Bridges of Understanding: An Interfaith Dialogue Experience (Omaha)

Join us October 16th – 19th for an interfaith dialogue experience with Rabbi Dr. Reuven Firestone and the Emerging Clergy cohort!



Dr. Reuven Firestone, a renowned scholar of Jewish, Christian, and Islamic relations, will facilitate a groundbreaking interfaith dialogue between Countryside Community Church, Temple Israel, American Muslim Institute, the University of Nebraska at Omaha, and Tri-Faith Initiative’s Emerging Clergy Cohort. In partnership with Tri-Faith Initiative and the Leonard and Shirley Goldstein Center for Human Rights, Dr. Firestone will lead structured discussions and workshops, promoting understanding and identifying common values between faith traditions. Dr. Firestone, professor of medieval Judaism and Islam at Hebrew Union College, will draw on his decades of research and expertise to guide thoughtful exchanges on topics like the shared roots of the Abrahamic faiths, undertaking interfaith dialogue, and applying spiritual teachings to contemporary social issues. By the end of the weekend, participants will gain interreligious knowledge and forge bonds of trust across lines of difference, laying the foundation for future collaboration.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16TH

– Lunch & Learn: “Abraham: the First Jew? First Christian? First Muslim?”
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM | Social Hall at Temple Israel, Tri-Faith Commons

(TBD)

(Registration coming soon!)

– Workshop: Abraham and Ishmael in Scripture and Tradition
2:00 – 3:30 PM | Lower Level at the Tri-Faith Center, Tri-Faith Commons

(TBD)

Register here: https://trifaithinitiative-bloom.kindful.com/e/abraham-and-ishmael

– Rabbi Sidney and Jane Brooks Lecture: Problematizing Prophethood, or, How to Tell a “Real Prophet” from a “False Prophet”
5:30 – 7:30 PM | Milo Bail Student Center Dodge Rooms, 302/302A (University of Nebraska at Omaha)

The scriptural monotheisms share certain traits. One of these is that they all have their own, unique sacred scripture. Another is that they all venerate the prophets who bring or confirm the truth of that scripture. Scriptural revelation ends at some point for each of them, after which scripture is fixed. No new writings can be added. Yet inevitably, new prophetic figures continue to arise who speak in the name of God. For established religions, new prophets are impossible after canonization. But who can tell God not to send new prophets? This presentation treats this “prophet problem” and examines how the three classic scriptural monotheisms have discussed and argued over the issue to this day.

(5:30 – 6:00 pm is hors d’oeuvres; 6:00 – 7:30 is presentation and discussion.)

Register here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=xAPQGhOJLkyxIGKu-ItszQTHmFzFZQxLtvlkyN8_FhxURDVSNTZHQUVFQklEVDgyNzlOQ1ZTREE4MS4u


FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17TH

– First Light: The Birth of Religion │7:30 – 9:00 AM | Marys’ Hall, Countryside Community Church, Tri-Faith Commons

(TBD)

Register here: https://trifaithinitiative-bloom.kindful.com/e/first-light-the-birth-of-religion

– Shared Light: Two Voices, One Dialogue │ 2:30 – 4:00 PM | Tri-Faith Center, Tri-Faith Commons
Join Rabbi Dr. Reuven Firestone and Dr. Abla Hasan for a thoughtful conversation on Jewish-Muslim relations, moderated by Dr. Lucas Schulte. This dialogue will explore the complexities, challenges, and possibilities of building relationships across traditions, with honesty and hope for the future.

Register here: https://trifaithinitiative-bloom.kindful.com/e/shared-light-two-voices-one-dialogue