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Greetings!
Welcome to iACT's newsletter, iSPEAK. In this monthly newsletter we will be highlighting community events, celebrating interfaith connections, and updating everyone on important issues related to interfaith relations.
Our greatest hope for this newsletter is that it will feature your voice! We view this as another expression of our mission of "cultivating peace and respect through interfaith dialogue, service and celebration." So, join the dialogue by speaking up - through iSPEAK! We look forward to hearing from you! |
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iLearn: Summer Program for Refugee Youths
by Lu Zeidan, Program Coordinator for iACT for Refugees
Imagine arriving to the United States from a remote country- a country where your life was threatened, where you may have witnessed atrocities and lived in fear. You arrive in the US with a dizzying mixture of trepidation and excitement, of anticipation and longing. Now go one step further and imagine you are also a teenager with the age appropriate swagger, bravado and the underlying self-doubt. That is the situation for many youths, the children of refugees resettled in Austin.
iACT conducts a seven week summer program form refugee children newly arrived in Austin. This is led by two public school teachers who are hired specifically to lead the program and they are supported by volunteers. Our aim is to have up to 10 volunteers a day manning the work stations and interacting with the kids. The purpose of the project is to teach newly arrived refugee children survival English, basic math, and the cultural skills involved in becoming successful at a school in this country. It will also give the children the opportunity to participate in organized leisure activities and to learn more about the culture of their new home. Most newly arrived refugees have had either limited schooling in refugee camps or have had their education interrupted because of war or upheaval in their countries, thus they are ill prepared for transition into American public schools. Most speak no English. Preventative programs such as ours are the best way to ensure that these youths do not become additional drop out statistics. iACT conducts volunteer trainings in May and early June for those who want to help with the program. The next session is on May 31st for the preliminary orientation and on June 2 for the hands on training. Volunteers are asked to commit to at least one full week (Monday through Thursday, 9 am to 12 noon). Several people opt to volunteer with their children. This is enriching for both the young volunteer and the refugee kids. Children must be over the age of 12 , and those under 16 must volunteer with a parent or guardian at the same time. For more information, please contact Lu Zeidan, the program coordinator, at lzeidan(AT)interfaithtexas.org.
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There's Jews in Texas?
by Debra Winegarten, Publisher, Sociosights Press
When I was asked to write about my interfaith activities, I was stumped, as I don't think of myself working in these areas. A third-generation Texas Jew, I have a hard enough time figuring out ways to stay true to my faith and beliefs in this Christian-based society, without trying to forge bonds with other faith-based groups.
But when I started examining my life, I realized I do this in a cou ple of ways. I work to bring Judaism and Jewish practices out into our world.
Two Rosh Hashanas ago (the Jewish New Year), I started a project on Facebook called "Mitzvah Minyanairres," where I vowed to post, on every day except Shabbat, one of the 613 mitzvot (commandments) from the Torah. Even though a lot of people told me that was a ridiculous idea, I did it anyway. Today, there are 248 members of the group and we're up to Mitzvah #394. While I haven't always posted one every day, I've been amazed that more non-Jews than Jews are members of the group and give me feedback on the difference that learning these practices makes for them.
I also reach out through my new little book, "There's Jews in Texas?" which won a national award. I've been giving readings at churches, schools, and every other place that'll have me. Recently, after hearing my poem about Jews not believing in hell, a Christian minister confided in me they, too, don't believe in hell.
For more information: Sociosights Website
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The King James Bible Exhibit for Clergy
by Tom Spencer, CEO of iACT
The Harry Ransom Center invites clergy of all faith traditions to a private, curator-led tour for the The King James Bible: Its History and Influence exhibit at noon on Wednesday, June 6th. >> Please RSVP for this event. << Date: - Wednesday, June 6 at 12:00 PM, Noon
"The King James Bible: Its History and Influence is the most comprehensive display of Bibles and related materials in the Ransom Center's history."
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Experience the Hebrew Bible in Israel this December
by Dr. Constance Scharff
Are you interested in learning more about Jewish perspectives on the Hebrew Bible? Would you like to visit sites of biblical significance? Would having a deeper understanding of Judaism and the modern state of Israel enrich your own spirituality and religious observance?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, Rabbi Neil Blumofe, spiritual leader of Austin's Congregation Agudas Achim, would like to invite you on an exciting, educational tour of Israel, which he is leading December 18-30, 2012. On this trip, participants will visit important sites and have unprecedented access to locations throughout Israel. Experience this land with Jews, honestly dialogue about religious expression in Israel, and bring back a heightened understanding of the modern Israeli state.
To encourage interfaith dialogue, Rabbi Blumofe has set aside a limited number of seats on this trip for those associated with IACT. Complete itinerary details and cost information can be found on the Congregation Agudas Achim website. Pre- and post-trip extensions to visit additional sites of interest may be added.
Questions regarding this trip may be addressed to Connie Scharff, volunteer trip coordinator at cscharff(AT)sbcglobal.net or 512-551-8688, Sun - Fri. Secure your spot on this intimate tour of Israel by registering today.
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All That Remains
by Jason Erick Taylor, Communications Coordinator for iACT
The campaign for All That Remains on Kickstarter was a success! A special thanks to you and all those who helped make this possible!
Marko personally thanks everyone who supported the film. Keep an eye out for this film, it's great!
Check Marko Slavnic's website for some more of his work.
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Let your Voice be Heard
Become a guest contributor
Thank you to the guest contributors in this month's iSPEAK!
We're excited to be on the lookout for guest contributors for iSPEAK. If you are interested in submitting an article for the newsletter please send an e-mail to Jason Erick Taylor (jtaylor(AT)interfaithtexas.org)!
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2921 E 17th Street Building D, Suite 3
Austin, Texas 78702
P. (512) 386-9145 F. (512) 385-1430
iact(AT)interfaithtexas.org |
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Use your words
 Jason Erick Taylor is the Communications Coordinator for Interfaith Action of Central Texas. Having started in January of 2011, he provides designs for iACT events and maintains iACT's presence through e-mail, social media & website. |
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Thank you for being a part of this month's iSPEAK. I look forward to next month and what the community's voice has to say.
Keep an eye on InterfaithTexas.org, we are working on a new site and should be out this month! I'm always eager to hear from you so please send me comments, feedback or questions, you can contact me directly by e-mailing jtaylor(AT)interfaithtexas.org. Peace,
Jason Erick Taylor
Communications Coordinator for iACT |
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