Thanks to the generosity of Milstein Center for Interreligious Dialogue at the Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS), a group of 14 Muslims from Peace Islands Institute Pennsylvania and Peace Islands Institute New York, 8 Jews from the National Council of Synagogues, and 5 Christians gathered for 7 days. They visited Madrid, Toledo, Córdoba, Sevilla, and Granada to show that meaningful multi-faith encounters can enrich lives and deepen relationships.
Among them were Rabbi David Straus, Co-Convener of the Religious Leaders Council, Rev. Edward Livingston, Interfaith Philadelphia Director of Community Partnerships, and Monsignor Gregory Fairbanks, member of Interfaith Philadelphia’s Board of Directors.
Much of their travels took place in Andalusia. Andalusia was one of the most vibrant multi-faith societies in medieval Europe. From 711 to 1492, Muslims, Christians, and Jews coexisted—often in relative peace and intellectual collaboration.
“Our intentional shared time and experiences demonstrate that Convivencia, living together or Beloved Community, is doable today. – Rev. Edward Livingston
“We chose to travel to Andalusia to learn about the unique period of history for our 3 traditions who lived in a world of shared culture, intellectual and theological exchange, and for many periods of time, extreme tolerance; a time that encouraged exploring and celebrating religious and intellectual diversity, known by many as La Convencia, living together,” said Rabbi David Straus. “Our hope in traveling and learning together, was to bring some of that experience back to our communities and work to create a more tolerant, pluralistic community, in which diversity and the encounter with others who are different than we are, is not feared but celebrated. We hope this journey jump starts a dialogue and learning for all of us that will be ongoing.”
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Rev. Edward Livingston noted that, “Our intentional shared time and experiences demonstrate that Convivencia, living together or Beloved Community, is doable today. Most religious traditions convey directives to practice love for the stranger. As Jews, Christians, and Muslims, we are modeling how Beloved Community comes about through sincere and intentional encounters across differences. Sharing teachings and interpretations from sacred texts helps to build bridges of understanding and invites aspiration to something greater together. We shared a text study of Leviticus 25:1 to 26:2, noting the impact of the Jubilee – the time when certain indentured servants would be released from servitude, some debts would be forgiven, and everyone was supposed to return to their own property – and how this practice would help in the restoration of the land and the hearts and health of all people.”
Yaruz Bayam, of Peace Islands noted how our texts all share Sacred echoes. Specifically, “The Qur’an says: ‘We made you peoples and tribes so that you may know one another’ (49:13) The Torah says: ‘You shall love the stranger.’ (Deut 10:19) The Gospel says: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’ (Mk 12:31) Three books—one clear melody: meet, listen, love. This trip may feel like a small step, yet it is a first step—and first steps matter. I believe we must work even harder, together, to make our world a better place… Let us carry this spirit home and keep building the world we glimpsed here—one act of understanding at a time”.
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