

As a Jew, I enjoyed Kula’s book because of the many insights that he brought to my personal connection with Judaism. And, I reveled in Kula’s book because he helps us to embrace our differences. As Jews, we are commanded to “repair the world.” The rabbi reminds us that “repairing the world is not about gathering the sparks, but about dignifying each one.” What is life-affirming, says Kula, is the “ever-expanding uniqueness of our selves and the uniqueness of others.” Through all the messiness of our lives, we need to celebrate rather than fear the “anarchy, mystery, and multiplicity of the spark-filled cosmos.”

CARE TO READ MORE?
READ GAIL'S OWN STORY: Gail Katz has shared her voice a number of times through ReadTheSpirit -- but the signature story that readers still return to read is her memoir: "My Interfaith Journey." If you haven't read her story, we think you may enjoy it -- and may want to share it with others.

EXPLORE RABBI KULA'S WORK AT CLAL: The Jewish group has a number of landing pages on the Web, but probably the most useful is the portal called "eCLAL," an online magazine.

You can Email ReadTheSpirit Editor David Crumm directly. Or, visit us on Facebook, where the best meeting place at the moment is our new OurValues Facebook group.

Baha'i Shrines Become World Heritage Sites

2008-07-11T07:10:00.001-04:00

Baha’i shrines become recognised world heritage sites
By agency reporter
10 Jul 2008
A United Nations committee meeting here has determined that two Baha’i shrines in Israel possess “outstanding universal value” and should be considered as part of the cultural heritage of humanity as a whole.
The decision today by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee means that the two most sacred sites for Baha’is - the resting places of the founders of their religion - join a list of internationally recognized sites like the Great Wall of China, the Pyramids, the Taj Mahal, and Stonehenge.
The World Heritage List also includes places of global religious significance like the Vatican, the Old City of Jerusalem, and the remains of the recently destroyed Bamiyan Buddhist statues in Afghanistan.
The Baha’i shrines are the first sites connected with a religious tradition born in modern times to be added to the list, which is maintained by UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
The two shrines, one near the recognized heritage site of Old Acre on Israel’s northern coast and the other on Mount Carmel in Haifa, are the resting places of Baha’u’llah and the Bab, the founders of the Baha’i Faith.
Born in Iran, Baha’u’llah was banished to Acre in what was then the Ottoman Empire, where he died in 1892. The Bab was executed in Iran in 1850, and His remains were later moved to Haifa for burial.
The two shrines are noteworthy for the formal gardens that surround them, blending design elements from many cultures. In addition to Baha’i pilgrims, they attract hundreds of thousands of visitors and tourists every year.
“We welcome the UNESCO recognition, which highlights the importance of the holy places of a religion that in 150 years has gone from a small group found only in the Middle East to a worldwide community with followers in virtually every country,” said Albert Lincoln, secretary-general of the Baha’i International Community.
The World Heritage List was established by UNESCO in 1972 to identify, protect, and preserve places of “cultural and natural heritage of outstanding universal value.” So far, 184 nations have signed the World Heritage Convention, which defines the general standards of selection for the list, and more than 850 sites have been recognized, including natural areas, such as East Africa’s Serengeti and Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.
The World Heritage Committee is composed of 21 states that are signatories of the World Heritage Convention. It meets annually in the home country of its chairperson. This year’s chair is Dr Christina Cameron of Canada, and the gathering in Quebec, which is itself a world heritage site, corresponds with that city’s 400th anniversary celebrations.

Article About WISDOM in the Jewish News

2008-06-29T21:36:00.002-04:00

Sharing Wisdom
Interfaith outreach group compare religions.

Diana Lieberman
Special to the Jewish News

As told in Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers), a man once asked Hillel to teach him the entire Torah while he stood on one foot.
"That which is despicable to you, do not do to your fellow:' Hillel replied. "This is the whole Torah, and the rest is commentary, go and learn if'
The five speakers at the Birmingham Temple in Farmington Hills June 6 were faced with a similar quandary. Each woman - all members of the mul¬ticultural group WISDOM (Women's Interfaith Solutions for Dialogue and Outreach in Metro Detroit) - was asked probing questions about her religion. Each had about five minutes to answer.
Among the questions: What is the place of women in their religion? What is most misunderstood about your reli¬gion? How would you summarize your own religious experience?
WISDOM came together soon after 9-11 to work to build bridges between different faith communities.
"Detroit is one of the most segregated communities in the United States:' said WISDOM president Gail Katz of West Bloomfield, who moderated for the event. "We want to set up opportunities for peo¬ple who, under everyday circumstances, would never get together and give them an opportunity to meet each other:'
WISDOM member Judy Satterthwaite of Rochester Hills said, "We have more in common than the media would have us think:'
The Birmingham Temple event,
titled "Five Women, Five Journeys: How Different Are We" began with a potluck dinner attended by more than 100 peo¬ple. The menu was vegetarian to accom-
modate the broadest possible religious and cultural laws and preferences.
Panelists were the Rev. Sharon Buttry, an ordained American Baptist min¬ister; Paula Drewek, retired professor and author of interfaith teaching aids, representing the Baha'i faith; Padma Kuppa, founder of the Troy Interfaith Group, who is Hindu; Sofia Begg Latif,
a co-author of the Children of Abraham play, who is Muslim; and Rabbi
Tamara Kolton of the Birmingham Temple, the first person ordained by
the International Institute for Secular Humanistic Judaism.
As they fielded questions, several speakers cautioned that their opinions and their life journeys as women were not necessarily typical of everyone who practices their religion.
"Islam is a religion of about 1.2 billion people" Latif said when asked about the position of women in her religion. "Islam itself doesn't put women down. It's the culture that puts women down."
Similarly, Kolton explained the first woman rabbi was ordained in 1972 in Judaism's Reform movement. It took until 1985 for the Conservative Movement to ordain its first rabbi.
"Half the students at seminaries that
are ordained today are women" she said. "But most are not hired as pulpit rabbis. The image of the person on the pulpit is not a woman."
The case is similar in most Christian denominations, Buttry said. "Being ordained is one thing; finding a pulpit is another."
Kuppa differentiated between Hindu culture and religion. "Hindu women may be putdown culturally; but from the scripture, women are very powerful" she said. ''A lot of Hindus do not know about the faith traditions."
There are roughly 5.5 million Baha'i spread across the globe, Drewek said. She found the religion a good fit with feminist beliefs. "Because we feel all religions come from god, we take a little from here, a little from there."
Kolton said the evening was very much ion the spirit of the Birmingham Temple. "This congregation believes not only in creating bridges, but in walking across them."
For more information about WISDOM, go to the Web site www.interfaithwisdom.org.

Farmington/Farmington Hills Multi-Cultural Multi-Racial Diversity Breakfast

2008-06-15T10:53:00.010-04:00

Watch these videos (especially part two) to see Gail Katz, WISDOM President, featured as the keynote speaker for the Farmington/Farmington Hills Multi-Cultural Multi-Racial Rainbow Diversity Breakfast on March 13, 2008.

Part 1:

Part 2:

Many Voices, One Future

2008-06-15T10:53:00.008-04:00

Click on the videos below to see WISDOM Co-Founders Gail Katz, Trish Harris, and Shahina Begg on the SWOCC Farmington/Farmington Hills Cable TV program entitled "Many Voices, One Future" on March 17th, 2008.

Part 1:

Part 2:

Prayer in America Reminder

2008-06-15T10:53:00.002-04:00

Monday, June 23rd 4:00 PM at U of M Dearborn - come and join The World Views Seminar, Detroit Public TV, the Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion for a wonderful interfaith event. Click on the link below to go to the PDF File.

