Living Room Archive
An archive of our Living Room Gatherings from 2008 to 2010:
December 8, 2010
Light, Color & The Sacred: Holiday Craft Night
This Faith House gathering is lovingly dedicated to the memory of Lora Padre by Andy Padre, Russell Chin and friends
During the busy holiday season, we gathered for a light evening with fun, music, food and crafts led by Andy Padre, the Metrocard Man. We heard stories from people of different faiths about the beautiful sacred objects they are crafting. And of course, we enjoyed the hands-on craft you can hang in your window to capture the beauty of light in these short, dark days. With wax paper, crayons, and some heat we will make representations of various sacred objects that act much like stained-glass ornaments.
The evening was led by Andy Padre, aka the Metrocard Man, who’s creations have been featured in the New York Times, New York Post, AM New York, NY Daily News, and the Huffington Post.
November 10, 2010
Interbeing: Experience the Heart of Islam
Sufism or tassawuf is mostly identified today with the figure of the whirling dervish and the poetry of Rumi. It is a path to Reality. On this night, the dervishes of the Nur Ashki Jerrahi Sufi Order invited us to experience the sacred tradition of dhikrullah, or the remembrance of Allah. “Remember Me and I will remember you.” (Hadith)
“Nobody son of nobody” (quoting Abd’ul Khayr) Khabir John McGeehan and Juliet rabia Gentile led the evening. The Nur Ashki Jerrahi Sufi Order is a community of dervishes within the Halveti-Jerrahi Tariqat, in the specific lineage and spirit of Shaykh Muzaffer Ashki al-Jerrahi, Shaykh Nur al-Jerrahi, and Shaykha Fariha al-Jerrahi.
October 27, 2010
Bible, Interrupted
2,500 years ago, in front of Jerusalem’s Water Gate, the Bible was first presented as a publicly performed sacred narrative. Amichai Lau-Lavie, Judaic scholar, performance artist and the Founder and Executive Director of the NY based Storahtelling Company, leads an exploration of this historic moment through text study and conversation, examining the radical implications of this ancient ritual for today’s global search for meaningful ways of making our sacred legacies relevant, accessible, engaging and transformational.
Amichai is an Israeli-born teacher of Judaic Literature, described as ‘one of the most interesting thinkers in the Jewish world’ by the NY Jewish Week. Amichai is a consultant to the Reboot Network, a member of the Synagogue 3000 Leadership Network, serves on the Advisory Council for the Six Points Fellowship, the Advisory Board for Faithhouse Manhattan, and the Board of Directors of Nehirim.
October 13, 2010
Samhain: A Season of Harvest, a Circle of Remembrance
The Temple of the Spiral path led us in a celebration the of Samhain (pronounced Sow-en, from the Irish for “Summer’s end”) a sacred time of remembrance and harvest, one of the Eight Holidays known to modern Neo-Pagan witches as the Wheel of the Year. At Samhain, we gather the last fruits of the growing season and pause to reflect on all we have reaped during the light half of the year. The veil between the worlds is said to be thinnest at this time and so we take comfort in the closeness of the spirits of Nature, our Gods and Goddesses, and especially our Ancestors as we face the changing season and shorter days.
The Temple of the Spiral Path represents the family of covens practicing the Shadowfolk Tradition of Witchcraft, which was founded in 1995, and includes Strangers’ Gate, Shadowfolk, and North Wyldewood Covens.
September 22, 2010
LGBT= Let’s Get Beyond Tolerance
Stephen Phelps told the story of how a small town congregation he pastored in upstate New York developed into a spiritual community through ministry and fellowship with once-unseen and feared lesbian and gay members of the area. In small groups, Steve then guided our reflection on the experience of being “other,” asking us to tether our visions of a horizon far beyond tolerance to action steps.
Raised in the Hudson Valley, Stephen Phelps worked on nationally recognized community-development projects before entering seminary. He has served as pastor to Presbyterian congregations since 1986. Rev. Phelps moved to New York City early in 2009 to engage more fully with his vision of multi-faith and multicultural spiritual communities. He has taken an active role with Faith House and teaches in New York Theological Seminary’s Master’s Program at Sing Sing Prison and has recently secured the position of Interim Senior Minister at The Riverside Church.
