Interfaith Study

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Interfaith Study and Action

Center for Interreligious and Communal Leadership Education (CIRCLE)

Founded in 2008 with a generous grant from the Henry Luce Foundation, CIRCLE is a joint initiative of Andover Newton Theological School (ANTS) and Hebrew College (HC). CIRCLE’s mission is to help nurture a new generation of leaders equipped for service in a religiously diverse society, and to provide the public with substantive interreligious programming and educational resources. The work of CIRCLE is rooted in the cultivation of authentic relationships across religious and cultural lines. It is our conviction that through study, dialogue, and joint action, we can help to heal and transform the world.

Circle Activities, Fall 2011

Public Presentations

Monday, October 31, 7:30-9:00 PM – Dr. Shai Held, “Abraham Joshua Heschel & Thomas Merton on Prayer,” Berenson Hall, HC (co-sponsored by The Center for Global Judaism)

Wednesday, November 9, 7:30-9:00 PM – Yossi Klein Halevi, “At the Entrance to the Garden of Eden: A Jew’s Search for God with Christians & Muslims in the Holy Land,” Berenson Hall, HC (co-sponsored by The Center for Global Judaism)

Graduate Student Programs

Thursday, September 22, 4:30-6:00 PM – “Kindred Spirits: Opening CIRCLE Reception,” Berenson Hall Atrium, HC
Monday, October 17, 1:00-2:15 PM – “Sukkat Shalom: Sharing Our Bounty,” Hebrew College Patio (lower level, next to the Alumni Dining Hall)

Monday, December 5, 5:00-7:00 pm – “Celebrating Advent: Preparing the Way to Christmas,” (Wilson Chapel, ANTS campus)

Academic Courses

Wednesdays, 4:00-6:00 PM, ANTS campus – “Introduction to Judaism for Emerging Christian Leaders,” Dr. Gregory Mobley (ANTS), Rabbi Or Rose (HC).

Interfaith Peer Groups

These student-led groups (8-10 participants per group) meet once monthly for study, action, and intentional conversation. New groups form at the beginning of the fall semester. Please Contact Steven Jablow, sjablow@hebrewcollege.edu.

Circle Fellows

Each year several outstanding graduate students from the two schools are chosen as CIRCLE fellows. These competitive one-year fellowships carry a generous stipend and include leadership development training. Fellows are responsible to work in interfaith pairs (hevrutot in Hebrew) and with guidance from the CIRCLE staff to create various campus and communal activities.

State of Formation

We are proud to be partnering with the Journal of Inter-Religious Dialogue and the Council for a Parliament of the World’s Religions in hosting this national online platform for dialogue among emerging leaders from diverse religious and cultural traditions, www.stateofformation.org.

The President’s Interfaith and Community Service Challenge

CIRCLE is part of a national effort to increase interfaith service-learning initiatives on college, university, and seminary campuses in 2011-2012 and beyond. Read Rabbi Or Rose’s reflections on his presentation at the kick-off event at the White House in August 2011 here.

You can learn about Hebrew College’s degree and certificate programs here.

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