NCCJ Interfaith Tour a Success!

It was a sunny and warm afternoon on January 22, 2015-- the day of the annual Interfaith Tour organized by NCCJ. Several of our members attended the tour as a training. We work with literally anyone who walks through the door, so we see a lot of diversity! The idea is that we can serve our clients better if we understand their culture and religion.

The tour started at Beth David Synagogue; the image below is Rabbi Havivi blowing a shofar.

Photo credit NCCJ of the Triad

We then headed to Dormition of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Church. You wouldn't believe the smell of the incense!

Photo credit NCCJ of the Triad

Our final stop was the Islamic Center of Greensboro. We were so thankful of their generosity! After a very interesting talk by their imam, they served us a delicious meal! Here are a few of our members enjoying their time at the Islamic Center:

Ime and her mother & Laura

Shawn and Lisa enjoying the food

Shawn, Malisha, Ime, Lisa, and Laura in socks

Some of the girls + Will

Our members seemed to get a lot out of this tour and we highly encourage those that didn't make it to try again next year!
 
"It was a humbling experience to be welcomed into three different places of worship that represent faiths about which I knew little. All three religious leaders who spoke seemed excited to share their faith traditions with us, and eager for us to ask questions and gain a deeper understanding. It was powerful to be able to compare and contrast three religions, experience some of the diversity of Greensboro, and connect with people of different faith traditions." -Laura
"Honestly, the Interfaith Tour was not what I was expecting, but in a good way. I thought it was going to be long and boring, but it wasn't! It was awesome to see so many young people as well. For me, the Interfaith tour was such an eye opening experience. It was just nice to see other faiths, what they believe, and a glimpse into how they worship. I highly encourage anyone who didn't go this year and if they offer it again next year, take the time out and go. You won't be disappointed. I sure wasn't." -Ime
"I thought the interfaith tour was/is important because it dispels all the myths. We could ask questions and get the answer from the horse's mouth so to speak." -Malisha

"Being religious or non religious doesn't mean we can't work together for one common goal of peace or other global issues. Learning other faiths brings attention to generalizations and corrects assumed stereotypes. I realized that I have more in common with Judaism than I thought!" -Shawn
"It's a great thing when we can come together and learn about other people's religious backgrounds." -Will

A huge thanks to NCCJ of the Triad for organizing this event!