UPCOMING LIVING ROOM GATHERINGS
(location: Intersections, 274 Fifth Ave, between 29th and 30th)
Rebirth of the Sun: Nowruz and the Spring Equinox
Facilitator: Rabia Gentile
Special Guests:
Kayhan Irani, Parsi Artivist, plus other guests TBA
The Vernal or Spring Equinox, marks the first day of Spring. It is
the day when light and darkness are in equal amount, and to ancient
agricultural societies heralded a time of renewal, hard work and
abundance.
Nowruz, known popularly as "Persian new year" is the commemoration of
the equinox. This important festival was thought by ancient Persians to
be the day when the universe started its motion. For two weeks leading
up to Nowroz, people in Iran, the middle east and the Persian diaspora
gather together for feasting and reading poetry, they clean their
houses and buy each other tulips and hyacinths.
Join
us for an evening of discussion and celebration: Contemplate the inner
meaning of the Spring Equinox, learn about the different traditions
surrounding Nowruz in the Parsi (Zoroastrian) and Muslim traditions, listen to traditional poetry & music, jump over fire (weather
permitting), and feast with friends. Come and Welcome in the new life of Spring in the spirit of this ancient festival of renewal!
April 11, Sat 5 pm
Between Death and Resurrection: Where Did Jesus Go?
Facilitator: Bowie Snodgrass
The Apostles Creed's most controversial phrase tells us "he descended into hell." Orthodox icons depicting the "Harrowing of Hell" show us Jesus pulling Adam and Eve out of Sheol. Some believe Jesus died on Good Friday and only rose in sensationalized stories told later. Others believe Jesus survived the crucifixion and spent the rest of his life traveling outside the Roman Empire, dying finally an old man in India. People of all faiths and no faith at all are welcome to come reflect on these possibilities in an evening vigil led by Christians and Muslims in the Faith House Community, on this Holiest Saturday in the Christian year, the day before Christ arose!
UPCOMING TOUR BUS PROGRAM
Sexual Diversity In Islam
Please join Faith House
in visiting our friends in the
New York City Progressive Muslim Meetup Group as we discuss the topic of
sexual diversity within Islamic scripture and Muslim cultures. Kristin Sands, professor from Sarah Lawrence College,
will deliver a short presentation examining official and nonofficial
Muslim attitudes towards erotic and sexual behaviors. Among the
questions to be addressed: How do the Qur'an and other authoritative
Islamic texts define legitimate sexual partners? How do Muslim practices today compare with those of the past?
What is the effect of shifting attitudes towards polygamy, arranged
marriages, and homosexuality? In what ways have ideas about the
institution of marriage changed? You will have an opportunity to share your questions and perspectives. Looking forward to seeing you all there!
Be sure to RSVP if you plan on coming, via the
Meetup Event or by emailing
contactsammer@hotmail.com. Also, as our hosts are paying a modest rental fee for the space, a very small
donation (about $3-$5) to help offset the cost, would be greatly
appreciated. Location: 28 E. 35th St. Rear Lounge (2nd door on right upon entering), New York, NY
April 5 - SPECIAL EVENT TO NURTURE YOUR HEART AND MIND!
ORGANIZED BY OUR FRIENDS:
March 29, Sun 9:30pm (doors open at 9pm)
DAUGHTERS OF CYBELEOne Performance Only
Location:
Joe's Pub, 425 Lafayette Street, NY, NY 10003
Sunday March 29, 9:30 PM (doors open at 9 PM)
In celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Italian music and dance company
I Giullari di Piazza, Alessandra Belloni has assembled "Daughters of Cybele," a unique ensemble of women using voice, percussion and ritual dance to honor the healing power of female energy. With "Daughters of Cybele," Alessandra Belloni carries on the tradition of Black Madonna. Belloni states: "Now, more than ever, it is important to bring attention to the healing effect of drumming and dance on women who have been abused. Women in Italy now are going through a very difficult time with rape and abuse becoming more popular and almost accepted by society." With "Daughters of Cybele," a concert about the cycles of womens' lives, she wishes to bring awareness during Women's History Month on this current situation, and to send healing to the women who have been victims in Italy and around the world. (Note from Samir: This music and dance performance is also starring our very own Islamic co-leader Juliet Rabia Gentile!)
