At Faith Across Waters: An Interfaith Ashura Gathering, attendees arrived to a warm atmosphere of community, food, and conversation. After a half hour of mingling, Muslim Fellow Seedy led a thoughtful introduction to Ashura, sharing its historical and spiritual significance, and why it is, by nature, an interfaith holiday. Attendees were then invited to reflect on these shared narratives and contribute their own personal or religious connections.
The heart of the evening was an interactive group activity, where participants broke into smaller circles to answer three powerful reflection questions: “A storm I’ve survived is…”, “What justice issue do I thirst to change?”, and “What waters have shaped you?” The depth and creativity of the responses made this portion especially memorable, ranging from literal bodies of water and fizzy drink obsessions to formative memories and family histories. Attendee groups shared their insights with the larger circle to close out the night. We were especially thrilled to welcome many first-time visitors to the House, and the evening left participants feeling more connected to one another, to their stories, and to the broader human experience that Ashura invites us to reflect on!
