Interspiritual Day of Forgiveness

An experience of Yom Kippur,
with additional forgiveness tools drawn from multiple faith traditions

Sunday, October 9, 2016
10:45 am – 12:15 p.m.

with Rev. Lauren Zinn, Ph.D.

Letting go - dandelion seeds as spiritual metaphor.

Forgiveness is one of the most powerful transformational practices for those on a spiritual path. It is not something we do to “be good” but to be free. Yet the practice of forgiveness is often wrought with difficulty for many people. How might the time-tested tools of our diverse religions help us today?

In this special program, held during our regular Sunday Celebration on October 9th, Rev. Dr. Lauren Zinn will lead us through a part-worship, part-experiential process of forgiveness.

Inspired by the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement), we will approach forgiveness through multi-faith learning. We’ll experience practices from, and references to, Judaism, Islam, Jain, Christianity, Hinduism, Native American spirituality, Secular, and Amish traditions; some simple, some more involved. The Jewish prayer known as Ashamnu will be a central part of this gathering

This year, Yom Kippur begins at sunset on Oct. 11 and ends at sunset on Oct. 12. It is traditional to fast during this time and to wear white. (Feel free to fast and/or wear white for this program, though not required.) The fast on Yom Kippur is broken at sunset with a communal meal, beginning with bread. Attendees may bring bread to share after our program in honor of this tradition, if desired. Challah, Friendship Bread, or bread from other traditions are welcome.

If you choose to fast, you might begin at noon the day before, so that you can experience breaking the fast in community right after the service on October 9.

From Rev. Zinn: “InterSpiritual Forgiveness merges the depth of a monotheistic approach to forgiveness through the Jewish holy day of Yom Kippur with the breadth of the interfaith movement to harvest an interspiritual experience. It provides a connection to the liturgy and wisdom of Judaism as well as additional religions, spiritual paths, and cultural traditions within our larger human family. It is inclusive and transcendent, pulling from many sources and yet, transcending any one of them. By focusing on the spiritual quality and practices of forgiveness more than the rules and rites of any one religion, the essence of forgiveness comes through.”