| Dear Friend, The Interfaith Center of New York works to make New York City safe for religious diversity, even in times of geopolitical strife. To that end, on September 16 we were proud to partner with the Columbia University Office of Religious Life, Union Theological Seminary, and the Jewish Theological Seminary to create an evening of sacred music and conversation across faith lines for students, faculty, staff, and community members in Morningside Heights. Thanks to everyone who joined us for an evening of fellowship with our diverse neighbors. And yet one day later, at a September 17 US Senate hearing on hate crimes, we were dismayed to see Maya Berry of the Arab American Association attacked by Senator John Kennedy (R-LA), who repeatedly asked her whether or not she condemned Hamas – clearly because of her racial identity and the organization she represents. With Donald Trump and J.D. Vance fanning the flames of hatred against Haitian and Venezuelan migrants, and with the dramatic increase in hate crimes against both Arab and Jewish Americans since 2022 – up by a staggering 73% and 58%, respectively – Senator Kennedy’s attack on Ms. Berry was a sad reminder that some elected officials still see Islamophobia and anti-Arab prejudice as effective ways to garner votes. We, the American people, must stand to together to reject politicians of any party who incite racial, religious, and ethnic hatred to gain power. To that end, ICNY invites you to attend the December 4 Marshall Meyer Retreat for Social Justice, Faith and Democracy: Educating Communities for a Better Future. We are delighted to announce that the conference keynote speaker will be a longtime friend of ICNY, Dr. Sarah Sayeed, Chair and Executive Director of the NYC Civic Engagement Commission. See below for more information and to RSVP. • • • As the Jewish holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur approach, along with the anniversary of the October 7 attacks, families of the 101 remaining hostages held in Gaza gathered outside the United Nations General Assembly last month. They pleaded with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to sign a ceasefire deal and bring their loved ones home, but their calls have so far been ignored. In the meantime, the Israeli bombing campaign continues to devastate Gaza, where over 41,000 people – many of them innocent men, women, and children – have lost their lives in the relentless airstrikes since the conflict began. Palestinians in Gaza are enduring an unimaginable humanitarian catastrophe, and the violence has spread beyond Gaza’s borders as well, with over 1,000 civilians killed in Lebanon due to Israeli airstrikes and the region plunging deeper into chaos. As the families of the Israeli hostages seek justice, the heartbreaking suffering of Palestinian civilians continues, highlighting the urgent need for a ceasefire to end the spiraling loss of life in Gaza, Lebanon, and beyond. Sincerely, |
|  | The Rev. Dr. Chloe Breyer ICNY Executive Director |
| | |  | Interfaith Civic Leadership Academy Applications from Faith Leaders Due by October 25th Be the change you want to see in New York! Throughout New York, diverse religious leaders are creating positive change for their own communities and the city as a whole. ICNY’s Interfaith Civic Leadership Academy gives them the tools they need to make a difference. Our ICLA fellows are diverse clergy members, lay leaders, and faith-based activists working to improve the lives of New Yorkers. In a series of evening workshops, they build relationships across faith lines while learning effective strategies for community leadership, organizing, and advocacy. They then use these skills to create community projects that contribute to the civic life of New York. Each fellow receives $500 in grant funding for their community project, as well as a $500 personal stipend to honor their commitment to the program. We hope you will apply to join the next Leadership Academy, or share this opportunity with colleagues and community members! If you're on social media, click the following links for easy-to-share posts on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Learn more and apply now at interfaithcenter.org/icla. Questions? Contact henry@interfaithcenter.org or hanadi@interfaithcenter.org. |
| | |  | Marshall Meyer Retreat for Social Justice Faith and Democracy: Educating Communities for a Better Future Wednesday, December 4, 9:00 am - 2:00 pm In person at 475 Riverside Drive – All Are Welcome ICNY’s 42nd Rabbi Marshall T. Meyer Retreat for Social Justice will focus on Faith and Democracy: Educating Communities for a Better Future. The December 4 conference will bring together religious and civic leaders from across New York City to explore the vital intersection of faith and democratic governance. The keynote speaker will be a longtime friend of ICNY, Dr. Sarah Sayeed, Chair and Executive Director of the NYC Civic Engagement Commission. In today’s polarized political climate, it is more important than ever for diverse faith communities to promote civic values and democratic participation. This conference will equip religious leaders with the tools and knowledge they need to engage their communities in the democratic process, advocate for justice, and foster civic responsibility. We hope you can join us on Wednesday, December 4th, from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm – in person at 475 Riverside Drive. Stay tuned for more information and registration. To pre-register for the conference, or if you have any questions, email hanadi@interfaithcenter.org. |
| | | OTHER PROGRAMS & EVENTS Listing does not imply endorsement by the Interfaith Center of New York |
|  | Resource For Attorneys, Faith Leaders, and More Black Religious Liberty Curriculum Videos and Curricular Materials Available Online The Law, Rights, and Religion Project at Columbia Law School is delighted to introduce the Black Religious Liberty Curriculum – a 12-part video series featuring 24 scholars in conversation on the intersection of race, religion, and the law. Each video tackles a different topic, including: -
Religious Liberty and Slavery -
