Celebration of Abraham

Moving Beyond Victimhood

January 30, 2011

Prelude

MarLyn Mainard; Andrew Hudson, United Methodist Church of Davis; Maya Abrahmson, Bet Haverim; and Stephen Hudson, United Methodist Church of Davis

Teachings:

Jewish

But Joseph, as overcome now with his affections, . . . made himself known to his brethren:”. . . I will no longer remember what guilt you seem to have had about me but will leave off to hate you for that your wickedness and do rather return you my thanks . . . I would have you also rather forget the same, since that imprudence of yours is come to such a happy conclusion.”

Flavius Josephus, Book II, Chapter VI

Whoever overlooks a wrong, sows love, but whoever is mired in grievance, ruins friendship.

Proverbs 17:9

Christian

“You have heard that it was said, But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your father in heaven; for he makes the sun rise on evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly father is perfect.

                                                                                    Matthew 5: 38-48

Muslim

 The prohibited month for the prohibited month,- and so for all things prohibited,- there is the law of equality. If then any one transgresses the prohibition against you, Transgress ye likewise against him. But fear Allah, and know that Allah is with those who restrain themselves.

                                                                                    Al-Baqara 2:194

We ordained therein for them: "Life for life, eye for eye, nose or nose, ear for ear, tooth for tooth, and wounds equal for equal." But if any one remits the retaliation by way of charity, it is an act of atonement for himself. And if any fail to judge by (the light of) what Allah hath revealed, they are (No better than) wrong-doers.
                                                                                    Al-Ma'idah 5:45

Program

Pastor’s welcome:   Fr. Martin Brusato, Saint James Catholic Church

Celebration of Abraham—the history and importance:  Heather Lybbert, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Celebration of Abraham—the context and the topic:  Michael Hirsch, Congregation Bet Haverim

Panel 1: Panelists

Jewish:  Steve Cohen, Congregation Bet Haverim

Christian:  The Rev. Mark Allen, The Episcopal Church of Saint Martin.

Muslim: Atef Wardany, Salam Center Sacramento

Panel 2: Panelists

Jewish:  Ruth Levine, Hillel House

Christian:  Emily Pickens-Jones, United Methodist

Muslim:  Shahzeed Syed, Islamic Center of Davis

Ritual

Service Project: Flood Relief for Pakistan

Islamic Relief USA: Pakastan (note this charity has received the highest rating from Charity Navigator and is approved by the federal State Department.)