Prayer in America PDF File

WISDOM Birmingham Temple Interfaith event

2008-06-07T21:10:00.000-04:00

Friday night, June 6th, WISDOM and The Birmingham Temple on Twelve Mile Road in Farmington Hills held a joint interfaith event. Over 100 Christians, Jews, Muslims, Baha'is, Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains (men and women) came together at a potluck supper to get to know other people of different faith traditions. The salads, pasta dishes, cooked vegetables and assortments of bread were wonderfully delicious, but what was more delicious than the food was the warm exciting feeling in the room of people reaching out to get to know others that they might never get the chance to meet in their own usual circles of friends and family. Following the potluck supper, about 150 people seated themselves in the sanctuary of The Birmingham Temple for a "Shabbat Shalom" Peaceful Sabbath service, led by Rabbi Tamara Kolton, senior rabbi of this congregation for Humanistic Jews. The service began with the singing of "Hayveynu Shalom Aleichem" followed by a poem by Judyth Hill entitled "Wage Peace." Other readings and Hebrew songs followed, including "We Shall Overcome," and the beautiful Friday night service ended with a memorial service for those departed and very spiritual candlelighting. The panelists for "Five Women: Five Journeys, How Different Are We?" were called up to the front of the sanctuary. Gail Katz, WISDOM President, was the moderator of the panel, which consisted of The Rev. Sharon Buttry (Christian), Sofia Begg Latif (Muslim), Padma Kuppa (Hindu), Paula Drewek (Baha'i) and Rabbi Tamara Kolton (Jewish). The panelists answered questions such as "How did your childhood impact where you are today with your own personal beliefs?" "How is your daily life impacted by the teachings of your religion?" "What do you believe is the most misunderstood part of your tradition?" and "What is it like to be a woman in your community, and what do you see as the biggest challenge for women in your tradition in the United States?" The answers from the panelists were thoughtful, touchingly personal, and very spiritual. What a most beautiful evening!! Below are some photos that were taken at the event.

Prayer in America PBS Special

2008-06-06T08:48:00.000-04:00

Dear WISDOM Sisters:

Below is an invitation to a very special event. Detroit Public Television will be doing a joint TV program on June 23rd with the WorldViews Seminar at the University of Michigan-Dearborn. I will be part of this seminar which runs the entire week of June 23-27th, and I am very excited about learning more about the many religions in the Detroit Metro area. Please see the information below, and join us at the Prayer in America PBS special.

For those of you that have signed up for the WISDOM/Birmingham Temple potluck dinner and panel discussion Friday evening, June 6th, called “Five Women: Five Journeys – How Different Are We?”, we have over 100 people registered for the dinner, with many more coming just for the Sabbath service and panel discussion. Stay tuned for pictures on the website and in the newsletter.

Gail Katz
WISDOM President

Greetings all,

On Monday afternoon on June 23rd at 4 PM, Detroit Public Television will be joining with the Worldviews Seminar, the University of Michigan - Dearborn, Christ Episcopal Church, Dearborn and the Michigan Round Table for Diversity and Inclusion to present "Prayer in America." The event is being held at the College of Arts, Sciences and Letter auditorium on the UoM-D campus.

This two-part PBS production is a challenging and revealing documentary about the place of Prayer in American life. An Interfaith panel of religious leaders will join in a public discussion after each segment and a light meal will be served.

You are cordially invited to attend because of your involvement with our religious communities of Southeast Michigan. It is the hope of all of the sponsors that this event will build upon and encourage the interfaith dialogue that is occurring in our communities.

We hope that you will seriously consider attending. And please feel free to share this with others.

Peace,
Dan Appleyard

The Seventh Annual Worldviews Seminar,

Detroit Public Television,

and the

Michigan Roundtable for Diversity

and Inclusion

Present

Prayer in America

at the University of Michigan-Dearborn

Monday, June 23rd, 4 PM - 8:30 PM

To reserve a place contact Tanaya Parker of the Michigan Roundtable at

313-870-1500 or tparker@miroundtable.org

June 6th WISDOM event at The Birmingham Temple in Farmington Hills

2008-05-14T22:32:00.000-04:00

Dear WISDOM Sisters:

Please register for our WISDOM/Birmingham Temple Joint event on Friday June 6, 2008!! Panel discussion is free!! Potluck dinner requires a vegetarian dish to feed six people.

Five Women, Five Journeys
How Different Are We?

6:00 PM Potluck Vegetarian Dinner
8:00 PM Shabbat Service and Interfaith Panel Discussion

A Panel of women from different faith traditions – Muslim, Christian, Jewish, Baha’i, and Hindu – will reflect on the changing roles and expectations of women and discuss their own personal journeys. Are they the same journey?

Men and women are invited to participate in this dynamic evening!!

Potluck Vegetarian Dinner and Dialogue at 6:00 PM

Dessert will be provided, courtesy of The Birmingham Temple, following the panel discussion

Reservations for the dinner are required by June 2nd.

REGISTRATION FORM
JUNE 6TH POTLUCK DINNER
At the Birmingham Temple, 28611 W. 12 Mile Road between Inkster and Middlebelt in Farmington Hills

Name: ___________________________________________________

Home Address: _____________________________________________________

City: _____________________________________________________

State, Zip _____________________________________________________

Telephone: Home _______________________________________________

Work _____________________________________________________

Cell _____________________________________________________

E-mail Address: ________________________________________________

I will bring the following dish to feed 6 people to the 6:00 PM interfaith potluck
vegetarian dinner:

􀀀 salad 􀀀 pasta 􀀀 vegetable dish

􀀀 fruit 􀀀 bread 􀀀 other – please describe ______________________________

Please bring a description of your dish with a listing of ingredients!!

Please complete the form and mail to:

WISDOM
P.O. Box 525
Bloomfield Hills, Michigan 48303

Or e-mail to Gail Katz, WISDOM President
gailkatz@comcast.net

Questions? Call Gail at 248-978-6664

WISDOM First Annual Dinner and Installation Ceremony

2008-05-02T08:09:00.000-04:00

On May 1st, 2008 the WISDOM Board of Directors held their first Annual Dinner and Installation Ceremony at the Holiday Inn-Troy. The Rev. Daniel Appleyard, Interfaith Activist, and Rector of Christ Episcopal Church Dearborn, was the keynote speaker, and conducted the installation ceremony. It was a very moving and spiritual event. Beth Applebaum was presented with the first Founders Award for her pro bono legal work that enabled WISDOM to obtain the 501c3 status. Trish Harris announced her gift to WISDOM of an Interfaith Library in the name of her mother. Gail Katz was presented with the "Katz Gavel," the president's gavel that will be handed down from WISDOM president to WISDOM president. The officers who were installed are the following:

Executive Board

Gail Katz - President (Co-Founder)
Beth Applebaum - Vice President
Shahina Begg - Vice-President (Co-Founder)
Patricia Harris - Vice President (Co-Founder)
The Rev. Sharon Buttry - Secretary
Bhavna Mehta - Treasurer

General Board

The Rev. Marsha Foster Boyd
Paula Drewek
Cheryl El-Amin
Ellen Ehrlich
Fran Hildebrandt
Padma Kuppa
Rehana Qureshi
Brenda Rosenberg
Gigi Salka
Freda Sampson
Judy Satterthwaite
Sheri Schiff
Supreet Singh
Baheejah Shakoor
Noelle Sutherland

Congratulations to the entire WISDOM Board, and a hearty thank you for all of your time, energy, and spiritual support!!

Gail Katz
WISDOM President

Pictures from the event are below:

Diversity Breakfast and other WISDOM events

2008-04-17T19:47:00.000-04:00

Dear WISDOM Sisters:

This morning WISDOM Vice President Trish Harris was honored as one of 41 diversity champions at the Race Relations and Diversity Task Force’s Ninth Annual Diversity Champion Honor Roll Breakfast as someone who has worked hard to welcome diversity and to build and maintain an open community which will not tolerate racism or prejudice. WISDOM wrote the following words to describe Trish’s accomplishments.

“Patricia Harris is the co-founder of WISDOM (Women’s Interfaith Solutions for Dialogue and Outreach in MetroDetroit) and the vice-president of this newly formed non-profit. WISDOM’s mission is to give women of different faith traditions opportunities to listen to each other, respect each other’s differences, and take action towards change by establishing venues for community service projects and educational events at our diverse places of worship. Trish has worked tirelessly to structure our new board of directors, add new membership and incorporate powerful programming. Because of Trish’s dedication and creativity, WISDOM has been energized to successfully embrace our diversity here in Metro Detroit.”

Congratulations Trish!! Please take a look at the attached picture of Trish and the WISDOM board members that honored her at the breakfast.

WISDOM REMINDERS!!

1) The first ever WISDOM Annual Dinner and Installation Dinner will be on May 1st at the Holiday Inn – Troy. If you would like to join us, go to the website www.interfaithwisdom.org and click on “News and Events” on the home page, and scroll down through our “upcoming events” to find the registration page.

2) Become a member of WISDOM. You can always get our newsletters for free, and participate in WISDOM events for free. But if you would like to support our new non-profit and our mission, you now have the opportunity to become a dues paying member of WISDOM. Go to www.interfaithwisdom.org and click on “Contact Us” to locate the link to our membership form.

