December 2005

I thought that "Celebration of Abraham" was once a year in February. Why is CBI hosting a "Celebration" program on December 13?

Celebration of Abraham brings together Jews, Christians and Moslems-all the spiritual descendents of Abraham-to learn about one another's faiths, and to get to know one another as neighbors. I was chairperson for the first city-wide "Celebration" Event held at Faith Lutheran last February, which was attended by over 200 people. The Celebration of Abraham model was started a few years ago in Lodi and has spread to several towns in the California.

Celebration of Abraham includes a large annual gathering, but the same group also offers smaller monthly programs throughout the year in response to ongoing interest in interfaith dialogue.

This month Congregation Beth Israel will host the monthly Celebration of Abraham gathering on Tuesday, December 13 at 7:30 PM. Our December program will be an introduction to Judaism. We will also offer a tour of our synagogue and an explanation of ritual objects.
We are using "Building Bridges of Understanding-An Interfaith Response to September 11," which includes a short trigger film and discussion materials about different religions.

Do you have Christian or Moslem friends who would like to learn about Judaism in an informal, low-key atmosphere? Please invite them to this free program.

If you would like to serve on the committee that produces the next large event, please come to a planning meeting on Wednesday, December 14 at 11:00 AM at First Baptist Church on Palmetto (just prior to the Chico Area Interfaith Council monthly meeting).