June 23, 2010
The Heart of the Heart: Spiritual Storytelling
What is at the heart of a spiritual story? What makes it move us, and what in us is moved? Why do we love stories and why do we learn best through stories? How does a spiritual story answer questions of the heart – even those unexpressed. On this evening, Master Spiritual Storyteller Carole Forman will tell stories from many religions and spiritual traditions and then we will together explore what delights us, what ignites us, and why. We too will tell stories and then try on the telling of stories not our own. Come to ponder, participate, and play. Bring your heart, your voice, and your storytelling spirit.
Carole Forman is a Baal Misaper Ruchani, which in Hebrew means a Master Spiritual Storyteller, a title she earned in the two-year Jewish Spirit Maggid Training Program. She is a Guidess at Life Works, Inc. and coaches storytelling privately and through the Maggid Training Program.
June 9, 2010
Seeing Ourselves Through the Eyes of the Other
It is natural for us to look at other people’s beliefs and practices in light of our own and judge them accordingly. By doing this we stand over and above the other. But is it possible for us to create a space in which we turn this approach on its head. Placing ourselves beneath the beliefs and practices of another so as to come to a better understanding of ourselves? Join us as Peter Rollins explores the theory and practice of this idea through a sustained reflection upon a group he formed called the Evangelism Project (in which people go to listen to a variety of faith communities in order to be evangelised).
May 26, 2010
Music’s Lessons for Mystics:
Three Songs and a Talk on Secular Transcendence
The experience of the transcendent is often taken as the hallmark of religion. Or is it the hallmark of the human? Must meaningful transcendence of self proceed upwards to touch the divine, or is it better directed outwards to touch truth, beauty, and other persons? In this presentation, secularist philosopher (and amateur musician) Austin Dacey examines music as a model of non-religious, “horizontal” transcendence. Discussing his activities on behalf of censored musicians from around the world, and performing samples from his study of traditional Irish singing, he explores his own favored modes of self-transcendence that keep both feet on the earth.
Austin Dacey is a writer and human rights activist based in New York City. He is the author of The Secular Conscience, and his writings have been published by the New York Times, Washington Post, Dissent, and USA Today. A philosopher by training, he has taught most recently at Marymount Manhattan College. He serves as an adviser to Freemuse: The World Forum on Music and Censorship. In March 2010 he launched The Impossible Music Sessions, a concert series featuring the artists who cannot appear and the music they are not free to make. He is still seeking a percussionist for his new band, The Free Reed Faction.
May 12, 2010
Green Deen: What Islam Teaches About Protecting the Planet
From childhood, Ibrahim Abdul-Matin was taught that “the Earth is a Mosque,” leading him to his belief that the planet is a sacred place where prayer and worship happen and therefore, we are responsible for protecting every aspect of it. You are invited to an interactive evening with the author of “Green Deen: What Islam Teaches About Protecting the Planet,” Ibrahim Abdul-Matin. The evening will include his story of becoming an environmental justice activist and organizer, discussion of Islamic scriptural passages that describe a faith-based mandate to protect the planet, role plays and story telling on how faith relates to waste, water, watts (energy), and food.
Bio: Ibrahim Abdul-Matin is the author of “Green Deen: What Islam Teaches About Protecting the Planet,” coming to you in Fall 2010 by Berrett-Koehler publishers. He is currently a Senior Policy Advisor in the New York City Mayor’s Office on issues of long term planning and sustainability. Most recently, Ibrahim was a consultant for Green City Force, a green jobs training program for young people of color living in economically depressed neighborhoods of Brooklyn. He is also a member of the Interfaith Leaders for Environmental Justice and frequently represents the environmental viewpoint on faith-based panels.
April 28, 2010
Salat: The Beauty of Prayer in Islam
Our April 28, 2010 Living Room was led by Sabeeha Rehman and her husband, Khalid. Sabeeha Rehman is the Director of Interfaith Programs at the American Society for Muslim Advancement (ASMA), and is a member of the Shura Council of the Women’s Islamic Initiative in Spirituality and Equality (WISE), a program of ASMA. Below Sabeeha’s talk is the program that followed it. Our full event was 90 minutes.
Sabeeha Rehman is the Director of Interfaith Programs at the American Society for Muslim Advancement (ASMA), and is a member of the Shura Council of the Women’s Islamic Initiative in Spirituality and Equality (WISE), a program of ASMA.
April 14, 2010
The Sikh Revolution: A Vaisakhi Dialogue on Sikhism and Social Justice
On April 14, 1699, a day that’s today honored as one of the biggest Sikh holidays, Guru Gobind Singh (the tenth Sikh guru), along with thousands of other Sikhs, created the Khalsa, a collective body of armed revolutionaries, warrior-saints, whose mission it was to overthrow tyranny in all its forms. Marking the 311th anniversary of the creation of the Khalsa and the codification of Sikh identity, this Living Room will explore the revolutionary foundation of Sikhism and provide an opportunity to discuss the modern day relevance of Sikh philosophy and poetry-scripture.