3) Join WISDOM at the Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion’s Walk2gether on May 10th down at Belle Isle. WISDOM sisters will walk together in solidarity for the Roundtable to support their mission. For more information go to www.interfaithwisdom.org and click on “News and Events” on the home page, and scroll down through our “upcoming events” to find the link for the Walk2gether. WISDOM sisters who walk together will meet for lunch downtown following the morning activities!!

4) Join us on May 18th at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Royal Oak for the Second Annual Peace Through WISDOM event. Be part of an interfaith sister circle, and connect with women on the other side of the globe through e-mail!! Information can be found on our WISDOM website (click on “News and Events”) for the registration form.

5) Join us on June 6th Friday evening at the Birmingham Temple on 12 Mile Road in Farmington Hills for a vegetarian potluck dinner, an interfaith sharing, Shabbat services and a panel of five interfaith women (Jewish, Hindu, Baha’i, Muslim, and Christian) entitled “Five Women, Five Traditions. How different Are We?” followed by dessert. Registration form can be found on the WISDOM website above (click on “News and Events”).

We look forward to sharing WISDOM with you!!

Gail Katz

WISDOM President

Passover

2008-04-13T13:16:00.000-04:00

Saturday, April 19th at sundown will be the beginning of the Jewish celebration of Passover. We wish all of our Jewish WISDOM sisters a joyous holiday. Please read about the holiday of Passover below. The information is taken from the website http://www.holidays.net/passover/ and the book Understanding Judaism by Rabbi Benjamin Blech.

Gail Katz
WISDOM President

Passover is the 8 day observance commemorating the freedom and exodus of the Israelites (Jewish slaves) from Egypt during the reign of the Pharaoh Ramses II.

A time of family gatherings and lavish meals called Seders, the story of Passover is retold through the reading of the Haggadah. With its special foods, songs, and customs, the Seder is the focal point of the Passover celebration. Passover begins on the 15th day of the Jewish month of Nissan. As the Jewish day begins at sundown the night before, for the year 2008, the first night of Passover will be April 19th.

The Story of Passover
About 3000 years ago the Israelites were enslaved by the Egyptians under the rule of the Pharaoh Ramses II. According to the Book of Exodus - Moses, a simple Jewish shepherd, was instructed by God to go to the pharaoh and demand the freedom of his people
Moses' plea of let my people go was ignored. Moses warned the Pharaoh that God would send severe punishments to the people of Egypt if the Israelites were not freed. Again the Pharaoh ignored Moses' request of freedom. In response God unleashed a series of 10 terrible plagues on the people of Egypt:

Blood
Frogs
Lice (vermin)
Wild Beasts(flies)
Blight (Cattle Disease)
Boils
Hail
Locusts
Darkness
Slaying of the First Born

The last plague was the most terrible – every first born Egyptian died at the stroke of midnight on the fifteenth of the month of Nissan. Jews, on the other hand, were to mark their doorposts with the blood of a sacrificed lamb so that God could “pass over” the houses in which His people lived.

When the Pharaoh finally agreed to freedom, the Israelites left their homes so quickly that there wasn't even time to bake their breads. So they packed the raw dough to take with them on their journey. As they fled through the desert they would quickly bake the dough in the hot sun into hard crackers called matzohs. Today to commemorate this event, Jews eat matzoh in place of bread during Passover.

Though the Jews were now free, their liberation was incomplete. The Pharaoh's army chased them through the desert towards the Red Sea. When the Jews reached the sea they were trapped, since the sea blocked their escape.
It was then that a miracle occurred. The waves of the Red Sea parted and the Israelites were able to cross to the other side. As soon as they all reached the other side the sea closed trapping the Pharaoh's army as the waves closed upon them.
Then, as the Israelites watched, the waters of the Red Sea swept away the Pharaoh's army, and the Jews realized they were finally free.

Passover celebrates this history. The first 2 nights of the 8 day holiday are celebrated with lavish meals called Seders, in which the stories and history of Passover are celebrated. Special foods, plates, and silverware are all a part of the Seder.

The holiday of Passover is observed in the holiest sanctuary of all, in the home. It involves those people most responsible for carrying on the tradition, the children. It has a fixed order, which is why it’s called seder (literally “order”), and it even has its own prayer book, a haggadah, the most widely reprinted book in Jewish history. Christians know this meal as the Last Supper. That was the meal Jesus partook of with his disciples before his execution by the Romans. For Jews, it is probably the ritual celebrated by more of its people than any other.

The order of the seder requires a good deal of preparation. It includes:

Wine (four cups),
Matzot,
A green vegetable, such as parsley to symbolize spring and rebirth
A mixture of chopped apples, nuts, wine, and spices, symbolizing the mortar that the slaves made for bricks in Egypt
Bitter herbs, a symbol of the bitterness of slavery
A roasted egg, symbol of a festival sacrifice brought in the days of the Temple
A roasted bone, symbol of the Paschal lamb
Salt water, symbol of the tears of the Jewish ancestors who cried for God’s help and were answered
A special cup for Elijah, because this prophet is supposed to appear on Passover to announce the ultimate redemption and the coming of the Messiah
The Haggadah, so that everyone, especially the children, can take turns reading, asking questions, giving commentaries, and spending the night by talking about the tragedy of slavery, reflecting on the beauty of freedom, and expressing the gratitude they owe to God for their blessing.

Jews are forbidden to eat or even own any bread, even the smallest crumb during Passover. Weeks before Passover, many Jews being to clean their house so that not a trace of the bread they eat all year round is found in their homes during this festival. Jews are also not allowed to eat any grains or foods that contain yeast.

Upcoming Event: Peace Through Peace

2008-04-04T17:39:00.000-04:00

WISDOM
(Women’s Interfaith Solutions for
Dialogue and Outreach in MetroDetroit)
www.interfaithwisdom.org
invites you to
PEACE THROUGH WISDOM
WISDOM Women Reaching Out to Our Global Sisters
Dinner, Dialogue and a Movie
With Peace X Peace

May 18, 2008
3:00 PM

St. John’s Episcopal Church
26998 Woodward Ave.
Royal Oak, MI 48067

Cost: $15.00 for dinner
Make checks out to WISDOM
And Mail to: WISDOM
P.O. Box 525, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48303
Contact Gail Katz for more information
gailkatz@comcast.net 248-978-6664
RSVP BY May 12, 2008

Registration Begins at 3:00 PM
Followed by Peace X Peace Documentary,
Dinner (with vegetarian option) and Dialogue
and Formation of Sister Circles

More than a year in the making, PEACE by PEACE: Women on the Frontlines premiered at the United Nations on October 30, 2003, and has been the centerpiece of film festivals, conferences, and celebrations around the world. Women are more likely than professional soldiers to be the casualties of war. From genocide and rape to displacement and starvation, they bear more than their fair share of the suffering. But amongst all this hardship, women around the world are standing up for peace. By advocating justice and educating future generations that war is not the answer, they are at the forefront of reconciling their communities. This special version of the documentary follows women peacemakers from four different conflict/crisis zones: Afghanistan, Argentina, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Burundi. Narrated by Academy-Award winning actress Jessica Lange, this film redefines the role of women in war. For more information, visit www.peacexpeace.org.

PEACE THROUGH WISDOM!
WISDOM WOMEN PARTNER WITH PEACE X PEACE
TO CONNECT WITH SISTERS AROUND THE WORLD

On Sunday, May 18th starting at 3:00 PM, WISDOM (Women’s Interfaith Solutions for Dialogue and Outreach in MetroDetroit) will invite women of all faiths to come together at St. John’s Episcopal Church on Woodward in Royal Oak to partner with Peace X Peace. The mission of Peace X Peace is to form women’s Sister Circles, where women in the United States communicate with circles of women in other countries in order to help improve the status of women worldwide and build sustainable peace. This global online network of Sister Circles will meet on a regular basis to support each other and share their stories.

WISDOM Women will first watch the award-winning documentary entitled “Peace by Peace: Women on the Frontlines,” which follows women peacemakers from four different conflict/crisis zones: Afghanistan, Argentina, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Burundi. Following the movie and a presentation about the mission of Peace X Peace (Peace By Peace), WISDOM women will discuss forming Sister Circles to reach out through e-mail to connect with circles of women in other parts of the world based on shared interests and identifications. In this way, women whose cultures or governments discourage public gatherings or travel outside their communities can take advantage of a safe and productive opportunity to interact with sisters across the globe. WISDOM women will gain access to a wider world, and learn about each others customs, faiths, families, and problems. Strangers will become friends, and friends will become family. Stumbling blocks of miscommunication and stereotypes that women of different faiths and cultures have of each other can be changed into building blocks of peace. Together WISDOM women, through the partnership of Peace X Peace, can take on peace-building projects in areas such as education, health, micro-enterprise, social equity, and leadership development.

