Go Forth

The Shabbat is nearing.  The idea of rest is tantalizing but also out of reach when a journey is waiting on the side of it.  I have been working around the clock to leave everything in order at the synagogue and to prepare for my leadership responsibilities on the pilgrimage. Rest. Breathe. Reflect. Meditate. They are also important parts of the preparation.

Jews read from the part of Torah this week called Lech Lecha, where Abraham is urged to Go Forth and leave his homeland.  Not only is this appropriate wisdom for preparing for a pilgrimage but it is my Torah portion.  This is what I chanted at my Bar Mitzvah.  I have discovered that one can read this portion as directed to the seeker.  It is perhaps what transformed me into a seeker at 13.

As a seeker, I am warmed by fellow travelers.  Not because they have answers, though at times they do, but because they understand the sacred nature of the journey. Pursuing wisdom is its own reward and sharing the endeavor with others can be rewarding. It is one of the intentions I set for this journey.

As I prepare to leave, I pack stories.  Here is a Chasidic Tale inspired by Lech Lecha and journeying forth and perhaps a metaphor for what happens on a Pilgrimage. 

A man was on a journey that took him through a forest. There he lost his way. After several days of wandering, he encountered another person. To this one he appealed: Can you show me the way out of this forest? The other replied: I too have lost my way. Each path I have taken has been wrong. But at least I know what paths not to take. Let us search for the way out together.

Yes, let's.

Pursuing Wisdom: An Interfaith Pilgrimage to Morocco and Spain

Who Are World Pilgrims?

Judaism, Christianity, Islam as well as other world religions hold many values and traditions in common but rarely do members of these faiths have meaningful contact with one another.  At times their interactions are often marked by distrust and hostility, rather than respect for differences and awareness of common values. World Pilgrims are committed to making a difference.

The ICI World Pilgrims program is based on the principle that before people of different religions can constructively discuss their differences they need to develop meaningful personal relationships with one another.  When friendship and trust must is established, honest and productive dialogue can take places even about areas of difference and disagreement.  Our goals are are to increase empathy and understanding, build trust, reduce conflict, and ultimately create opportunities for collaborative action.

The hope is that each  Pilgrim will:

• Deepen their personal faith by visiting some of the most sacred sites of their religious tradition.

• Gain an appreciation of the shared elements of all three Abrahamic religious traditions, as well as an understanding and respect for the differences

• Establish personal friendships with fellow pilgrims from Christian, Muslim and Jewish traditions even in the midst of the complexities of relationships between these three faiths around the world.

A pilgrimage is a sacred journey, not a travel seminar or a tourist venture. This means taking time for personal and group reflection, devotional time and  personal sharing.  Participants are asked to see these times as essential elements of the pilgrimage. Each location is of sacred importance, a place where spiritual enrichment can take place.

Each journey has a formal and very intentional structure designed to ensure that all the participants achieve the goals of the pilgrimage.  The theme of this pilgrimage to Morocco and Spain is Pursuing Wisdom.  Each participant is asked to commit to this structure so that the shared goals of the journey can be obtained. 

We focus on understanding and acceptance of each other’s faith traditions; discussion rather than debate, respect rather than judgment, empathy rather than criticism.   As pilgrims traveling on a common and sacred journey, the participants are expected to share their personal experiences and faith journeys with one another, and to make a commitment to continue their common experience after returning home.  Traveling makes us vulnerable in the best ways and creates opportunities for empathy, relatability and support.

As a result, we are building a stronger faith community in Atlanta. With close to 400 pilgrims, we support one another’s communities and keep connected once we return. It is such a meaningful experience that many people seek to join another pilgrimage.  We are transforming the faith landscape to better our city and ourselves.

Follow this blog for an inside view of our 20th pilgrimage to Morocco and Spain as we are Pursuing Wisdom.

*This post was taken from the Interfaith Community Institute's webpage and edited by me.  All edits reflect my perspective and not of the ICI at a whole.  

World Pilgrim in the Dead Sea: 2010  Pilgrimage to Egypt, Jordan and Israel