Facilitated by musician and activist Sonny Singh of the Sikh Coalition, we will celebrate Vaisakhi 2010 by discussing the Sikh approach to social justice through learning about Sikh history and philosophy and through singing and discussing the meaning of a shabad (Sikh devotional verse) together. Sonny will lead the shabad on the harmonium, accompanied by Nisha Mistry on the dholak.
March 17, 2010
Sharing the Meal:
Early Christian Communion in a Modern Manhattan Community
In the earliest days of the Christian Church, Jesus’ followers gathered for worship in domestic settings, blessing and breaking bread, sharing food and fellowship, and singing and praying together. Worship took place in the context of the meal that was shared: a ritual that eventually evolved into the Eucharist.
Experience this early Christian Communion as practiced by a modern community. Emily Scott, pastoral minister at St. Lydia’s in the East Village will speak about early Christian worship, and give the Faith House community a taste of how the congregation of St. Lydia’s lives into this ancient ritual. Simple songs will be sung, scripture explored, and prayers offered in the context of “dinner church.”
March 10, 2010
What is Buddha? An Evening of Practice with an American Zen Monk
Each morning in the Manhattan Chogyesa temple begins with prostrations, chanting and sitting. This Living Room evening will include a guided practice through these three Buddhist practices, all exploring a single question: what is Buddha? Myong Haeng Sunim will lead the evening in the Korean Zen tradition, with readings and teachings on Buddhism. Sunim, a self-proclaimed hippy monk, will also share his personal journey from Virginia, through thirteen years in Korea (one in a vow of silence), to Vice Abbot of a temple on Manhattan’s Upper West Side.
February 24, 2010
Purim! How Queen Esther Reversed History
Come celebrate Purim with a traditional reading of the Book of Esther, the only book in the Bible that does not mention G-d, where a beautiful Jewish woman becomes Queen of Persia and saves her people from the plot of the wicked Haman to massacre all Jews in the empire. This megillah, scroll or book, is read with wild cheering and booing from all in attendance. We will also hear portions chanted in the traditional Hebrew.
This carnival-like celebration will include hamantaschen cookies, songs and blessings. We will prepare a matanot l’evyonim, a package for the poor, a commandment for this holiday.
January 27, 2010
Your Ethical Legacy: Different Faiths, Shared Values
“Ethical Wills” are not written by a lawyer and have nothing to do with your material possessions. Instead, they are your ethical legacies, detailing the values and experiences you would like to pass on to your family and closest friends. Learn about how these “love letters to your families” evolved from an ancient Jewish tradition into one present in all three Abrahamic religions — and experience what it is like to record one yourself.
Joshua Stanton, a rabbinical student, co-Editor of the Journal of Inter-Religious Dialogue, and co-Director of Lessons of a Lifetime: The Ethical Will Project, will talk about his efforts to record the values of others through ethical wills and the remarkable potential these documents have to bridge generational, religious, and cultural divides.
January 13, 2010
God Our Stranger:
Why our faith, devotion & practice can’t thrive without “the other”
Through the media, in our workplaces, and even in our families, the stranger has come close. Now, the other is not “out there.” They have moved into our physical, intellectual and emotional neighborhoods. We are confronted not only with a new view of those we used to consider “outsiders,” but with a new view of ourselves. We will explore the reasons why the stranger has an exulted status in ancient religious writings. Is it simply because religion teaches us virtue, or do the reasons go much deeper? And what does that have to do with our daily lives in the city? This will be a mid-week evening of respite with texts, a talk by author Samir Selmanovic, discussion, and music.
December 9, 2009
Deconstructed Pre-Christmas Rummage Sale
Come rummage through piles of clothes, books, household items and lots of miscellany. No cover charge. Most items are pay as you can; some items will be available for auction. Antiques and original “Metrocard Man” items for sale too. Proceeds to support Faith House Manhattan’s 2010 operating expenses. Bring your loose change! All coins will be given to the Salvation Army.
Jesus had a lot to say about money and the stuff we hang on to. He praised the widow who gave her last pennies to the temple. He told us to render unto God that which is God’s. He reminds us of how God clothes the lilies of the field, even Solomon in all his splendor was not clothed so well.
