A Ramadan Iftar dinner; an annual festive Vaisakhi celebration; the Passover Seder; Good Friday’s reading of the Passion. All of these take place during the week of April 11, 2022 at the Fish Interfaith Center. As I write, I am preparing for a week of sacred convergence – when these important religious holidays converge. Whether
Renewing Our Connection to Spirit and Planet Spring is the season of hope and renewal, as joyously expressed throughout the world’s religious and spiritual traditions. Is it any wonder why all of humanity’s faiths celebrate the return of spring with such religious richness? Easter, Pesach, Holi, Ramadan, Nowruz, Ostara, Purim, Ridvan, Vaisakhi, and Wesak are
As the season of Advent closes, whether one believes the ancient biblical tale of Jesus’ birth is divinely inspired, or sees it as a metaphor or simply an author’s tale, there is one part of the story that relates to the particular plight of countless people of throughout history. But it’s not the part that
As we celebrate the Thanksgiving holidays, I’d like to share a personal mantra with you that I find to be true: In order to enjoy a future of abundance and happiness, you need to express gratitude for what you have in the present. Enjoy our “Tips for a Happy Thanksgiving” video For many of our
Educational institutions throughout the country teach the Civil War. Dates, specific individuals, locations, and that little issue known as slavery are the pillars of Civil War teachings. We all have learned about the Civil War. We all claim to know its reasons. We may have even entertained ourselves watching movies about it. After we “learn”
Evargrius Ponticus, a third-century hermit who lived isolated in the Egyptian desert, knew all about boredom, discouragement, and wanting to give up. He personified this chorus of negativity with a telling nickname, “The Noonday Demon.” Unlike other tempters who lurk under cover of darkness, when Evargrius was weary and discouraged, this demon appeared in broad
For Catholics and all Christians, the Easter season celebrates the most joyous time of year, the feast of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. But how can we be joyous when living in isolation enduring the slow ache of loneliness? What is the timeline for returning to normality? No one really knows. This uncertainty may leave
(To contact Shaykh Jibreel or receive regular Ramadan communications, email jspeight@chapman.edu) What would you say if someone – let’s call that person “M” – said to you that s/he is going to do a re-boot of his/her life-giving an elaboration on this action? You ask for M’s reason(s) behind the desire to do this
by Gail Stearns, Dean of the Chapel We might expect that religious holidays often offer strength to believers, with assurance that through trials emerge new life. However, I was surprised to learn that a holiday we can all celebrate, Earth Day, offers a similar message, if we take seriously lessons scientists are learning from their