Ramadan Mubarak! During this season of Ramadan, I want to share a little of what I have learned from my Muslim friends and neighbors about this holy month. Five years ago, about the only thing I knew about Ramadan was that it involved fasting...for a really, really long time. As a member of the Church … Continue reading What I Learned from Ramadan
Yom Kippur
Today I had the privilege to attend a Jewish synagogue for the first time and participate in Yom Kippur (The Day of Atonement). It was such a beautiful service full of deep symbolism and tradition. I wanted to share a few things I learned with you. The majority of the service was recited from the Machzor, … Continue reading Yom Kippur
Celebrating Faith: Rosh Hashanah
Happy Rosh Hashanah everyone! Previously, my understanding of Rosh Hashanah was limited to the few small-print words that appeared on my calendar every fall. However, with my recent introduction to many wonderful people of the Jewish faith, I have been looking forward to this two-day holiday with great anticipation. So what is Rosh Hashanah? New … Continue reading Celebrating Faith: Rosh Hashanah
Maundy Thursday
I am very excited today to have my friend Liz from Michigan, USA share her thoughts on Maundy Thursday as a guest writer here on Gathering Faith. I have long admired Liz and am so grateful she was willing to share some experiences and traditions that have inspired her. Here is what Liz had to … Continue reading Maundy Thursday
Learning from Lent
Did you know that Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday, Carnival, Pancake Day, Pączki Day, and many more are all names for a historically much more solemn day? Shrove Tuesday is celebrated 47 days before Easter and proceeds the Lenten season. Taken from the word "shrive" or "to absolve" this day of self reflection, confession, and repentance allows those who … Continue reading Learning from Lent
Happy Tu BiShvat!
Learn more about the Jewish holiday Tu BiShvat.