Interfaith Outreach for Polarized Times

Event Details

How do we practice interfaith exchange in challenging times? When communities are polarized? Denominations are splintering? And people lose hope for peace? We use courage, social empathy, self-reflection, and knowledge of best practices. To begin, Rabbi Laura will name some of the divisive social and theological issues of our time. Then, she will share a model of interfaith outreach for working across these divides.

FACILITATOR

Rabbi Dr. Laura Duhan-Kaplan is a professor, author, prayer leader, mystic, animal lover, and interfaith activist. Currently, she is Director of Inter-Religious Studies at the Vancouver School of Theology and Rabbi Emerita of Or Shalom Synagogue.

She is an award-winning teacher of philosophy, theology, and spirituality, who does not shy away from difficult topics. Her work was recognized with the Carnegie Foundation’s U.S. Professor of the Year award; the American Academy of Religion’s Award for Excellence in Teaching; and the Visioneers Lifetime Achievement Award for Peace and Community Well-Being.

Rabbi Laura’s recent books explore spiritual practice, Reconciliation, and eco-themes in the bible. These include Shechinah Bring Me Home: Kabbalah and the Omer in Real Life (2023), Mouth of the Donkey: Re-imagining Biblical Animals (2021), and The Infinity Inside: Jewish Spiritual Practice Through a Multi-Faith Lens (2019). She is currently writing Earth’s Spiritual Song: Reading a Jewish Mystical Text.

She also enjoys bringing people together for study, dialogue, and collaborative writing. With colleagues, she recently co-edited the scholarly anthologies Multireligious Reflection on Friendship, Visions of the End-Times, Spirit of Reconciliation: A Multi-Faith Resource, and Encountering the Other.

Rabbi Laura, a dual Canadian-American citizen, is married to psychologist and musician Charles Kaplan. Together they are musical partners, parents of two young adults, and caretakers of a changing array of companion animals.

REGISTRATION

Early (by February 1st)

In-person ..... $25
Online .....      $25

After February 1st

In-person ..... $30
Online .....      $30

Register

Schedule