A registration form for this event may be found here http://www.interfaithwisdom.org/pdfs/registration051808.pdf

Upcoming Event: FIRST wisdom ANNUAL DINNER

2008-04-04T17:33:00.000-04:00

Be a part of the FIRST wisdom ANNUAL DINNER
And installation ceremony

HOLIDAY INN – TROY
2537 Rochester Court, Troy, Michigan 48083
248-689-7500

May 1, 2008
4:30 – 6:30 PM
$25.00 for dinner
(A portion of your check will be tax-deductible)

Featuring keynote speaker the Rev. Dan Appleyard, Interfaith activist

A brief program will highlight WISDOM’s transition from an idea to a dynamic non-profit entity. After the installation of our Board and dinner, we will drive to Congregation Shir TikvAh at 3900 Northfield Parkway in Troy (corner of Northfield and Wattles) to join with the Troy Interfaith Group for the National Day of Prayer.

A registration form for this event can be found here http://www.interfaithwisdom.org/pdfs/registration_first_annual.pdf

Upcoming Event: Interfaith Panel Discussion at The Birmingham Temple

2008-04-04T17:23:00.000-04:00

WISDOM and The Birmingham Temple
(28611 W. 12 Mile Rd between Inkster and Middlebelt)
Present an Interfaith Panel Discussion

5 Women, 5 Journeys
How Different Are We?

Friday, June 6, 2008
6:00 PM Potluck Vegetarian Dinner
8:00 PM Shabbat Service and Panel

A panel of women from different faith traditions – Muslim, Christian, Jewish, Baha’i, and Hindu – will reflect on the changing roles and expectations of women and discuss their own personal journeys. Are they the same journey?

Men and women are invited to participate in a dynamic evening!

Potluck Vegetarian Dinner and Dialogue 6:00 pm

Dessert will be provided, courtesy of Birmingham Temple, following panel discussion.

Reservations for dinner are required by June 2nd

A registration form can be found here http://www.interfaithwisdom.org/pdfs/registration060608.pdf

Upcoming Event: WISDOM partners with Michigan Roundtable

2008-04-03T00:16:00.000-04:00

Dear WISDOM Sisters:

We would like to invite you to join us as we march in solidarity with the Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion (MRDI) on Saturday, May 10th at Belle Isle. Please read the information about the walk from the Michigan Roundtable’s website below. This annual walk is a fundraiser for the Roundtable. The event is free, but we encourage you to contribute a minimum of $25.00 to support their wonderful diversity initiatives with students and their interfaith efforts in Metro Detroit. We at WISDOM will set up a time and place for all the WISDOM women who attend to meet for lunch downtown following the walk and fun activities. This is a great event to bring the kids and the whole family!! We will march as a group, carrying with us our large WISDOM banner!!
Please check out the MRDI website for more information (http://walk2gether2008.kintera.org) – including the map of the walk.

Please go to the following website to make your donations. So far WISDOM has raised $200 toward supporting the MRDI.
https://www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=270230&supId=210799808

Walk2gether is a fundraiser for Leadership in the New Century (LINC) which is MRDI’s comprehensive youth diversity education program. The Walk has become Detroit’s premier celebration of our rich diversity, bringing walk teams from the business, civic, education and faith communities. The atmosphere is festive, with entertainment featuring John Mason as MC, children’s activities, and folks enjoying colleagues and new friends. Walkers begin the day at 9:00 AM as they report to their organizations gathering area in the Band shell area on Belle Isle. Walkers will register; collect t-shirts (for those who raise $25 or more), enjoy the diverse entertainment and activity, chat with colleagues, family and friends. Walkers will be encouraged to check out the diversity exhibits, while children will flock to the clowns, face painters and the Arts-n-Scraps exhibit. Pre-walk exercise will begin at 9:45. A short program with community and corporate leaders will begin at 10, followed by ribbon cutting and the Walk along Belle Isle. Walkers will have the option to choose between a one and three mile route. Post walk activities continue with more entertainment, activities, and raffle with great prizes.

Walk will begin and end at the Band Shell on Detroit’s historic Belle Isle. 9:00 a.m.: Registration begins as well as music, exhibits and kids activities.10:00 a.m.: Walk Begins (Walk will begin and end at the Detroit International Riverfront)11:00 a.m.: Diversity Festival continues with closing ceremony, raffle and entertainment

Standard: No FeesRecommend minimum of $25 participation fee. Participants are encouraged to raise a minimum of $25.00, which entitles them to a Walk t-shirt and an "I Walked for Diversity" certificate. Those who raise $75 will be awarded a special collector’s t-shirt. Sign up here to use the Walk 2gether Michigan online fundraising system. Send e-mails, keep in touch with supporters and have fun... all for a great cause. (Please print your registration form and bring it with you to the Walk check-in).

Click here to view a PDF with details and pledge form at http://www.interfaithwisdom.org/pdfs/walk2gether.pdf

Article about WISDOM in Oakland Press

2008-03-31T21:38:00.000-04:00

Interfaith event fosters new insights

By ANN ZANIEWSKI
Of The Oakland Press

OAK PARK - Beheejah Shakoor learned from a rabbi that the yarmulke is worn as a reminder of a higher power, something she said she also believes. "You realize we have more in common than differences," Shakoor, a Muslim nurse from South Lyon, said. Shakoor was among about 100 women of various faiths who attended Sunday's "A Day of Learning: Women in Judaism" at Congregation Beth Shalom in Oak Park.
Organizers of the event aimed to foster a mutual understanding and trust among women of all faiths, said chairwoman Fran Hildebrandt, a member of the Sisterhood of Congregation Beth Shalom.
"We believe that if we get to know each other, if we become friends, friends don't fight with friends. If we start in our own back yard and create peace here, it's like a pebble thrown in the water," she said.
The event was presented by the Sisterhood, or women's group, of Congregation Beth Shalom and a group called WISDOM, which stands for Women's Interfaith Solutions for Dialogue and Outreach in Metro Detroit. Last year, "A Day of Learning" was held at a mosque in Bloomfield Hills.
The participants heard from several speakers including Rabbi Dan Wolpe, who gave an overview of Judaism. The lunch menu included salads and traditional Jewish dishes such as kugel, a noodle pudding, and triangle-shaped cookies served during Purim called hamantaschen. Women took a facility tour, which included a stop in the sanctuary, where slim, stained-glass windows and wall panels are ornamented with Hebrew letters.
Six women from the Metro Detroit area representing the three main branches of Judaism - Orthodox, Conservative and Reform - led a panel discussion that ranged from religious practices to views on interfaith marriage.
Responses varied in a conversation on whether following religious laws concerning food is an integral part of keeping with the spirit of Judaism. Panelist Ellen Racusin, a member of Congregation Beth Shalom's Sisterhood, said keeping a kosher kitchen means more to her than just separating milk and meat.
"It helps me feel closer to Judaism," she said.
The women also discussed traditional foods and how they observe Shabbat, the Jewish Sabbath, in light of the technology of the modern world. Panelist Pessie Novick said there's no watching TV or answering the phone in her home, as Shabbat is a time for reflection and rest.
A question about interfaith marriage drew varied responses. Panel member Judy Lewis, whose mother was Jewish and father was not, said she didn't marry a Jewish man, but has a child who practices the faith.
"I am living proof that interfaith can end up positive," she said.
Panelist Pam Goldberg-Danzig said she's thrilled that her 18-year-old daughter has a Jewish boyfriend.
"I really think it's important to be on the same page," she said.
After the discussion, retired nurse Raheema Sabir of Detroit approached the panelists with a smile and said, "You ladies were so enlightening!"
Sabir, a Muslim, said her eyes were opened to the common threads Islam and Judaism share.
"I'm so happy I came out," she said.
Sunday was the first time that Shakoor, the nurse from South Lyon, had ever set foot in a synagogue.
"I've got a new perspective, and a profound delight of the Jewish religion," she said.
Shakoor, a member of WISDOM and of the Muslim Center of Detroit, said she believes that women have a special role.
"I truly feel that it is going to be the women who move this world forward in becoming one human family," she said. "We're human beings under one God first."
Contact staff writer Ann Zaniewski at (248) 745-4628 or ann.zaniewski@oakpress.com.

