Sharing the Sacred - Journeying with Others

Ecumenical voices will resonate expressions of what matters most to us – compassion, community, love, justice, beauty, gratefulness – and above all – life! Voices in prayer will speak of life’s resurrection from fear and hatred. These voices will speak of hope in the face of all the many crises in the world, the nation, our community and then ask us to remember. Remember -- that caring for the well-being of others is the same as caring for ourselves.

Music of world religions will be performed and the mingled waters, blessed by all, is apportioned back to each community as a sign that faiths are gifts, with cherished distinctions.

Do our differences matter? The prayerful expectations of interfaith encounters are many:  that the bonds of friendship will replace suspicions, and faiths will deepen, polished by rubbing up against the others as they glimpse the light of their own traditions reflected around them. This public demonstration of varied faiths “mingling the waters” adds to a basic belief that interfaith is a sacred path in our world of differences. Cost: Free.

October 8th, 9:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Experience Yom Kippur (At-One-Ment), THE HIGH holiday of the Jewish High Holidays. Yom Kippur is sometimes called the Sabbath of Sabbaths. Rabbi Lavey Derby, who is a fantastic teacher, will lead the service. Sheila Katz will be participating in the service as well. This will be an experience of heart-opening chanting, deep silence, and enlightening Torah discussion. Location: Petaluma Veterans Memorial Hall, 1094 Petaluma Blvd. South. Meet at the Journey Center at 8:30am. to carpool. Registration forms are at the Journey Center and need to be mailed in to event organizers by Oct. 4th. Cost: Sliding scale $36-$72.

Note: this is a somewhat somber service, much like Lent is for Christians. From Rosh Hashana to Yom Kippur (the ten Days of Awe), one ponders how to come into alignment with God. What are ways we have "missed the mark" in how we treated others, ourselves, and God? It's a time to make amends, ask for forgiveness and to forgive. Teshuvah (turning or returning to God) is a major theme of Yom Kippur. If you are interested in attending this event, take a few moments the week prior to reflect on these things. It will make for a deeply rich and spiritual service. It is a tradition to fast from sunset the day before to sunset the day of Yom Kippur and you may want to fast in preparation for the service. Rosh Hashana begins Sept 29th (Jewish New Year 5772), and Yom Kippur is Oct 8th.

October 19th, 6:30 p.m.: We have been invited to attend a Simchat Torah (rejoicing of the Torah) service. The Torah is the first five books of the Bible, or the first five books of Moses. This is a joyous service celebrating the receiving of the Torah at Mt.Sinai and the continued cycle of reading the Torah that will begin again with Genesis. (Optional - the congregation will sometimes dance with the Torah scrollls, in love and adoration for what God has given). The Jubilee Klezmer Band will add to the festive nature of the evening. Come and celebrate with us. Location: B'Nai Israel Jewish Center, 740 Western Ave, Petaluma. Cost: Info. not available yet, but probably around $10.

For more information on either of these events, call Shauna at 707-869-3467 or email her at . Why do I love to go to so many Jewish events? Because my already deep path as a Christian becomes an even deeper well when I partake of the teachings of the Jewish people.

Why is it significant to you? When in your life's journey did it show up? Or do you just like it - because it speaks to you, or speaks of you? Facilitated by Shauna Jacobs. Cost: $5 suggested donation. Location: The Journey Center.