Dear Colleagues,
Many of you were with us at the Interfaith Vigil for the Pittsburgh tragedy just a few weeks ago. At the end of that event, you might recall that we said “more to come”. With the recent release of the FBI report showing the rise in hate crimes against African Americans, people of color, Jewish people and people from diverse religious backgrounds, we can no longer stay silent. We must teach the generations the importance of civility, honesty, integrity, community and how to “show forth the light” with and for one another.
One of the “more to come” events is being planned by our colleagues at BBYO (formerly B’nai B’rith Youth Organization), a teen-led youth movement in the Jewish community. BBYO will sponsor an Interfaith Shabbat Dinner for Teens (age 13-18) on Friday, December 7th at 6pm, Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road at Sweetwater. Teen youth groups of many faiths along with their adult youth leaders are invited to attend.
The purpose of the event will be to focus on the similarities between and among us, rather than the differences, and to set the stage for teens to converse with one another and ask questions. There will be a wonderful meal, table discussions, a panel discussion led by religious leaders from each group represented, a gallery walk program and a dessert reception.
If you are interested in bringing your youth group to this event, or if you know of youth leaders who might want to participate with their youth groups, please note your interest by November 21 to Barrie McAllister at bmcalister@bbyo.org. She will contact you directly to answer any questions you may have.
Final RSVPs are requested by November 27, to include:
Name of primary youth leader and contact information
Faith tradition
# of teens attending
# of other youth leaders attending
Would the primary youth leader like to serve on the religious leader panel
Would your youth group like to offer any expression of their faith tradition before the dinner?
Thank you for considering this invitation.
Gratefully,
Jannah Scott, Interim Executive Director
Arizona Faith Network (formerly Arizona Ecumenical Council)
1550 E. Meadowbrook Ave.
Phoenix, Arizona 85014
602-468-3818