We’ll also have holiday snacks, skits, crafts for kids, and interactive stations where you can rummage through piles of sacred texts and take those you like, write down your own thoughts about stuff, give change for the Salvation Army… or ring a bell for others to donate, and more.
November 25, 2009
Indigenous Peoples & Inclusive Politics
On the Wednesday evening before Thanksgiving Day, all are invited to a vegetarian family meal and Living Room program hosted by Tiokasin Ghosthorse, Host and Producer of “First Voices Indigenous Radio,” a Lakota thinker, activist, and musician.
Politics for the Lakota is spiritual and not separate from the rest of life. Indigenous peoples are after an inclusive politics and an inclusive world. There is no word for “exclusion” in Lakota and there is no word for “me” or “I”. The responsibility of living within this worldview is far-reaching, from the beginnings of Life itself. This way of knowing and of being must be learned by all who walk with Mother Earth.
November 11, 2009
Speaking the Unspoken, Naming the Unnamed: Israel & Palestine Dialogue
Come explore how we can create an opportunity, a space where we can risk to speak the unspoken about our connections, histories, and the wounds of Israel and Palestine. We will cultivate a place where we learn how to listen, actively and generously. We will address the needs all humans have to be seen and acknowledged. We will share stories, surface differences, and have a difficult conversation around the hot words of home and homeland, justice and peace.
Marcia Kannry, Founder of The Dialogue Project; Sammer Aboelela, participant and Board Member; with other Palestinian Americans and Israelis will create a dialogue circle with all of us. Learn more about The Dialogue Project by going to www.thedialogueproject.org
October 28, 2009
Walking More Than One Path: Is Religious Multiple-Belonging Possible?
A young Roman Catholic priest experiences Vatican II in Rome, leaves the priesthood, gets married and becomes a leading scholar on religious pluralism… then later in life finds that his wife’s Buddhism leads him down a path that saves his Christian identity during a crisis of faith. What’s your story? Many religious people today have found that other paths inform and strengthen their primary path or have converted from one path to another or are still searching for a single path where they feel they “belong.”
Esteemed scholar, wise and compassionate soul, and Faith House Advisory Council member, Paul Knitter will talk with us about what “multiple belonging” (or “multiple practicing”) means, share his own story, lead us in community sharing, and then bring us into an extended period of meditative silence in the Buddhist tradition.
October 14, 2009
Spirit & the Creative Imagination
Repeating one of our very favorite Living Rooms of last fall, come be creative, playful and divinely inspired! William Bevington will help us reflect on the shared divine and human impulse to create, then we will choose one of three half-hour workshops dealing with creative words, images or music. We will gather again at the end to share the fruits of the spirit and our own creative imaginations.
REFLECTION William Bevington is a professor of information design. He teaches at Parsons the New School for Design and was the co-founder of PIIM, The Parsons Institute for Information Mapping, New York. WRITING Aziz Friedrich is a lover of language born and raised in Yonkers (Muslim, Sufi dervish at Nur Ashki Jerrahi Sufi Order) MUSIC George Mathew is an orchestra conductor who organizes humanitarian concerts (Christian, raised in Mar Thoma Syrian Church, attends Cathedral of St John the Divine) ART Sadie Rosenthal is a painter, photographer, and printmaker interested in exploring the interactions of layers including color, text, line and shape (Jewish, Member of Romemu)
September 23, 2009
How to Enter the Holy of Holies: Preparing for Yom Kippur
Beginning by blowing the shofar, we will gather to prepare for the Day of Atonement and entering the Holy of Holies. The evening will include music with Shira Kline, a Storahtelling segment led by Amichai Lau-Lavie and Elana Bell on Scapegoats, then Jill Minkoff will lead us through the Al Het Litany and an acrostic prayer of repentance. Come experience your neighbors’ faith in this innovative Living Room focused on the most solemn and important Jewish holy day, Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. With Amichai Lau-Lavie, Storahtelling Artists Shira Kline and Elana Bell, and Jill Minkoff
September 9, 2009
Banquet of Love:
A Ramadan Feast with the Nur Ashki Jerrahi Sufi Community
Each year Muslims around the world celebrate the blessed month of Ramadan by fasting at sun-rise and feasting at sundown, by standing in prayer long into the night, and by gathering together in each other’s homes or in spiritual sanctuaries. Ramadan is called the month of Community and is the month in which the Quran was sent down, as a guide for Humanity.