An interesting discussion of Good Friday and more!!

2008-03-26T20:53:00.000-04:00

DEAR WISDOM Sisters:

I am including in this e-mail an article from Time.com that was sent to me by WISDOM’s Vice-President Trish Harris. It is a belated, but interesting, article about all the holidays that occurred last Friday. I have been out of town, and thus am just getting around to this posting, but I thought it was worthwhile, even if a bit late.

I’m looking forward to seeing all of you who have registered for our Women in Judaism Educational Day at Congregation Beth Shalom this Sunday, March 30th. We will be about 100 women of different faith traditions – a great turnout!!

Gail Katz
WISDOM President

Good Friday! Happy Purim, Eid, etc...
By DAVID VAN BIEMA WITH SIMON ROBINSON/NEW DELHI Fri Mar 21, 2:05 AM ET

On Friday more than a billion Christians around the world will mark the gravest observance on their Calendar, Good Friday, the day Jesus died on the cross. (To be followed in two days by Easter Sunday, to mark his Resurrection).
But unlike some holy days - say, Christmas, which some non-Christians in the U.S. observe informally by going to a movie and ordering Chinese food - on this particular Friday, March 21, it seems almost no believer of any sort will be left without his or her own holiday. In what is statistically, at least, a once-in-a-millennium combination, the following will all occur on the 21st:
Good FridayPurim, a Jewish festival celebrating the biblical book of EstherNarouz, the Persian New Year, which is observed with Islamic elaboration in Iran and all the "stan" countries, as well as by Zoroastrians and Baha'is.Eid Milad an Nabi, the Birth of the Prophet, which is celebrated by some but not all Sunni Muslims and, though officially beginning on Thursday, is often marked on Friday.Small Holi, Hindu, an Indian festival of bonfires, to be followed on Saturday by Holi, a kind of Mardi Gras.Magha Puja, a celebration of the Buddha's first group of followers, marked primarily in Thailand.
"Half the world's population is going to be celebrating something," says Raymond Clothey, Professor Emeritus of Religious studies at the University of Pittsburgh. "My goodness," says Delton Krueger, owner of www.interfaithcalendar.org, who follows "14 major religions and six others." He counts 20 holidays altogether (including some religious double-dips, like Maundy Thursday and Good Friday) between the 20th (which is also quite crowded) and the 21st. He marvels: "There is no other time in 2008 when there is this kind of concentration."
And in fact for quite a bit longer than that. Ed Reingold and Nachum Dershowitz, co-authors of the books Calendrical Calculations and Calendrical Tabulations, determined how often in the period between 1600 and 2400 A.D. Good Friday, Purim, Narouz and the Eid would occur in the same week. The answer is nine times in 800 years. Then they tackled the odds that they would converge on a two-day period. And the total is ... only once: tomorrow. And that's not even counting Magha Puja and Small Holi.
Unless you are mathematically inclined, however, you may not see the logic in all this. If it's the 21st of March, you may ask, shouldn't all the religions of the world celebrate the same holiday on that date each year?
No. There are a sprinkling of major holidays (Western Christmas is one) that fall each year on the same day of the Gregorian calendar, a fairly standard non-religious system and the one Americans are most familiar with.
But almost none of tomorrow's holidays actually follows that calendar. All Muslim holy days, for instance, are calculated on a lunar system. Keyed to the phases of the moon, Islam's 12 months are each 29 and a half days long, for a total of 354 days a year, or 11 days fewer than on ours. That means the holidays rotate backward around the Gregorian calendar, occurring 11 days earlier each year. That is why you can have an "easy Ramadan" in the spring, when going without water all day is relatively easy, or a hard one in the summer. And why the Prophet's birthday will be on March 9 next year.
Then there is the Jewish calendar, which determines the placement of Purim. It is "lunisolar," which means that holidays wander with the moon until they reach the end of what might be thought of as a month-long tether, which has the effect of maintaining them in the same season every year.
Good Friday, meanwhile, like many of the other most important Christian holidays, is a set number of days before Easter. The only problem is that the date of Easter is probably the most complicated celebratory calculation this side of Hinduism, which has a number of competing religious calendars. The standard rule is "the Sunday after the first full moon on or after the day of the vernal equinox." But in fact, the actual divination of the date is so involved that it has its own offical name: "computus." And so challenging that Carl Friedrich Gauss, one of history's greatest mathematicians, devoted the time to create an algorithm for it. It goes on for many lines. You can look it up. And, of course, it doesn't work for Eastern Orthodox Easter (about one month later than the Western Christian one this year, on April 27).
So, should we celebrate all these celebrations? Yes, says William Paden, the author of Religious Worlds: The Comparative Study of Religion and a professor at the University of Vermont - at least to the extent that we revere the drive to carve out sacred time in the middle of the day-by-day profane. "Each of these religions is creating its own world, with its own time and space and memory system," he says. They recognize what's of real value, and they encode it, and it forms an architecture of memory." Yes, says Bruce Lawrence, the head of Islamic Studies at Duke University, who was invited to speak at a nearby synagogue when the beginnings of Rosh Hashanah and Ramadan happened to coincide last year.
But be cautious, since human nature is as fickle as coincidence. "When one group is grieving and one is jubilant there are some unfortunate tensions," says Anand Kumar, with the Centre for the Study of Social Systems at Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi, a city with considerable experience with multiple faiths. Such conjunctions have led to conflicts and even riots, not just when moods clash, but because "the public sphere is being contested." Kumar is convinced, however, that "a new generation is emerging that is more pluralistic and they don't feel threatened just because someone is from another religion."
And that will be what this writer meditates on this Friday.

Jewish Holiday of Purim

2008-03-17T09:28:00.000-04:00

Dear WISDOM Sisters:

The Jewish holiday of Purim will begin at sundown on Thursday, March 20th. Below is some information about Purim taken from the website called “Judaism 101.” For more information about Judaism, please join us on March 30th at Congregation Beth Shalom in Oak Park from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM for a day of learning about “Women in Judaism” and an interfaith kosher and hallal lunch!! Registration form is attached.

Purim is one of the most joyous and fun holidays on the Jewish calendar. It commemorates a time when the Jewish people living in Persia were saved from extermination.

The story of Purim is told in the Biblical book of Esther. The heroes of the story are Esther, a beautiful young Jewish woman living in Persia, and her cousin Mordecai, who raised her as if she were his daughter. Esther was taken to the house of Ahasuerus, King of Persia, to become part of his harem. King Ahasuerus loved Esther more than his other women and made Esther queen, but the king did not know that Esther was a Jew, because Mordecai told her not to reveal her identity.

The villain of the story is Haman, an arrogant, egotistical advisor to the king. Haman hated Mordecai because Mordecai refused to bow down to Haman, so Haman plotted to destroy the Jewish people. In a speech that is all too familiar to Jews, Haman told the king, "There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the peoples in all the provinces of your realm. Their laws are different from those of every other people's, and they do not observe the king's laws; therefore it is not befitting the king to tolerate them." Esther 3:8. The king gave the fate of the Jewish people to Haman, to do as he pleased to them. Haman planned to exterminate all of the Jews.

Mordecai persuaded Esther to speak to the king on behalf of the Jewish people. This was a dangerous thing for Esther to do, because anyone who came into the king's presence without being summoned could be put to death, and she had not been summoned. Esther fasted for three days to prepare herself, and then went into the king. He welcomed her. Later, she told him of Haman's plot against her people. The Jewish people were saved, and Haman was hanged on the gallows that had been prepared for Mordecai.

The book of Esther is unusual in that it is the only book of the Bible that does not contain the name of God. In fact, it includes virtually no reference to God. Mordecai makes a vague reference to the fact that the Jews will be saved by someone else, if not by Esther, but that is the closest the book comes to mentioning God. Thus, one important message that can be gained from the story is that God often works in ways that are not apparent, in ways that appear to be chance, coincidence or ordinary good luck.

Purim is celebrated on the 14th day of Adar, which is usually in March. The 13th of Adar is the day that Haman chose for the extermination of the Jews, and the day that the Jews battled their enemies for their lives. On the day afterwards, the 14th, they celebrated their survival. In cities that were walled in the time of Joshua, Purim is celebrated on the 15th of the month, because the book of Esther says that in Shushan (a walled city), deliverance from the massacre was not complete until the next day. The 15th is referred to as Shushan Purim.

