Interfaith Programs

INTERFAITH STUDY RESUMES IN OCTOBER

Pastor Lookingbill and Rabbi Emeritus Leonard Cahan will resume their study of the Book of Deuteronomy this fall, meeting at Har Shalom for the first session on 14 October at 7 p.m. This joint study between members of Har Shalom and Emmanuel in now in the tenth year and has extended our mutual understanding and affection for Biblical scripture and our respective traditions.

Not only do the two clergy enjoy one another and the texts that we’ve studied, but the members who have returned each year have also gained new friends along with the insights that have been shared. Personal experiences and questions are an important part of our sessions, and new participants are welcome each session.

By continuing our study of Deuteronomy this fall, we are extending our understanding of a part of Torah that has often been overlooked. As Walter Brueggemann has noted in his Introduction of the Old Testament, “It is of decisive importance to recognize that in the book of Deuteronomy we have the voice of a tradition that is completely contrasted to the Priestly voice by which we have thus far been addressed in the Pentateuch.” What he means is that the Priestly tradition informs Genesis through Numbers, but Deuteronomy is separate and distinct with different intentions to accomplish different things in the history of the Jews and later Christians through the application of Jesus and his ministry.

Put 14 October on your personal calendars and join the study at Har Shalom on Falls Road. Bring a guest along with you who might enjoy this unique Interfaith Study.