This year we would like to invite you to a special opportunity to experience a Ramadan Iftar feast (fasting is optional) with the Nur Ashki Jerrahi Sufi Community, as well as others. There will be delicious food, prayer, Quranic readings, poetry and music. Facilitator: Juliet rabia Gentile, Dawoud on Sitar.
July 25, 2009
Seeding the Heart & Harvesting Intentions
Every day we hear about or participate in the eco or green movement sweeping across America and the world. Come to our last Living Room of the summer where we will investigate “green” wisdom. Many spiritual paths teach us that the earth is sacred as the source of life. In this gathering we will read stories of seeding and harvest from the Muslim and Jewish traditions. Participate in a seed meditation and share your own stories. Then we will practice what we preach by planting seeds and blessing the earth with some “gurerrilla gardening” in our neighborhoods! Relax. Learn. Grow a new green intention! Facilitators: rabia Gentile and Leah Varsano
July 11, 2009
Laughter and Tears: The Ecstasy and Agony of Birth
Join Rabbi David Ingber and members of Romemu for an end of Shabbat, Havdalah service focused on “birth” in the Jewish traditions and in our own lives. Rabbi David will share scripture, rabbinic and hassidic stories about birth, his own journey of preparing for the birth of his first-born child this summer, and invite us to share our stories. Through song, stories and the havdaah elements, we will remember tears of longing, ways of praying and breathing to soften the birthpangs, and the raw laughter and love that God brings forth in the ecstasy of creating new life.
June 27, 2009
Om, Atman and Vedanta: Hindu Meanings and Meditations
Come learn about the meaning of Om, the nature of Atman, and Vedanta philosophy, accompanied by traditional prayers and guided meditations. Our Hindu Living Room will be led by Faith House Advisory Council member, Rathi Raja, President of the Arsha Vedanta Center of Long Island and the Executive Director of Young Indian Culture Group, and Nancy Shainberg-Colier, psychotherapist, author and long-time student of Eastern Spirituality. You will also have a chance to meet our summer intern, Leah Varsano, who spent five months living with a Hindu family in Madurai, in Tamil Nadu, India this past fall.
June 13, 2009
The Song of Songs: A Ritualized Reading of the Sexiest Book in the Bible
The Song of Songs, often attributed to King Solomon (while others claim it was written by a woman), is one of the most beautiful texts in the Hebrew Bible. It has been read allegorically for centuries as representing the relationship between God and Israel or Christ and his Church. For this Living Room, we will read it ritually, with selections read out loud, accompanied by stimulation of all five senses. Facilitator: Bowie Snodgrass
Flickr photo set
May 23, 2009
The Garden of Union: Ancient Sufi Ceremony of Dhikrullah
In this living room gathering we will delve into the central prayer of the Sufis (mystics of Islam) the dhikrullah or divine remembrance. In this ceremony which is often called the “garden of union”–the rose of the human heart blooms in the experience of God’s love. First, we will examine the symbols and physical actions of the dhikrullah, as well as the spiritual meaning underlying these actions. Flowing from the experience of knowledge to direct experience, we will taste the wine of dhikrullah (witnessing Love directly through the vessels, the names of God) and inshallah become the mirrors upon which God’s light can shine.
Sheikh Muzaffer Ozak, the 19th Grand Sheikh of the Halveti-Jerrahi Sufi Order describes dhikrullah: “Lasting between one and three hours, the ceremony of remembrance formulates a microscopic mirror of the reality of existence. The motion of the dhikrullah reflects the revolving of the spheres. In the spiritual dimension the process of centering in Allah and finding Union with Him is described. The ceremony reiterates the stages of Ascent towards being lost in Allah (Arabic: fanafillah) and the stages of Descent to the plane of manifestation, where one remains subsistent in Allah (Arabic: baqabillah). Thus the Path to perfection that the Sufis have vowed to follow is shown in concentrated form in the ceremony of dhikrullah.”
Many members of the Nur Ashki Jerrahi community regularly attend Faith House and we look forward to welcoming everyone for this “instructed” dhikrullah, where we can all share in understanding and experiencing this ancient ceremony together. Facilitator: rabia Gentile
Flickr photo set
May 9, 2009
Why In the World Are You Still Christian?
