Dear Friend,
It is difficult to believe that it is almost a month since we were together at Parliament. Thank you for your interest in the work of Elijah.
Our inaugural Praying Together in Jerusalem event was an important demonstration of good will in this divided city. I had the honor of welcoming worshipers and quoted the Quranic verse which reminds us that had the Creator of the universe decided to create only one faith, He could have done so. Knowing this provides us with all the encouragement we need. The Creator chose diversity and the multiple ways of praying to him. Therefore, to be truly religious is to be interreligious.
There were dozens of Christians of all denominations and the Christian prayers were a significant ecumenical moment for all those who participated. The Jewish prayers were led by an Eliyahu McClean, whom some of you met at Parliament. The backdrop of the walls of the Old City made for a very powerful experience. One lone Muslim participant prayed his evening prayers alongside us. Considering the tensions of the past two months, his joining us was a brave act of solidarity with those striving for peace. What was equally important was that many passers-by of all faiths – Christians, Muslims, Jews and others – stopped to wish us well. While not necessarily being ready to pray with us, they were encouraged by and encouraging of our initiative. Despite the fears beforehand, there was not a single demonstration of opposition.
We will be praying together on the last Thursday night of each month and believe that the movement will grow in numbers as well as in recognition. Please join us if you are in Jerusalem. Indeed, please join us in praying for the peace of Jerusalem wherever you are.
Meanwhile, we are continuing to work on the Religious Genius project and soon will have some RG educational resources on our website. The website is still under construction but if you go to the Sharing Wisdom section, there is already some interesting material there. Keep visiting the site and you will see its growth. If you feel that your community may like an in-person RG training seminar from Elijah’s scholars and leaders, please be in contact so that we can discuss what that would include.
If you have not yet signed onto the Elijah Principles, please visit the site and do so and if you would like to communicate with me on any matter connected to Elijah’s activities, please do not hesitate to send me an email.
Thank you for allowing me to update you on Elijah’s activities. I wish you every success with your own endeavors and look forward to staying in touch.
Yours truly,
Peta
Peta Jones Pellach,
Director of Educational Activities.
Copyright © 2017 Elijah Interfaith Institute, All rights reserved.
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