OGDEN -- A public Shabbat and an Interfaith Musical Tribute will highlight activities next week that are part of Ogden's first week-long Interfaith Week Celebration."It's a promise for years to come," said organizer Nancy Nightingale, of Huntsville, an interfaith minister. She said her committee plans to make the week-long celebration an Ogden tradition.
"It's a goal to have something that appeals to everyone," she said.
The celebration is a joint collaboration between Weber County Library, Weber State University and Ogden's Interfaith Works, an association of religious, social action and community organizations within the greater Ogden area.
Events begin at 11 a.m. Monday with a reading of an official declaration by Ogden Mayor Matthew Godfrey declaring Feb. 8-14 as Interfaith Week in Ogden. He will speak at the Pleasant Valley branch of the Weber County Library, located at 5568 Adams Ave. in South Ogden.
The week also features showings of three films that explore issues of religion.
The films are "Beyond Our Differences," "Shaman of the Andes" and "Through the Eastern Gate."
All the films will be shown at 7 p.m. on their respective days in the Black Box Theater at the Pleasant Valley branch of the Weber County Library.
"Beyond Our Differences," shown both Monday and Thursday, provides a tapestry of distinct voices and viewpoints regarding spirituality, woven with one universal expression of hope, states a pamphlet advertising the week's activities.
"Shaman of the Andes," shown Tuesday, is a documentary. It examines the life, religion and culture of a Quechua-speaking shaman in the Andes Mountains.
"The film considers the shaman's role and cultural traditions of shamanism in his society, the history of the Quechua and their relationship to the Inca Empire, and finally, the ways in which the shaman and his community are adapting to global change," states the pamphlet.
"Through the Eastern Gate," shown Wednesday, explores the motivations of young, educated people to give up lives of material security for spiritual pursuits.
It addresses the aspirations, practices and beliefs of three young Westerners who follow different eastern spiritual traditions, states the pamphlet.
The Weber State University Chamber Choir will perform at 7 p.m. Thursday in the library's Black Box Theater following a 6:30 p.m. reception.
"Shabbat for Everyone" is how organizers are advertising the event's public Jewish celebration.
A reception begins at 6:30 p.m. Friday and the Shabbat starts at 7 p.m. in the Black Box Theater at the library.
"Virtually every faith has traditional ways of recognizing the need for rest, reflection and revitalization as part of the cycle of days," states the week's advertisement.
Shabbat is Hebrew for Sabbath.
Officiators will seek to replicate the atmosphere of Shabbat as it is celebrated in Jewish homes and synagogues around the world every Friday evening, complete with the readings, blessings, songs, sights, smells and tastes of a typical Shabbat, states the pamphlet.
"It's a time for sharing and being content with what is and letting the world be what it is for the next 24 hours," said Judi Amsel, president of Ogden's Jewish Congregation Brith Sholem.
She said the weekly Shabbat celebration "creates a sort of haven in time and space. ... Shabbat is a temple in time." The closing event will include musical selections, chants and prayers from a host of local choirs and religious groups representing a sampling of the area's religions.
The Interfaith Musical Tribute will take place at 5 p.m. in the Ballroom of the Weber State University Shepherd Union Building.
Organizers said there will be room for hundreds to participate in this event that offers a diverse sampling of smaller religious groups as well as those more popular in the area.
Comments