Building Bridges, Not Barriers, at Spring Breakfast

Colleen Guiney Murray, Abby Stamelman Hocky, Executive Director, Mary Grace Murray, Walking the Walk alumna, Rev. Dr. Jay Gardner, Zones of Peace Associate, and Gerry Murray

Our Bridges, Not Barriers Breakfast, held on May 11, 2023, at Beth Am Israel in Penn Valley, was a remarkable occasion that fostered inspiration, deep faith, and a sense of togetherness. It also served as a powerful reminder of the importance of interfaith work in building a just and compassionate society. 

The morning was filled with music, laughter, inspiring dialogue, and testimonials. Beth Am Israel’s, Hazzan Harold Messinger, opened with the song, “Modeh Ani (I am Grateful).” This was followed by remarks from Interfaith’s Executive Director, Abby Stamelman Hocky, who discussed the parallels between our founding in response to the aftermath of 9/11, the prevailing divisions we see today, and the indispensable role Interfaith Philadelphia continues to play in our region now and in the future.

Attendees were encouraged to engage in meaningful dialogue at their tables by reading testimonials and sharing conversation prompts taken from our Passport to Understanding. Three community members also shared their experiences with Interfaith Philadelphia and its ongoing impact. Mary Grace Murray, an alumna of the Walking the Walk Youth Initiative discussed how the skills she learned, such as the importance of accessible prayer spaces for Salah (Islamic prayer), positively influenced her perspective today as a medical student. She also drew connections between learning “active listening” to the statistic that on average physicians interrupt their patients after a mere 11 seconds! 

Rev. Dr. Jay Gardner shared that, as a naturally curious person, his experience as a Walking the Walk group leader allowed him to teach that “in learning more about others we learn more about ourselves.” This experience and seeing the way young people become leaders in our world led him to join Interfaith Philadelphia’s staff as our Zones of Peace Associate. Bill Becker, board member and program participant, shared that his favorite part of our Build Religious Literacy program was being placed in a small group with others who did not look like him or practice the same faith tradition yet feeling a connection to them instantly. This experience gave him even more passion for the work that Interfaith Philadelphia does in building bridges.

The Bridges, Not Barriers Breakfast was not just a single event, but a significant step in Interfaith Philadelphia’s ongoing journey. Achieving a just and compassionate society requires a collective effort, transcending the work of a small group. Please consider taking action and becoming a participant in this movement. 

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Listen to Mary Grace Murray’s comments from the Bridges, Not Barriers Breakfast event