Choosing Faith over Fear

“30 Days of Caring” – a month of interfaith efforts in D.C. to combat fear and hate – continued this weekend with two events: WHC’s Shabbat service on Friday and a pilgrimage walk between Washington Hebrew Congregation, Washington National Cathedral, and the Islamic Center on Sunday afternoon.

WHC welcomed Imam Johari Abdul-Malik, Director of Outreach at the Dar Al Hijrah Islamic Center and former Muslim Chaplain at Howard University, who spoke at our Shabbat service on Friday evening. Inspiring, inclusive – and funny (how many clergy quote Yoda?), the imam called upon us to create an environment of support and not stand idly by when our Muslim brothers and sisters are targets of ignorant and intolerant hatred.

“Faith over Fear: Choosing Unity over Extremism,” Sunday afternoon’s interfaith pilgrimage, began at Temple with the Muslim call to prayer, a Bible reading from Cardinal Wuerl, and remarks from Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde. Interfaith prayers, readings, and remarks continued at the Cathedral and Islamic Center, where WHC’s Roger Lebbin helped conclude the walk with the sounding of the shofar. This program was reported on by NBC4 and The Washington Post.

WHC Photo Gallery

Created by the Mayor’s Interfaith Council – of which Rabbi Lustig is a member – “30 Days of Caring” began on December 16 with a summit at Georgetown University and continues through January 18, the Martin Luther King Jr. annual Day of Service.

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