In leap years, when there are two months of Adar, Purim is celebrated in the second month of Adar, so it is always one month before Passover. The 14th day of the first Adar in a leap year is celebrated as a minor holiday called Purim Katan, which means "little Purim." There are no specific observances for Purim Katan; however, a person should celebrate the holiday and should not mourn or fast. Some communities also observe a "Purim Katan" on the anniversary of any day when their community was saved from a catastrophe, destruction, evil or oppression.

The word "Purim" means "lots" and refers to the lottery that Haman used to choose the date for the massacre.

The Purim holiday is preceded by a minor fast, the Fast of Esther, which commemorates Esther's three days of fasting in preparation for her meeting with the king.

The primary commandment related to Purim is to hear the reading of the book of Esther. The book of Esther is commonly known as the Megillah, which means scroll. Although there are five books of Jewish scripture that are properly referred to as megillahs (Esther, Ruth, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, and Lamentations), this is the one people usually mean when they speak of The Megillah. It is customary to boo, hiss, stamp feet and rattle graggers (noisemakers; see illustration) whenever the name of Haman is mentioned in the service. The purpose of this custom is to "blot out the name of Haman."

We are also commanded to eat, drink and be merry. According to the Talmud, a person is required to drink until he cannot tell the difference between "cursed be Haman" and "blessed be Mordecai," though opinions differ as to exactly how drunk that is. A person certainly should not become so drunk that he might violate other commandments or get seriously ill. In addition, recovering alcoholics or others who might suffer serious harm from alcohol are exempt from this obligation.

In addition, we are commanded to send out gifts of food or drink, and to make gifts to charity. The sending of gifts of food and drink is referred to as shalach manos (lit. sending out portions). Among Ashkenazic Jews, a common treat at this time of year is hamentaschen (lit. Haman's pockets). These triangular fruit-filled cookies are supposed to represent Haman's three-cornered hat.

It is customary to hold carnival-like celebrations on Purim, to perform plays and parodies, and to hold beauty contests. Americans sometimes refer to Purim as the Jewish Mardi Gras.

Purim is not subject to the sabbath-like restrictions on work that some other holidays are; however, some sources indicate that we should not go about our ordinary business on Purim out of respect for the holiday.

Peace!!

Gail Katz

WISDOM President

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WISDOM Newsletter March 4, 2008

2008-03-04T16:41:00.000-05:00

Dear WISDOM Subscribers:

1) Good News!! WISDOM now has its own post office box. Our new “snail mail” address is:

WISDOM

PO Box 525

Bloomfield Hills, MI 48303

However, if you are planning on registering for our March 30th event at Congregation Beth Shalom called “A Day of Learning – Women in Judaism” please continue to send your $18.00 checks to Judy Satterthwaite, 1250 Dutton Road, Rochester, MI 48306. We will officially start using this mailbox for all of our future WISDOM events.

2) Below is information about an interesting event at Allen Park Presbyterian Church called “A Shared Future” – a presentation and video clips about the history of Northern Ireland’s troubles and an evening of coffee, conversation and questions.

Allen Park Presbyterian Church
In conjunction with St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church presents:

“A Shared Future”
A presentation and video clips about the history of Northern Ireland’s troubles and an evening of coffee, conversation, and questions.

Saturday, March 8, 2008
Sanctuary/Parlor

Steve Pointon and Joe McKeown are two youth workers from Northern Ireland who grew up on opposite sides of the 40 year conflict. They have spent the last six years working in conflict transformation and trying to bring both sides of the community back together.

Joe is employed by the Catholic Church in Ireland and Steve works at Allen Park Presbyterian Church in Allen Park, Michigan

Presentation/Clips at 5:30 p.m. - Coffee House opens at 7 p.m.
Steve and Joe will host Q & A at 7:30 p.m.

Allen Park Presbyterian Church (USA)
7101 Park Avenue - Allen Park, MI 48101
R.S.V.P. or questions, please contact: Steve Pointon

(313) 383-0100 or e-mail: steve@appc.us

3) This Thursday, March 6, 2008 is the Hindu holiday of Maha Shivratri. Please read below for information on how our Hindu WISDOM sisters and their families will celebrate this holiday.

Maha Shivratri, the night of the worship of Shiva, occurs on the 13th night /14th day of the new moon during Krishna Paksha during the month of Phalguna. It falls on the day before a moonless February/March night, when Hindus offer special prayer to the lord of destruction. Shivratri (Sanskrit 'ratri' = night) is the night when he is said to have performed the Tandava Nritya or the dance of primordial creation, preservation and destruction. The festival is observed for one day and one night only.

Origin Of Shivratri

There are many stories about the origins of Shivaratri. One is the story of the churning of the ocean. During the great mythical churning of the ocean called Samudra Manthan, a pot of poison emerged from the ocean. The gods and the demons were terrified as it could destroy the entire world. When they ran to Shiva for help, he, in order to protect the world, drank the deadly poison but held it in his throat instead of swallowing it. This turned his throat blue, and since then he came to be known as Nilkantha, the blue-throated one. Shivratri celebrates this event by which Shiva saved the world. Another story is how Shiva appeared as the endless linga made of fire, and Lord Vishnu (the Preserver) and Lord Brahma (the Creator) searched fruitlessly, and prayed to Lord Shiva on Shivaratri. A third story is related to this one. While traveling upwards, Brahma spotted a ketaki flower falling from the top of the linga and made it promise to support his tale of reaching the top. When he met Lord Vishnu, he claimed to have taken the flower from the top, and the flower agreed. Lord Shiva then became enraged and cursed the flower that it shouldn't be used in Shiva worship. He also banished Brahma, cursing him that he would never have any temples built in his name. And to this day, there are no known Brahma temples. Another story is that of a hunter who could travel no more and was forced to sleep in a Bilva tree in a dangerous forest. All night, he lay awake, plucking leaves, dropping them, and repeating "OM NAMAH SHIVAYA". In the morning, he discovered a linga right where he had been dropping the leaves. It is said that Lord Shiva saved him. Finally, it is also said that Parvati and Shiva were united on this day, which is most likely why Shivaratri may be considered auspicious for women.

A Festival Especially For Women

Shivratri is considered especially auspicious for women. Married women pray for the well being of their husbands and sons, while unmarried women pray for an ideal husband like Shiva, who is the spouse of Kali, Parvati and Durga. But generally it is believed that anyone who utters the name of Shiva during Shivratri with pure devotion is freed from all sins. He or she reaches the abode of Shiva and is liberated from the cycle of birth and death.

Shiva Rituals

On the day of Shivratri, people often fast throughout the whole day, and take a bath in holy waters if possible. Then they head to the temple to witness or perform the traditional abhishekam, or bathing a linga in a liquid mixture formed from milk, honey, sugar water, ghee (clarified butter) and yogurt. The meaning of these ingredients is basically this:

Milk is for the blessing of purity and piousness.
Yogurt is for prosperity and progeny.
Honey is for sweet speech.
Ghee is for victory.
Sugar is for happiness.
Water is for purity.
Then vermilion (red orange pigment) is applied to the linga. According to the Shiva Purana, these six items have a special symbolic meaning.

Bathing of Shivalinga with milk, honey, sugar, water, and yogurt, along with wood apple or betel leaves added to it, represents purification of the soul.
The vermilion paste applied on the linga after the ritual bath represents virtue.
Offering of fruits symbolizes longevity and gratification of desires.
Burning of incense sticks yields wealth.
The lighting of the lamp symbolizes attainment of knowledge.
Offering of betel leaves marks satisfaction with worldly pleasures.
Throughout the night, devotees sing bhajans (short hymns) and chant "OM NAMAH SHIVAYA"

.

The murti or physical representation of Shiva is called the lingam and is usually made of granite, soapstone, quartz, marble or metal. Devotees circumambulate the lingam and worship it throughout the night.

"Om Namah Shivaya!"

All through the day the devotees keep a severe fast, chant the sacred Panchakshara mantra "Om Namah Shivaya", make offerings of flowers and incense to the Lord amidst ringing of temple bells. They maintain long vigils during the night, keeping awake to listen to stories, hymns and songs. The fast is broken only the next morning, after the nightlong worship. In Kashmir, the festival is held for 15 days. The 13th day is observed as a day of fast followed by a family feast.