The Suppression of African Diaspora Religions -
Religious Liberty and Black Power -
Religious Liberty, Race, and Education -
Religious Liberty, Race, and Incarceration -
Religious Liberty, Race, and Reproduction The curriculum is intended to reach beyond the legal academy, educating not just law students and lawyers but also religious studies scholars, historians, theologians, and faith leaders – as well as the broader public – on the ways in which race and anti-Black racism have shaped the fundamental right to religious freedom. |
| | |  | Training for Faith Leaders House of Worship Ready Free and Open to All Various Dates and Locations New York Disaster Interfaith Services (NYDIS) is offering a series of free trainings for faith leaders, through its Faith Sector Community Preparedness Program, a program created in partnership with the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and Office of Emergency Preparedness & Response. The Faith Sector Community Preparedness Program hosts citywide trainings and risk communication exercises for House of Worship (HOWs) and faith-based organizations, to increase community resilience and build the Sector’s capacity to prepare for and respond to emergencies through planning and the provision of relief and recovery support. HOWready Partners are New York City congregations, faith-based organizations, and religious judicatories located in all five boroughs. Join NYDIS at this fall's free trainings to learn more. |
| | |  | Interfaith Dialogue Love in the Abrahamic Religions Free, Online, and Open to All Thursday, October 10, 11:00 am - 12:30 pm EDT Please join the Luke 10 Foundation and the Iranian Academy of Sciences for a rich conversation among leading scholars of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Explore the common themes and concerns running through the Abrahamic traditions. What's love got to do with it? Everything. |
| | |  | Interfaith Dialogue Confronting Hate: Towards Solidarity and Healing Free, Online, and Open to All Thursday, October 10, 6:00 - 8:00 pm EDT The Korean Community Services Mental Health Clinic and Workforce Department are hosting a fireside chat bringing together spiritual leaders from Christian, Jewish, and Muslim communities. The talk comes at a critical time and Korean translation will be available. Join KCS and their partners as we hold space for each community’s pain and suffering, with the ultimate goal of finding methods to show up for each other. Email infomhc@kcsny.org with any questions. |
| | |  | Service Opportunity Children's Clothing Drive Sign on to Partner by October 15 Faith-based and secular organizations are invited to partner with D3 Open Arms and the Marlene Meyerson Jewish Community Center of Manhattan for a children's clothing drive. Collect items at your school, house of worship, or community organization from October 28 to November 10, in advance of our November 15 distribution day. Please click here by Tuesday, October 15 to let us know if your organization can participate. For questions, please contact Jay Charriez at jcharriez@mmjccm.org. |
| | |  | Training for Mental Health Professionals Beneath the Surface: An Introductory Journey Into Depth Psychology Online Fridays, Oct. 18th - Nov. 22nd 11:00 am - 12:30 pm ET
Embark on a journey with the Psychotherapy & Spirituality Institute into the hidden realms of the mind with our Depth Psychology course. Over six weeks, we’ll explore the profound mysteries of the unconscious, offering you tools to not only deepen your clinical practice but also transform your personal journey. Course objectives: - Expand Understanding: Gain a foundational understanding of key concepts in depth psychology, such as the persona, shadow, archetypes, and the collective unconscious.
- Dream Exploration: Learn to navigate and interpret the symbolic language of dreams, utilizing techniques like association, amplification, and active imagination.
- Embodied Insight: Explore the interplay between soma and psyche, delving into how our bodies express and hold onto symbolic meaning through myth, movement, and symptoms.
Unique opportunities: - Interactive Learning: Engage in a mix of discussions, exercises, and reflections that bring depth psychology principles to life.
- Integrative Approach: This course merges theoretical knowledge with practical applications, enhancing both your professional practice and personal growth.
- Community of Peers: Connect with other professionals in a collaborative learning environment, fostering shared insights and experiences.
This course offers a deep dive into the realm of depth psychology, focusing on exploring the unconscious aspects of the psyche that shape our experiences and behaviors. It’s designed for healing professionals who are curious about the unseen forces that influence our lives and clinical work. Earn 9 CECs for NYSED Certified LMSWs, LCSWs, LMFTs, LMHCs, & LCATS! |
| | |  | Training for Mental Health Professionals Breathwork Course for Clinicians Online Saturdays, Nov. 2, 9, 16, 23 and Dec. 7, 14
10:00 am - 11:15 am ET Registration is now open for the Psychotherapy & Spirituality Institute's Autumn Breathwork Course for Clinicians. Join us on a transformative journey of self-discovery and healing through the power of breath. Whether you’re new to breathwork or looking to deepen your practice, this course will help you unlock balance, clarity, and inner peace.
Key Benefits: Reduce stress, Enhance emotional regulation, Improve cognitive function 75-minute sessions cover: Breathwork mechanics & science, Effective stress-reducing techniques; The breathwork & Polyvagal Theory connection 7.5 CE's available to NYSED certified LMSWs, LCSWs, LMFTs, LMHCs, & LCATs
Register now to secure your spot.
Early bird price (deadline: 10/18/24): $199
Regular tuition price: $250 |
| | The Interfaith Center of New York (ICNY) works to overcome prejudice, violence, and misunderstanding by activating the power of the city's grassroots religious and civic leaders and their communities. |
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| | © 2022 The Interfaith Center of New York |
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