If you ever wondered this about your Christian friends, or if you are a Christian and ask yourself that same question, this is you chance to address it. Instead of reading books, hearing lectures, or debating, you will be able to experience Christianity from within: passion, guilt, joy, frustration, freedom and all. CityLights community with Reverend Vince and Pastor Samir welcome you to an unedited experience of singing, preachin’, lamenting, and celebrating one layered, changing, and beautiful religion. Don’t get converted; get inspired! Community Hosting the Event: CityLights; Music: Rev. Vince Anderson; Speaker: Pastor Samir Selmanovic
April 25, 2009
Moonwalk: A Mythological Perspective
With a mischievous glint in his eye, famed mythologist Joseph Campbell (1904-1987) would often define mythology as “other people’s religion.” In addition to his groundbreaking work in comparative mythology, Campbell also served as president of the American Society for the Study of Religion, and did much throughout his life to cultivate inter-faith dialogue between multiple religious communities. He felt that by ‘unwrapping’ the specific symbols of each other’s wisdom traditions, we could gain insight into the core of universal human truths which are relevant to each of us. ‘Earthrise,’ the 1968 photograph taken of Earth from the moon during the Apollo 8 mission, was believed by Campbell to be the most significant mythological image to come into our collective consciousness in modern times.
In this living room talk, guest facilitator Phil Robinson will offer an overview of Campbell’s major ideas regarding the role of mythology and religion in our lives, with a special emphasis on Campbell’s interpretation of the taking of the Earthrise photograph as a unifying spiritual event for all of humanity. Phil will also recount his personal story of how encountering Campbell’s writings at a young age enabled him to grasp a broader and more pluralistic view of spirituality than the fundamentalist literal Christianity that he had been raised with.
Phil Robinson (who will also serve as the night’s musical guest) is a popular singer/songwriter, speaker and community builder active throughout NYC, who often speaks and leads community events around the topics of mythology, creativity and culture. Phil has been involved with the Joseph Campbell Foundation for a number of years, helping to continue Campbell’s work by aiding the foundation in building networks of local community groups based on the exploration of matters of spirituality and culture. Phil is founder of Roomful of Sky, the NY-based creative community, as well as the indie record label Roomful of Sky Records, where he has most recently been working as editor and release producer of the new Collected Lectures of Joseph Campbell.
April 11, 2009
Between Death and Resurrection: Where Did Jesus Go?
The Apostles Creed’s most controversial phrase tells us Jesus “descended into hell.” Orthodox icons depict the “Harrowing of Hell”, showing Jesus pull Adam and Eve out of Sheol. Some believe Jesus died on Good Friday and only rose in sensationalized stories told later. Others believe Jesus survived the crucifixion and spent the rest of his life traveling outside the Roman Empire, dying finally an old man in India. Come hear about these traditions – and what the Bible tells us – in a contemplative service with ample silence.
People of all faiths and no faith at all are welcome to come reflect on these possibilities in an evening vigil led by Christians and Muslims in the Faith House Community, on this Holiest Saturday in the Christian year, the day before Christ arose. Speakers: John Snodgrass, Samir Selmanovic, Bowie Snodgrass and Mujadid Shah
March 28, 2009
Rebirth of the Sun: Nowruz and the Spring Equinox
The Vernal or Spring Equinox marks the first day of Spring. It is the day when light and darkness are in equal amount, and to ancient agricultural societies heralded a time of renewal, hard work and abundance. Nowruz, known popularly as “Persian new year” is the commemoration of the equinox. This important festival was thought by ancient Persians to be the day when the universe started its motion. For two weeks leading up to Nowroz, people in Iran, the middle east and the Persian diaspora gather together for feasting and reading poetry, they clean their houses and buy each other tulips and hyacinths. Join us for an evening of celebration, music, dance, food and poetry, welcoming in the new life of Spring in the spirit of this ancient festival of renewal. Facilitator: Rabia Gentile.