Women in Judaism and the Dalai Lama

2008-02-29T09:53:00.000-05:00

Dear WISDOM Subscribers:

March is almost upon us, and the deadline for registering for the WISDOM/Congregation Beth Shalom event on Sunday, March 30th entitled “Women In Judaism” is March 19th. Please get your reservation forms in soon. We hope to have a great representation of women from many faith traditions to learn about how Jewish women participate in their religion.

The registration form is copied below. Also included in this e-mail is notification of an event in Ann Arbor with the Dalai Lama. See below.

Peace,

Gail Katz
WISDOM President

Sisterhood of Congregation
Beth Shalom
(14601 West Lincoln in Oak Park, 248-547-7970)

AND

W.I.S.D.O.M.

Present:
A Day of Learning - Women in Judaism
10:30 – 2:30 on Sunday, March 30th, 2008

Introduction to Judaism with Rabbi Wolpe

“Getting to Know You” Lunch

Women’s Roles: At Home and the Synagogue

How Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform
Jewish Women Practice What They Believe

Tour of the Synagogue

Join us (bring a friend!) as we engage in interfaith dialogue over a kosher and hallal vegetarian lunch and reach out to get to know women of different faith traditions in our community of Metro Detroit!!

REGISTRATION FORM FOR MARCH 30TH EVENT

PLEASE MAKE YOUR $18.00 CHECK TO

WISDOM
(A portion of your check will be tax-deductible)
MAIL TO:
Judy Satterthwaite
Program Chairperson
1250 Dutton Road
Rochester, MI 48306

All registrations and checks must be received by Judy by March 19th

NAME _______________________________________________________

STREET ____________________________________________________

CITY _______________________________________________________

ZIP CODE ___________________________________________________

HOME PHONE _______________________________________________

CELL PHONE ________________________________________________

E-MAIL ADDRESS ___________________________________________

RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION ____________________________________

Questions???

CONTACT:
Judy Satterthwaite, 248-651-8918, GoddardEnterprises@sbcglobal.net
Fran Hildebrandt, 248-661-4179, FHildebr@aol.com

His Holiness The Dalai Lama
On Saturday and Sunday, April 19 and 20, 2008, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama will visit Ann Arbor where over the course of three sessions in two days he will teach on “Engaging Wisdom and Compassion” at the Crisler Arena of the University of Michigan.
The two-day educational program will be held in conjunction with a public talk, the Peter M. Wege Lecture on Sustainability, on environmental issues presented on April 20th by the University of Michigan at the Crisler Arena in celebration of Earth Day. The teaching is being co-sponsored by Jewel Heart, a Tibetan Buddhist Center headquartered in Ann Arbor, The Tibet Fund, and the Garrison Institute.

The Dalai Lama is recognized worldwide for his message of compassion and tolerance, his promotion of human rights and inter-religious understanding, his focus on peace through non-violent conflict resolution and his advocacy for the environment. Winner of the 1989 Nobel Peace Prize, the Dalai Lama was the recent recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor.
Engaging Wisdom and Compassion
His Holiness the Dalai Lama brings us the ancient Indian and Tibetan teachings on wisdom and compassion to inspire and guide our lives.
The teaching will be based on Nagarjuna's Commentary on Ultimate Compassion and Je Tsong Khapa's In Praise of Dependent Origination.

For more information about the Dalai Lama coming to Ann Arbor go to http://www.dalailamaannarbor.com/

Jazz Vespers at ETS in Detroit

2008-02-25T16:25:00.000-05:00

Dear WISDOM Subscribers:

We thought this might interest some of you.

Gail Katz
WISDOM President

Ecumenical Theological Seminary (ETS) is hosting its first ever Jazz Vespers, a concert worship service, on Sunday, March 9, 2008 from 6 to 8 p.m. at its campus, 2930 Woodward Avenue in midtown Detroit. A brief tour highlighting exquisite architectural and artistic treasures of the 117-year-old Sanctuary will be held at 5:15 p.m. preceding the concert.

The free worship service in jazz is open to the public and features Detroit's world-acclaimed musicians in the newly created Ecumenical Orchestra: Don Mayberry (bass), Spencer Barefield (guitar), Sean Dobbins (drums), Kevin Grenier (piano), John Trudell (trumpet) and Kate Patterson (vocals). Selections will include such diverse composers as Billy Strayhorn, Ira Gershwin, Jerome Kern and others. This event is co-sponsored by Creative Arts Collective.

The Jazz Vespers service will be a combination of scripture readings and jazz songs in tribute to the traditional “call and response” format in which jazz originated. Jazz, once depicted as “the musical incense that collects and carries the prayers of a people,” has origins in the slave “churches” of America. Jazz Vespers is a meeting in a sacred space where the music and the spirit are honored and celebrated together.

It is fitting to hold such a historically sacred tradition as Jazz Vespers at ETS which is located in what was Detroit's oldest protestant church, First Presbyterian Church, currently listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Built in 1891, this magnificent Romanesque church is filled with Tiffany stained glass windows, Pewabic tile, and ornate stenciled motifs. The original congregation helped found Harper Hospital and its first pastor, John Monteith, was instrumental in establishing an educational institution which eventually became the University of Michigan.

Ecumenical Theological Seminary is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada. It offers a Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry, and Doctor of Ministry degree as well as an Urban Ministry Diploma program. ETS is known for bringing together students from all different faith traditions as well as from widely diverse racial, socio-economic, and geographical backgrounds to transcend alienation and fragmentation as they seek to understand the meaning of God's Word in their lives and in the congregations they serve. ETS alumni are leaders of many of Detroit metropolitan area's communities of faith, helping to shape the future of the 21st century Church.

ETS is committed to making a difference in its Detroit community by presenting meaningful events and outreach services. Last October 21, 2007, ETS hosted a rare concert with famed opera soprano Jessye Norman at the Detroit Opera Theatre. The Seminary's ongoing “Everyone Eats” program provides approximately 300 hot meals to Detroit's homeless and hungry each Wednesday.

Jazz Vespers began in New York City in 1961 when the late Reverend John Garcia Gensel started an evening service at St. Peters Lutheran Church. It was designed for those musicians who couldn't make it to Sunday morning service after playing late Saturday night gigs. He invited them to perform “a worship service by and for jazz musicians…the public is invited.” The legendary “Duke” Ellington became a frequent worshiper - he called Pastor Gensel “the shepherd who watches over the night flock.” Duke's famous tune “Shepherd of the Night Flock” has been widely recorded and performed. Since then, Jazz Vespers Services have become popular across the country.

For more information, contact Ms. Lydia Holmes at 313-831-5200, ext. 209 or visit ETS website www.etseminary.edu. Free will donations will be accepted.

Fat Tuesday, Ash Wednesday and Lent

2008-02-05T22:12:00.000-05:00

Dear WISDOM Subscribers:

Plans are in full swing for our March 30th WISDOM event (10:30 AM – 2:30 PM) with the Sisterhood of Congregation Beth Shalom in Oak Park entitled “A Day of Learning – Women in Judaism.” Join us for interfaith dialogue during lunch and a wonderful educational experience. Please send your checks made out to WISDOM for $18.00 to Judy Satterthwaite, 1250 Dutton Road, Rochester, MI 48306 by March 19th.

I’m sure that many of you have read in the papers or heard in the news that today is Fat Tuesday. What is this all about? Please read the explanations below for help in understanding the Christian holidays of Fat Tuesday, Ash Wednesday, and Lent.

Gail Katz, WISDOM President

Fat Tuesday is Mardi Gras, the festival New Orleans, Louisiana, is famous for. "Gras" is French for fat and "Mardi" is French for Tuesday. The annual festivities start on January 6, the Twelfth Night Feast of the Epiphany, when the three kings are supposed to have visited the Christ Child, and build to a climax on Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, which always occurs on the day before Ash Wednesday, which is February 6th. The parties and parades will continue until Lent begins at the stroke of midnight on Tuesday (February 5th).

