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At this time, no further public activities have been scheduled. |
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Previous Activities: Spring/Summer 2009 |
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Confronting Religious Diversity in McLean County: Christians, Jews, and Muslims in Relation Local panelists present diverse perspectives on relationships between and within the Christian, Jewish, and Muslim communities in McLean County. Comments and questions from the audience. Panelists: Sister Helen Carey, OSB, Coordinator of Pastoral Care, OSF St. Joseph Medical Center Syed Tariq Gilani, MBA, State Farm Insurance Co., affiliated with the Islamic Center of Bloomington-Normal Richard Stivers, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of Sociology, Illinois State University Naomi Wilansky, MS, psychotherapist, affiliated with Moses Montefiore congregation Getting acquainted: Afterward, those who wished to stay and chat were invited to the lounge area at the Church. The panel discussion was co-sponsored by these ISU student organizations: ISU Wesley Foundation, Hillel, and the Muslim Student Association. |
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The Life and Times of Moses Mendelssohn: 18th Century Jewish-Christian Relations in Berlin, What Might Have Been Wednesday, May 20, 7 pm, Moses Montefiore Temple, 102 Robinhood Lane, Bloomington G. Lessing's friendship with Moses Mendelssohn, a leading 18th C. Jewish thinker, was Lessing's inspiration for the figure of Nathan in Lessing's play, Nathan the Wise, to be performed as part of the Beyond Eden series -- see below. What might we learn about Jewish-Christian relations from this friendship? |
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Nathan the Wise An 18th-Century classic by noted German author Gotthold Lessing, rewritten by British playwright Edward Kemp in 2003, and extensively adapted by Bloomington-Normal’s own John Kirk for the present production. An earnest plea for caring relations between people across Christian, Jewish, and Muslim religious and cultural divides. A timely message for us today! Set in Jerusalem, 1192, during an uneasy truce between the Muslim forces of Saladin and the invading Christian Crusaders, with the Jews caught in the middle. Nathan, a wealthy, respected Jewish merchant, and Saladin and a young Christian Crusader find themselves entangled in a complex set of relationships that provide a framework for exploring what it means to be human within the context of serious religious difference. In the end, Nathan must face Saladin’s frightening question: Christianity, Judaism, Islam ... which is the best? Nathan’s thoughtful answer to this probing question is reinforced by revelations about the personal history of each of the main characters, providing a parable of human connectedness. Directed by John Kirk, and produced by Mike Dobbins, with costumes and set design by Michael Pullin. Recent productions in England, Canada, and the US have garnered strong reviews. Copies of Kemp’s script are available in several local libraries. (Kirk's adaptation of the script is not published.) Listen here to a WGLT feature story about the production, by Charles Schlenker. Reviewed by Nancy Brokaw in the Pantagraph, June 10, page D5. Printable flyer here.
"Nathan the Wise" Discussions Following the two Sunday performances of Nathan the Wise, members of the audience from any of the previous performances were invited to participate in a moderated open discussion of the play and their reactions to it. Each week, two commentators helped get things started. Discussion leaders on June 7 were Rabbi Paul Kaplan (Moses Montefiore Temple) and Rev. Hope Luckie (Chaplain from Illinois Wesleyan University). Discussion leaders on June 14 were Elyse Winger (pastor from St. John's Lutheran Church), and George Gordon (Prof. Emeritus of Politics and Government, ISU, and affiliate of Moses Montefiore Temple).
Open house at the
Islamic Center of Bloomington-Normal Tours and presentation "Understanding Muslims and Islam", with Q & A. Light refreshments provided. See the flyer. |
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