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Blogging, Congregation Brith Sholem, Faith and Writing, Journaling, Reflections, Sunday Sundries
This past week brought so many instances of hatred and violence across our nation, from the many pipe bombs that were delivered to Donald Trump’s critics, to the eleven Jewish folks killed in the synagogue in Pennsylvania. Pipe bombs are still being intercepted, and people who have spoken out against Trump are anxious and fearful. And throughout the states Jewish communities were nervous about holding Shabbat services Friday night, wondering if their synagogue would be next?
In light of that, the Interfaith community of Ogden*** joined together to surround Congregation Brith Sholem’s synagogue during their worship so they could enjoy their service without fear. There were probably 40+ of us there.
But the interesting thing was — which often happens when you’re trying to be a blessing to someone — they didn’t want us standing outside the building. No… They wanted us to come inside and worship with them. So what we intended to be a blessing to their congregation became a blessing to us. You could feel the unity as we crammed everyone in their small synagogue, and as the leader cried saying they had no idea they had that many supporters/friends in Ogden.
My family had never been to a Jewish service before, and it was very beautiful. I was so impressed by how the walls separating our beliefs came tumbling down and we were all just creations of God.
And I will never forget what the speaker said at the end of his talk “We are all made of stardust!” The six most common elements of life on Earth (including more than 97 percent of the mass of a human body) are carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, sulphur and phosphorus. Those same elements are abundant at the center of our Milky Way galaxy.
What a beautiful thought! No wonder light fairly shines from so many people of all faiths or no faiths!
Did you know you were made of stardust? How does that make you feel?
It was a beautiful evening for us as we stood together as one during that service… I wish you all could have been there!
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Interfaith Works is a coalition of faith communities, service agencies and charities that meets monthly to share information and create awareness of human needs in schools, businesses, special agencies and governments. Interfaith Works began in the fall of 1997 to provide a way for religious communities in our region to work together in service to the most vulnerable people in our region. The group seeks to develop and enhance interfaith communication across a wide range of belief systems, religious organizations and communities. The emphasis is on social need rather than faith beliefs or political stances. (Interfaith Works)
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Picture Source:
Synagogue — The Salt Lake Tribune
Star — VectorStock
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lifelessons said:
Reblogged this on lifelessons – a blog by Judy Dykstra-Brown and commented:
This beautiful act by an interfaith group in Ogden, Utah, brought about such a wonderful healing experience. This is much needed in these times of so much furor and disagreement. Please read what one group did to circumvent fear and hatred.
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lifelessons said:
This beautiful act by an interfaith group in Ogden, Utah, brought about such a wonderful healing experience. This is much needed in these times of so much furor and disagreement. Please read what one group did to circumvent fear and hatred.
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lifelessons said:
This is so touching, Calen. Just beautiful acts on both side of that synagogue door. A perfect example of how violence based on folks being so far apart can bring people together in the long run. I’m hoping that is what this election will do. Calm a bit of the insanity by electing a few more sane leaders willing to work together with both sides to bring peace. Your action brought tears and a feeling of hope, as all such acts do. Together, hopefully, they’ll heal us all. I shared your URL on my blog. Want as many as possible to read it. oxo
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calensariel said:
Thanks, Judy, for the comment. It was a very emotionally fulfilling experience. And I am right there praying with you that this selection will bring some healing, too. I’m guessing it might be a while before we know. But we have to keep sending those good vibes and prayers. ❤️
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sgeoil said:
Thank you for sharing this beautiful experience. We are so much more alike than we are different.
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calensariel said:
Amen to that! But before people can find that out their house to be some communication. I guess we all need to learn to be better about telling our stories to each other. Maybe that would help. Thanks so much for stopping by. I really appreciate the comment.
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sgeoil said:
Yes, I agree.. communication is key. It was my pleasure.
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janebasilblog said:
This post is beautiful. If only all the faiths throughout the world followed your example…
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calensariel said:
I don’t really think it has much to do with what a person’s faith is. It’s more about who they are inside. I know a lot of great folks who practice no particular faith, but they are the most marvelous human being. In fact, I think always equating these kinds of effort with “faiths” is one way to keep people from being a part of making peace in this world. JMO, however. 🙂
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janebasilblog said:
It’s not just your opinion. For centuries, organised religion has been used as a way to control and separate people. I’m curious – do you know whether Mormons are prepared to rise above their “this is the only true faith” elitism, and join hands with ‘outsiders’? They reckon anybody who joins another congregation has been tricked by the devil 😉
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calensariel said:
That’s a complicated question to answer, Jane. In my opinion there are a lot of LDS folks who are kind and loving and would be there to help their fellow man no matter what.
But if you’re talking about where the church itself stands, I don’t know if you know that just recently the prophet had a vision and a word, supposedly, from God. God told the prophet to rename the church the Church of Jesus Christ. It is the only true church and should go by Jesus‘s name.
The church is insisting that they should no longer be called LDS or Mormons. There’s quite a big to do about it here. As for me, my jaw nearly dropped when I read about it. With all the suffering there is in this world I seriously doubt that God would choose something as trivial as a name change to deal with at the moment. Lots of LDS folks here are still scratching their heads.
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calensariel said:
Btw, have you guys not read about that over there?
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juliathorley said:
Sending you good wishes across the Atlantic.
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calensariel said:
Thanks, Julia. And ditto!
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Old Herbaceous said:
Beautiful! Thank you for sharing this experience of community.
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calensariel said:
You sure get a special feeling when you realize you’re one with everyone else…
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rhcwilliams said:
What a wonderful idea! Beautiful way to come together.
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calensariel said:
I gotta admit I was a wee bit nervous. But I knew it was the right thing to do. It was an interesting test for me.
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spiritualdragonfly said:
Love this C
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calensariel said:
Well you know me. Have my nose stuck in everything! LOL
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bcparkison said:
What a wonderful, holy experience.
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calensariel said:
You know, it really was. I wish the whole world could feel what it like to have those walls come tumbling down…
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Opher said:
‘We are stardust. We are golden.’ – Joni Mitchell
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Fimnora Westcaw said:
Spinkling stardust all around. I do know I’m made of Stardust, yes! 🙂 Your post is beautiful, and that should be a news worthy story in and of itself. HUGS!
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calensariel said:
In fact, I just bough a book today called Made Out of Stars! 🙂
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jilldennison said:
What a wonderful thing … what you and your congregation did was beautiful, but that the members of the synagogue insisted on you joining them was equally beautiful! And your sentence … “the walls separating our beliefs came tumbling down …” says so much. This is what spirituality is about … this is what humanity needs to be about. We have built up far too many walls, and they need to come tumbling down. Thanks for this beautiful post!
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calensariel said:
Sorry I missed this, Jill. It was very rewarding to read Ms. Amsel’s response. When things like this happen, our world becomes so much bigger…
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