Shrove Tuesday is the term used in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Australia to refer to the day before Ash Wednesday. The word “shrove” is a past tense of the English verb “shrive,” which means to obtain absolution for one’s sins by confessing and doing penance. This day is also known as Pancake Tuesday, because it is customary to eat pancakes on this day. The reason that pancakes are associated with the day preceding Lent is that the 40 days of Lent form a period of liturgical fasting, during which only the plainest foodstuffs may be eaten. Therefore, rich ingredients such as eggs, milk, and sugar are disposed of immediately prior to the commencement of the fast. Pancakes and doughnuts were therefore an efficient way of using up these perishable goods besides providing a minor celebratory feast prior to the fast itself. In Hamtramck, there is an annual Paczki-Day (Fat Tuesday) Parade, and lines at bakeries can be seen up to 24 hours before the deep-fried delights go on sale Tuesday morning. Many bars in town open early in the morning, and provide free entertainment, a party atmosphere, and Paczki-clad mascots. Prunes are considered the traditional filling, but many others are used as well. In other parts of the world, such as historically Catholic and French-speaking parts of the United States – this day is called Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras is a legal holiday in New Orleans. It is scheduled to occur 46 days before Easter. Since the actual date Easter occurs on changes yearly, Mardi Gras can happen on any Tuesday between February 3 and March 9. For two centuries it has been an annual event in New Orleans, except during the two World Wars.

Below is an explanation of Ash Wednesday and Lent written for the members of St. Hugo of the Hills Roman Catholic Church in Bloomfield Hills.

Tomorrow Feb 6th is Ash Wednesday and is the beginning of the season of Lent. We spend forty days of prayer and penance each year as a time for renewal, discipline, spiritual regeneration and growth. Lent is also the season in which the church evangelizes and reconciles her own members. The church joins in prayer and teaching with all the catechumens (people receiving instruction to pursue full membership in the church) as they undergo an intense period of preparation for their initiation into the church. Indeed, as the catechumens prepare for their first Baptism during the coming Easter, the rest of the church, prepare to renew our own Baptismal commitment. Each year at this time we try to realize that we are called to participate in the life of the Church by dying and rising with the Lord Jesus in the Easter Mystery. We are called to be transformed but such a transformation can only be achieved if we accept this season as a time of personal prayer and discipline wherein we put ourselves in God’s hands. We have to be willing to let him shape our lives, our values, our thoughts, our attitudes and our own personal destinies.

How Might We Put These Beliefs into Action During the Lenten Season

Here are several examples of how someone might work on renewal, discipline and spiritual regeneration:

1. PRAY PRIVATELY. Start with a few minutes a day in a private place and a moment to center yourself in Christ. Discover in prayer what is His will is for you. Ask Him to allow you to see clearly what you must do in faith and have the strength to do it. Encourage other family members to do the same and then let them alone to do it. Keep your thoughts as private as a conversation with God should be.

2. PRAY PUBLICLY. Seek out and participate in liturgies and special Lenten services, from the Stations of the Cross to daily Mass. Share your overflow of grace with your second family—your parish family…particularly in the way you participate in Sunday liturgies.

3. MAKE YOUR SACRIFICES A POSITIVE AFFIRMATION. Make certain that you understand that Lent is not only a time in which we “Do without” it is also a time in which we “Do for”. Don’t stop at material denials. Offering up a favorite show or Sunday morning coffee is nothing compared to giving up the pleasures of having the last word or being infallible. At least once a day refrain from saying” I told you so”, “I knew I was right” and “It wasn’t my fault”. For the next forty days, we should all try to keep our mouths shut and our hearts open.

4. GIVE OF YOUR TIME. Give of yourself. Give of your time, energy, effort, ear, and heart unsparingly. Give without counting the cost or reward. Work in whatever capacity you are needed. If you don’t know where you are needed, ask for God’s guidance to lead you there. Scripture tells us often that we find Christ most clearly by serving those who are in need.

5. GIVE OF ALL YOUR MATERIAL BLESSINGS. Be good Stewards of the goods of the earth. Give of your money and do so without expecting anything in return. Learn that tithing is a gift given to us in Scripture. Sit down with your family and determine a percentage of your income that will go to the Church and a percentage that will go to other charities. The key is to determine a specific percentage that you know you will offer and when you make your offering, do it in the same way that you imagine Christ would…entirely out of love.

6. BE ACTIVELY CONCERNED ABOUT THE ENTIRE WORLD. We live in a small specific world. But the Church calls us to ministry that is universal. Read, listen, learn, and become involved in making a more Christ-like life by working for Gospel values in politics, the environment, world hunger, peace, pro-life issues, nuclear power, armaments dispersal etc. We have heard so much about these topics that they lose their meaning for many people. This Lent, make them real. Remember that the bottom line is this: We are all one family trying to make a just and loving home out of this world.

7. KEEP A JOYFUL SENSE OF HUMOR. Don’t let your imperfections or lapses…or those of others…get you down. If we were perfect, we wouldn’t be here. Wear a face that says “Be of good cheer”. Secret, silent martyrs only make martyrs out of those who have to live with them. Keep a cheerful countenance and have a serene heart…one that says in attitude “all is well…all is very well”.

WISDOM Day of Learning - Women in Judaism

2008-01-31T09:06:00.000-05:00

Dear WISDOM Subscribers:

Below are a flyer and a registration form to our March 30th WISDOM/Sisterhood of Congregation Beth Shalom “Day of Learning - Women in Judaism.” Please inform anyone else you think might be interested – friends, family, and especially the women who are members of your house of worship. We look forward to your presence at this very important day of learning about Judaism and reaching out to dialogue with women of different faith traditions.

Gail Katz
WISDOM President

Sisterhood of Congregation
Beth Shalom
(14601 West Lincoln in Oak Park, 248-547-7970)

AND

W.I.S.D.O.M.

Present:

A Day of Learning - Women in Judaism

10:30 – 2:30 on Sunday, March 30th, 2008

Introduction to Judaism with Rabbi Wolpe

“Getting to Know You” Lunch

Women’s Roles: At Home and the Synagogue

How Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform
Jewish Women Practice What They Believe

Tour of the Synagogue

Join us (bring a friend!) as we engage in interfaith dialogue over a kosher and hallal vegetarian lunch and reach out to get to know women of different faith traditions in our community of Metro Detroit!!

REGISTRATION FORM FOR MARCH 30TH EVENT

PLEASE MAKE YOUR $18.00 CHECK TO

WISDOM

(A portion of your check will be tax-deductible)

MAIL TO:

Judy Satterthwaite
Program Chairperson
1250 Dutton Road
Rochester, MI 48306

All registrations and checks must be received by Judy by March 19th

NAME _______________________________________________________

STREET ____________________________________________________

CITY _______________________________________________________

ZIP CODE ___________________________________________________

HOME PHONE _______________________________________________

CELL PHONE ________________________________________________

E-MAIL ADDRESS ___________________________________________

RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION ____________________________________

Questions???

CONTACT:

Judy Satterthwaite, 248-651-8918, GoddardEnterprises@sbcglobal.net

Fran Hildebrandt, 248-661-4179, FHildebr@aol.com

WISDOM Upcoming Events

2008-01-23T19:27:00.000-05:00

Dear WISDOM Subscribers:

I would like to remind you of some upcoming WISDOM interfaith events that I hope many of you can attend. Please mark your calendars. The first one is this Sunday!!

The World Sabbath for Religious ReconciliationAn Interfaith Service for World PeaceSunday, January 27, 2008 4:00 – 6:00 PM

Led by children of many faiths from the religious institutions in Metro Detroit, at Christ Church Cranbrook, 470 Church Road in Bloomfield Hills. The flyer for the event is attached. You won’t want to miss this uplifting program, filled with prayer, music and dance, showcasing the Children of Peace and their peace banners that will be made into a Children’s Peace Quilt and displayed at various religious institutions in Metro Detroit. The annual World Sabbath Peace Award will be presented to Thomas and Susan Cucuzza and Robert Cucuzza who produced and directed “The Armed Man: A Concert for Peace”. Details about the program and the participants are available at the World Sabbath website www.wsdayofpeace.org

Other upcoming events are listed below. Please mark your calendars!!

WISDOM/Congregation Beth Shalom
Educational Day about Judaism
14601 Lincoln, Oak Park
Sunday, March 30, 2008
10:30 AM – 2:30 PM
There will be a charge for lunch
Flyer will be e-mailed out very soon!!

Walk2gether with WISDOM
and the Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion
Saturday, May 10th at Belle Isle
Registration 9:00 am, Walk 10:00 am
More information to come

PEACE THROUGH WISDOM
Joint program with Peace X Peace
May 18, 2008 4:00 – 7:00 PM
St. John’s Episcopal Church
26998 Woodward AveRoyal Oak, MI
More information to come

Shabbat dinner and WISDOM Presentation at Birmingham Temple
28611 W. Twelve Mile Road
Farmington Hills, MI
Friday evening, June 6, 2008

Feel free to e-mail me from the WISDOM website with any questions!!

Gail Katz
WISDOM President