March 14, 2009
Homes for the Homeless: Local Religious Responses
We see homeless people on the streets and subways and hear about foreclosures and tent cities on the news… Come experience ways people of faith are responding! Marc Greenberg, Executive Director of the Interfaith Assembly on Homelessness and Housing, along with a colleague who was formerly homeless, will talk with us about their work and experiences. Our Faith House Habitat for Humanity team will share pictures and stories from their Brooklyn build on Sunday, March 8. We will also have time for conversation about our own questions and experiences with homelessness, plus poetry, prayers, and an interactive art project. Facilitator: Bowie Snodgrass
February 28, 2009
Lent: 40 Days for Learning to Let Go
Just as Jesus prayed and fasted in the desert for forty days before beginning his ministry, Christians around the world pray, fast, and practice “giving something up” for forty days before Easter. Come learn about the season of Lent, listen to wisdom from the Psalms and the story of Jesus’ time in the desert, with music ranging from a 17th Century German chorale to David Bowie’s “Ashes to Ashes,” interactive activities and reflections on letting go of habitual routines to create new space for divine grace in our lives. Coordinator: Bowie Snodgrass
February 14, 2009
Valentine’s Day Special: Interfaith Love
Three couples from three congregations (one Jewish, one Muslim, one Christian), will share with us their story of interfaith dating, marriage, and life together. Then we will be able to ask them questions and share our experiences about the struggle and blessing that come with such an adventure. We will also provide a resource for further support. Plus everyone is invited to bring some special/delicious/exquisite chocolate to share for a chocolate tasting session! Plus Reverend Vince will lead us in singing some hot love songs. Facilitator: Samir Selmanovic
January 24, 2009
Mother, Prophet, Mystic: Mary In New Testament, Holy Quran, and Beyond
Please join us for a contemplative session where we will learn about and experience the various Marian traditions through the centuries and Abrahamic religions… From pre-Christian concepts to mainline Christian notions, to Holy Quran, we will explore the re-making of Mary through the ages. The evening will coalesce with a direct experience of the Southern Italian folk tradition in honor of the Black Madonna, dark skinned, chthonic (“of the earth”) images of Mary that have captured the attention of many around the world. This tradition which has a rich and varied musical and dance tradition represented here by international singer/percussionist and dancer, Alessandra Belloni, whose years of research on and love for the Black Madonna pour through her inspired interpretations of work songs, devotional chants and ritual dances from Southern Italy. Facilitator: Rabia Gentile
January 10, 2009
The Third Meal: A Time of Desire
Traditionally, the last meal of Shabbat takes place during the most beautiful time of the day, the waning hours before Shabbat is over. This time is called Et Ratzon, or “time of desire, yearning, and holy grasping”. Join Faith House Manhattan for an unforgettable evening. Together we will hold on to Shabbat asking Her to linger just a bit longer, enticing Her to stay with our songs, teachings, and comraderie. Light refreshments will be served. Facilitator: Rabbi David Ingber and Romemu congregation.
December 27, 2008
Angels and Spirit Guides
Jill will lead us in our reflection about angels in the Scripture and the guides that lead us on our journeys, from poets that move us to divine spirit that imbues us. Come and share your story! We will believe you!
Facilitator: Jill Minkoff.
December 20, 2008
Festivities of Light: Chanukah
Our Living Room will be followed by a big fat Jewish partaaay! It starts at 7pm and it for all ages. Muslims, Christians, and people of any faith (or no faith) are welcome to join. One Love, One Light Chanukah Bash is organized to benefit Romemu, a vibrant Jewish congregation from the Upper West Side and friends of Faith House. Notice that at the door, they have suggested donation for their members. Please feel free to match that or contribute with whatever you can. Come and give to help our Jewish brothers and sisters thrive in New York City! The party’s all about giving and receiving, and the line-up includes free: massages, Thai yoga therapy, chocolate-making lessons, craftmaking for kids and an extraordinary silent auction. Not to mention a special Chanukah havdalah teaching, a puppet show, world class live music, dancing, and private chef treats. Facilitator: Jill Minkoff.
December 13, 2008
Season of Waiting: Advent
An Advent Living Room based on a Lessons & Carols service around the themes of “waiting… in silence and darkness… waiting… for a miracle.” Isaac Everett will be joining us on keyboards. Silence, candles, music, stories, sharing. If you want to understand Christianity from within its tradition, this would count as coming close to its fire. Come to contemplate, hope, and find new friends. Facilitator: Bowie Snodgrass.
December 6, 2008
Holy Journey: Hajj and Eid al-Adha
Discussion. Musical Performance. Prayer. Song. Poetry. We are bringing together many threads, communities and individuals falling under the banner of Islam. We will celebrate the richness and diversity of voices in New York City, as well as entering the sacred space of this holy time, bridging intra-religious gaps and creating a safe space for diverse groups of seekers for enlightened ritual and in-depth discussion. And all of this with our Jewish, Christian, and all other brothers and sisters as our guests! Facilitator: Juliet Rabia Gentile.
