Or Tzedek Teens Lead an Interfaith Vigil

By Eve Carne
Communications Intern

On a cold, Friday morning, bright and early, nine teenagers gave up sleeping in to pray for those impacted by our broken immigration system.  The teens, who were participating in JCUA’s week-long Or Tzedek program, helped lead a prayer service for immigrants that were about to be deported.

The interfaith service took place outside of the detention center where immigrants are being held.  Services used to be held at the Broadview detention center, but are now being held downtown as the Broadview center is temporarily closed for remodeling.

This vigil tradition was started by Sister Jo Anne Persch and Sister Pat Murphy,  two nuns from the Chicago Sisters of Mercy dedicated to keeping families together.  The Or Tzedek teens read Hebrew prayers along with prayers they wrote themselves.  The Sisters and others present at the vigil said they were excited to see teenagers actively involved in such an important issue.

If you’re interested in attending a vigil they take place every Friday morning from 7:15-7:45 am in front of the detention center located on 101 West Congress.

“American Grace”: Moving Past Differences into Partnership

By Katherine Randall
Communications Coordinator, JCUA

Differences have the power to either divide or unite people.

For some those differences produce greater understanding and appreciation. In others those differences lead to fear and hate.

And too often fear and hate prevents us from moving forward and we’re unable to work together to solve the problems plaguing our society.

On Thursday, Nov. 4 I attended a lecture and interfaith panel discussion on the book “American Grace: How Religion Divides and Unites Us.” The event was sponsored by Wheat Ridge Ministries, an organization that provides support for new faith-based health and human care organizations and programs.

“American Grace,” the latest work of Dr. Robert Putnam, professor of public policy at Harvard University, examines the ways the nation’s religious landscape has changed over the years, how those changes have impacted society and how people view religions other than their own.

Dr. Putnam talks about his book "American Grace: How Religion Divides and Unites Us"

Faith Leaders Hold Service for Hotel Workers in Front of Hyatt Regency

CHICAGO– Faith-based groups from across the city, including JCUA, gathered Thursday, Nov. 4 in front of the Hyatt Regency to rally support for UNITE HERE Local 1 hotel workers who have been protesting the Hyatt’s unfair labor practices.

Faith leaders stand in support of Hyatt workers

In August 2010 JCUA Founder Rabbi Robert Marx and more than 250 other Jewish leaders nationwide signed a pledge to support the Hyatt workers who’ve been dealing with pay, hour and job cuts, and excessive injury rates.

“It is our honor to stand in solidarity with the workers of Hyatt and Hilton against injustice,” said Rabbi Brant Rosen, leader of the Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation, at the interfaith service Nov. 4. [Read more in UNITE HERE news release]

Here’s a glimpse of what happened at the event.

Learn more at justiceathyatt.org.

“American Grace: How Religion Divides and Unites Us”: Book Lecture and Interfaith Panel Discussion Nov. 4

Did you know that Jews are “the most broadly popular religious group in America today”? Or that “between one-third and one-half of all American marriages are interfaith”?

Dr. Robert Putnam, professor of public policy at Harvard University, comes to these conclusions and more in his new book, “American Grace: How Religion Divides and Unites Us,” which examines ways the nation’s religious landscape has changed, and how those changes have impacted society.

On Thursday, Nov. 4, from 3:00-5:00 p.m. at Fourth Presbyterian Church on 126 E. Chestnut Street in Chicago, Dr. Putnam will give a lecture on his book.

Following the lecture will be an interfaith panel discussion of several Chicago community leaders, including JCUA Executive Director Jane Ramsey.

Some of the questions to be discussed during the panel discussion are:

· Do faith community members make better neighbors and volunteers?

· What role do congregations play in communities today?

· How do young people view organized religion differently than their parents?

· Are faith-based people more ethical?

After the event Dr. Putnam will be available to sign books.

The event is free and open to the public, but seating is limited. To register call 800-762-6748 or visit: www.wheatridge.org/americangrace.

[Download PDF flyer for event]