InterSem was founded in 1971 as an opportunity to bridge gaps between religious leaders of varied faiths. Run by the American Jewish Committee, the conference involves students from Claremont School of Theology, St. John's Seminary, Fuller Seminary, Academy for Jewish Religion, American Jewish University, and HUC-JIR. The people who attend are all so fascinating; each of us is deeply committed to our religion and open to learning and growing together. The wide range of beliefs represented runs the gamut: from strict Catholics to liberal Jews, each person openly wearing one's faith on their sleeve.
There is something so inherently powerful about this event. Past interfaith gatherings I've participated in have been lovely and interesting, but this one goes beyond the boundaries so often set by a two-hour interfaith progressive dinner. Since InterSem is a retreat, its length is significant. You have more time to explore conversations, delve deeper, and continue dialogue well into the night. It's far more liberating, freeing, and provides infinitely more opportunities to learn. You share a room with someone of a different faith. Your conversation groups involve people from every program and every religion. When you pray together (which we did three times) each group has the opportunity to showcase what is powerful and meaningful on both personal and communal levels. It's beautiful, moving, and so powerful.
This year I felt comfortable receiving blessings during the Catholic and Protestant services. I was nervous about it last year, for I did not feel I was really "allowed" to do it. But I went for it, for who doesn't need a little bit of blessing in their life? How surprised I was to discover that the words offered to me during the Protestant service echoed the Priestly Blessing of my own faith - may God bless you and keep you, may the light of God's face shine upon you, and may God grant you peace. That this blessing came from a Christian had no bearing on me. It was that it came from a woman of great faith and commitment to God that really moved me to my core.
On a basic level, it is so inspiring to be surrounded by people who share one's commitment to God and community. That they are dedicated to a different set of rituals and beliefs only makes them that much more fascinating. Everyone is so curious to learn about others' religions; therefore, one gets to articulate his or her beliefs throughout the weekend in a positive, healthy way. It translates to positive connections all around, particularly between myself and my Jewishness. As one of the founders of InterSem pointed out, "spending time at InterSem helps me connect even deeper with my own faith." How true it is.
So often I find myself associating only with Jews. I love Jews, and I especially love my dear friends and family, but I am a person who appreciates and embraces diversity. I love to learn and grow from people different than me. I also appreciate good, caring people; mensches, even those who don't know what the heck that means.
InterSem teaches me to live in a global world. It instructs me how to communicate with "The Other," an entity one is mostly shielded from in whilst studying in an extremely demanding, time-consuming, homogeneous program. InterSem is a chance to talk - openly and honestly, facilitated by professionals - about what troubles, concerns, and challenges us as citizens of the world.
More than anything else, it is a weekend where we transition from "them" to "us." For twenty-four hours, each of us participants goes from independent representative of our religion to member of one solidified faith community: the InterSem faith community. The bridges that are built, the bonds that are created, the wisdom exchanged, and the grace we share - each of it makes InterSem such a powerful tool for each of us faith leaders.
It is my sincere hope as a future rabbi that these types of interactions and experiences continue well into my career, both for myself and all those I serve. For there is no limit to how much we can grow when engaged with people who simultaneously inspire and challenge us in whatever we choose to do.
L'shalom, to peace.
Jaclyn
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