3:00pm A roundtable discussion led by Sam Aboelela & Kristen Zahra Sands of the Community of Progressive Muslims
3:45pm Opening Sacred Space: Prayer, Poetry & Song
4:00pm “Holy Journey: Hajj and Eid-al-Adha” Living Room Gathering – This program with exceptional guest artists and speakers will introduce you to the depth and beauty of one of the most important holy days in the Islamic calendar. Guest speakers/performers include: Haale, Dr. Andrew Vidich & TAMIR, Shaykha Fariha al-Jerrahi, Maisah Sobaihi … and more
5:30pm Refreshments
6:00pm Dhikrullah (a Sufi religious ceremony of Remembering) with the Nur Ashki Jerrahi tariqat & friendsCome and whirl your life around your heart where God dwells! Flickr Photo Set
November 29, 2008
Gratitude: A Sacred Place of Existence
Speaker: Samir Selmanovic. Join us for music mediation and learning about history, philosophy, and poetry of gratitude. Then explore the spaces and gestures of thankfulness. Special program for children. All followed by refreshments and conversations. Facilitator: Bowie Snodgrass.
November 22, 2008
Selflessness: Buddhism and Social Justice (plus Baby Preston Dedication)
Our special guest will be Zach Larson, who works at a Tibetan Buddhist retreat center upstate called The Rangrig Yeshe Retreat. Also, Gerard and Luiza’s baby boy Preston will have a Christian baby dedication during our time together followed by a celebratory cake and time capsule exercise! Facilitator: Juliet Rabia Gentile and Lauralea Banks.
November 15, 2008
Spirit and the Creative Imagination
We will start us off with a guided mediation (kavanah) on intentionality in creativity and imagination led by our Jewish co-leader Jill Minkoff. Then we’ll split into three groups: music, art, and writing. The music group, led by Kyle Fischer, formerly of the band Rainer Maria, and Vince Anderson, assistant Pastor for Revolution Church, will compose a song for an upcoming Living Room. The art group, led by Jill, will create circle drawings (mandalas) that we’ll photograph for our Flickr Group page (plus we’ll pick one to use on our next Faith House card!). The writing group, led by Aziz (son of Sheikha Fariha Al Jerrahi), will compose prose and poetry pieces, some to publish on the website or read in future Living Rooms. At the end, we’ll all come back together for a time of sharing our creations and reflections on the experience. Fun!
Flickr Photo Set
November 8, 2008
Spiritual Wisdom From Veterans
An interfaith celebration of spiritual wisdom from veterans. There will be time to share you story (or your grandpa’s or neighbors) and interactive elements. We will discuss veterans who are/were also spiritual leaders, e.g. Mohammad, St. Ignatius of Loyola, Ashoka, figures from the Bible, etc. Facilitator: Bowie Snodgrass.
November 1, 2008
Election Heat: Passion and Politics
Greens, Libertarians, Republicans, Democrats, Independents, you are all welcome, along with your faith as well as political convictions! Guest Facilitator: Marcia Kannry from Dialogue Project.
October 25, 2008
A Spirituality of Interdependence
Speaker: Samir Selmanovic
October 18, 2008
Sukkot: Celebrating the Bounty of Nature
Guest Speaker: Rabbi Or N. Rose, an associate dean at the Rabbinical School at Hebrew College and the co-editor of Righteous Indignation: A Jewish Call for Justice and a friend and precious source of wisdom, inspiration, and encouragement to Faith House. Please join us as we explore Jewish mystical teachings on the meaning of Sukkot, bounty, and radical hospitality. We will explore the kabbalistic practice of Ushpizin–the welcoming of heavenly and earthly guests–to share in the celebration of the fall harvest. Facilitator: Samir Selmanovic
October 11, 2008
The Blessing of Atheism
Speaker: Samir Selmanovic
October 4, 2008
St Francis: Becoming Instruments of Peace
Facilitator: Bowie Snodgrass
Flickr Photo Set
September 27, 2008 LAUNCH!
Renewals of Life: Ramadan and Rosh Hashanah
PREVIEW GATHERINGS
August 23, 2008
Eyes: Windows of the Soul
Throughout history, Jewish scholars have sought and offered a wealth of wisdom towards understanding how to be in a meaningful relationship with God, people, and all of creation. Come and learn about the teachings of these rabbis and sages that provide a model of how to discover your souls’ connection to God, others, and creation. You will have an opportunity to participate in conversation, meditation, and reflection that uses your eyes to access these connections. Facilitator: Jill Minkoff
July 26, 2008
At Home in Manhattan, Heart of the Empire
Facilitator: Bowie Snodgrass
June 14, 2008
Breathing in… Faith House
Facilitator: Juliet rabia Gentile
