Rabbis and Imams Discuss the Different Denominations of Judaism

The dynamics within the Jewish community was the topic of a lively discussion among religious leaders in the most recent Rabbi-Imam Dialogue, on December 4th.

Nearly 20 rabbis and imams from across the Chicago area, from a wide range of denominations, communities and ethnic backgrounds, met at the Downtown Islamic Center. This was the sixth meeting of this city-wide group, convened by the Jewish Council on Urban Affairs, the Chicago Board of Rabbis and the Council of Islamic Organization of Greater Chicago.

Rabbi Memis-Foler (middle) with Humaira Basith (left) and Lena Kasi Touleimat (right)

The conversation focused on the similarities and differences among the Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform denominations within the Jewish community, and how each stream of Judaism interpreted questions ranging from “Who is a Jew” to Jewish law, and more.  Rabbi Michael Balinsky facilitated the discussion along with Rabbi Amy Memis-Foler, Rabbi Andrea London, and Rabbi Capers Funnye.

The discussion was engaging and the floor was open to questions and dialogue from both sides.  Muslim participants came out of the evening with a greater appreciation of the varied nature of the Jewish community, and a greater understanding of Judaism more broadly.

The next dialogue will be hosted by the Jewish Council on Urban Affairs in February, and will explore the intra-faith dynamics of the Muslim community.

For more information please contact Asaf Bar-Tura at asaf@jcua.org

Jewish Council on Urban Affairs to honor Kalman Resnick and Jesus “Chuy” Garcia

Social Justice Award Recipients Kalman Resnick (left) and Chuy Garcia.

CHICAGO, June 7, 2012 – Two Chicagoans who are champions for immigrant rights have been named the 2012 recipients of the Rabbi Robert J. Marx Social Justice Award. The award will be presented to Cook County Commissioner Jesus “Chuy” Garcia and Chicago immigration attorney Kalman Resnick by the Jewish Council on Urban Affairs.

Garcia and Resnick will be honored at a new JCUA event, entitled “Acts of Change,” at 5:45 p.m. on Wednesday, June 20 at the Ravenswood Event Center, 4043 N. Ravenswood Avenue, Chicago.

Author Tamar Manasseh will be the featured speaker, Rabbi Capers Funnye will serve as the program’s emcee. The entire event will be done “in acts” and will include songs from “Soul Sisters, a Multicultural Musical.”

For tickets, visit jcua.org/actsofchange or call 312-663-0960.

“Acts of Change is a fun, celebration of exactly who we are and what we are about,” explains Judy Levey, JCUA’s chief executive officer.  “We are very excited to be spearheading a new kind of annual awards event that speaks to a multi-generational audience.”

“Answering the Call”: Rabbi Capers Funnye Celebrates 25 Years Leading Congregation

Rabbi Capers and Rabbinit Miriam Funnye of Beth Shalom B’nai Zaken Ethiopian Hebrew Congregation, celebrate 25 years with their congregation this year.

Rabbi Capers Funnye

A three-day celebration of this occasion kicks off Friday, Oct. 22 at 7:15 p.m. with Erev Shabbat services at the congregation and continues through the evening of Sunday, Oct. 24 with the 25th Silver Anniversary Banquet Dinner at the Crystal Light on 8400 South Cicero Ave. in Burbank, Ill.

People from across the country and from parts of Nigeria, Uganda and South Africa will be at the event along with JCUA Executive Director Jane Ramsey, who will be speaking.

The theme of the celebration, “Answering the Call,” is symbolic of the Jewish community answering the call to prayer, and the call to work and support the community.

So, too, have Rabbi Capers and Rabbinit Miriam Funnye answered the call. They have dedicated their lives to justice and community.

JCUA is deeply appreciative of Rabbi Funnye’s many years of service as a member of JCUA’s board of directors and as a passionate supporter of our initiatives.

To find out more about this event contact Beth Shalom at (773) 476-2924.