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Interfaith Inform
November 8, 2022
Kaufman Interfaith Institute

www.interfaithunderstanding.org
Watch - Rabbi Michael Schadick on the Priestly Blessing
Though we could not gather together in person for the 2020 Interfaith Thanksgiving Celebration, we were able to join together virtually. In this clip, Rabbi Michael Schadick closes out the celebration with a wonderful reflection on the Priestly Blessing. His words are followed by the Batavia Madrigal Singers, an interfaith choir, singing "The Lord Bless You and Keep You." 
On this Election Tuesday, as we are acutely aware of our divides, it is crucial to remember that we have much for which we ought to be grateful. Even as we are in a very anxious and divisive time, we still have the ability to lean into thanksgiving and compassion. This year's Interfaith Thanksgiving Celebration, which will take place on November 21st at Temple Emanuel, will explore that very theme of "Choosing Gratitude" and will feature a keynote from Rabbi Schadick. 
Information and registration can be found HERE.
9th Annual Civil Discourse Symposium: Sharing Our Stories: Moving from Division to Hope, November 9th, 6:00pm  
Eberhard Center, Downtown Pew Campus
Please join us for the 9th annual Padnos/Sarosik Center for Civil Discourse symposium- Sharing Our Stories: Moving from Division to Hope, as the next part of our Talking Together initiative. The 3-day event will take place November 7-9 and culminates in a keynote address with John Noltner, nationally-acclaimed photographer, storyteller, and founder of A Peace of My Mind. 
Frustrated with a polarized world, John Noltner drove 40,000 miles across the country interviewing and photographing hundreds of people from all walks of life. His keynote address will be an interactive dialogue through which he will share his personal story while at the same time revealing the wisdom of everyday people and their stories of hope, transformation, and forgiveness. With portraits and personal stories, ordinary people reveal extraordinary insights into how we can work toward common good and create a world that is more just for all.
Click here for registration and more information! 
23rd Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Celebration: Choosing Gratitutde, November 21st, 7:00pm 
Temple Emanuel
Join us for a celebration where many traditions and cultures will come together to give thanks for one another and to actively choose gratitude, even in the midst of uncertainty and division. Through song, dance, prayer, and storytelling we will share gratitude with and for our West Michigan neighbors. Contributing groups include Temple Emanuel, Michigan Humanists, the Grand Rapids Baha'i Community, Masjid At-Tawheed, and several others. 
A virtual freewill offering will be taken for Feeding America West Michigan.
Film Screening & Discussion: The U.S. and the Holocaust, November 30th, 7:00pm 
Celebration! Cinema North
The Jewish Federation of Grand Rapids, partnering with WGVU Public Media, will host a screening of The U.S. and the Holocaust at Celebration Cinema North in Grand Rapids. This event will feature excerpts from the film by Ken Burns, Lynn Novick and Sarah Botstein followed by a panel discussion and audience Q&A. The panelists are Rob Franciosi, Linda Pestka, and Steve Pestka. 
Registration is required. Please fill out the form provided here or email Nicole Katzman at nicole@jfgr.org to register.  
Talking Together: Strengthening our communities through conversation
Tired of the toxic level of polarization in the U.S.? Interested in talking with people whose perspective differs from your own in ways that stay constructive? We invite you to join us for a year focused on creating a culture of conversation rather than division. 
The Padnos/Sarosik Center for Civil Discourse, Kaufman Interfaith Institute, Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies, and WGVU Public Media are pleased to partner for Talking Together: Strengthening our Communities through Conversation, a dialogue initiative aimed at interrupting polarization and investing in the principles of civil discourse and respectful conversation. Each month will feature at least one structured activity for students, staff, faculty, and community members to engage in conversation with one other across differences in perspective, identity, and life experiences.
Click here for more information and registration.

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