Judaism, Christianity and Islam — Abrahamic faiths with so much misunderstanding over the years! What do we have in common? How can we share our values and learn about each other's beliefs in a safe environment? Can we form friendships and have an honest discussion about our differences? Can we work together to heal the world?

Muslims, Christians and Jews come together in the Interfaith Bridges program, a supportive environment for lively conversation about their faith and life experiences. Interfaith Bridges consists of six sessions from 6:30 PM on the following dates:

• Session 1: Who Are We? Introduction to Our Faiths
  Thursday, November 17 at Congregation Beth Am
• Session 2: Holidays, Food and Fasting
  Wednesday, November 30 at Christ Church Los Altos
• Session 3: Symbols and Images
  Wednesday, December 14 at Pacifica Institute
• Session 4: Confronting Stereotypes
  Wednesday, January 11 2023 at Pacifica Institute
• Session 5: Sacred Scriptures
  Thursday, January 26, 2023 at Congregation Beth Am
• Session 6: Our Faiths in the World
  Wednesday, February 8, 2023 at Christ Church Los Altos

Sessions will be held at Congregation Beth Am, Christ Church Los Altos and the Pacifica Institute. Lay-led discussion based on an established program plan will progress through dinner and small group discussions. A program fee of $60 covers expenses, including the cost of one catered dinner; the other dinners are potluck. Space is limited to a maximum of 24 people divided equally from each faith community.

Each Interfaith Bridges session will provide opportunities for meaningful conversation on the theme of the session. Each participant is asked to bring an open mind and a willingness to share and to listen to others in a supportive environment. One primary objective is to build trust relationships between the participants.

The six sessions will be lay-led by facilitators from each congregation. The program is not an instructional course about religion or interfaith relations. There will be no authorities with correct answers, just people with different life experiences and ideas. Participants are not expected to be an expert in or an ambassador from their religions. Each participant will share their beliefs, experiences and practices. This program helps participants learn about themselves, as well as about people of a different faith.

If you are interested in participating or want to learn more, please contact Beth Am Congregants Diane or Janet.