Why Faith Matters November 18, 2009

Rabbi David Wolpe and Marin Interfaith Leaders Explore Why Faith Matters

Do religions cause war? Does "belief" go against science? These and other questions about faith will be examined in a program entitled "Why Faith Matters" being presented by the Center for Jewish Life at the Osher Marin JCC on Wednesday, November 18, 2009, at 7pm. Rabbi David Wolpe of Sinai Temple in Los Angeles, Newsweek Magazine's #1 Pulpit Rabbi in American and the author of Why Faith Matters, will deliver a talk and then be joined by a panel moderated by Reverend Carol Hovis, Executive Director of the Marin Interfaith Council, featuring Presbyterian Pastor Doug Huneke of Westminster Church, Buddhist Priest Fu Schroeder of Zen Center Green Gulch Farm, and Sufi Muslim Dr. Arife Ellen Hammerle.

There's been much written in recent years painting those who practice religion as fanatic or irrational. The wish to defend religion and show its relationship to history and science led Rabbi Wolpe to write his book; the desire to broaden the discussion of faith led to the creation of this program at the Osher Marin JCC. Joanne Greene, Director of the Center for Jewish Life, is proud to be presenting Rabbi Wolpe and an esteemed panel representing the religions most commonly practiced in Marin County.

"We are blessed," said Greene, "with compassionate, open-minded, articulate religious leaders in a community that prizes spirituality and social justice. Exploring the similarities and differences in the practice of our respective faiths can only serve to increase understanding and cooperation."

The Center for Jewish Life at the Osher Marin JCC, funded by the Koret and Taube Foundations, is dedicated to providing adult Jewish learning opportunities to both Jews and non-Jews in the North Bay. Monthly classes with JCC Scholar Rabbi Darren Kleinberg include "On One Foot - All of Judaism in 60 Minutes", "Repairing the World" and "Jewish Identity and Diversity in the 21st Century".

Official Website: http://www.marinjcc.org