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InterSem’s Goal:
To build relationships among future religious leaders based on in-depth dialogue during which people speak from their own belief and practices.
Program Objectives
- Increase participants' knowledge and understanding of other religions
- Encourage participants to value religious and cultural diversity
- Improve communication between Christian and Jewish communities in Southern California
History
Founded in 1971, the InterSem experience provides opportunities for Jewish and Christian seminarians to build relationships by engaging in dialogue designed to increase understanding and appreciation among the participants. In an atmosphere of openness and trust, approximately 100 students from five southern California seminaries (below) gather for a program that has been acknowledged as an important part of their seminary education.
Since its inception, InterSem has served over 3000 students. Participants study Biblical and liturgical texts, both beloved and problematic, and ample time is spent in dialogue during which people speak from their own lives about their beliefs and practices.
Past Themes and Dicussion Topics...
- Bible: Battle Ground or Common Ground (last year’s theme)
- Struggles and Blessings: Encounters Within Our Traditions
- Reinterpreting Discomforting and Non-Negotiable Texts
- Jews and Christians Approaching Israel
- Living Out a Truth Claim: Who Wants To Be Clergy?
- How Does Liturgy Deal with Suffering?
- Interfaith Cooperation in the Alleviation of Suffering and Injustice
- Faith as an Agent for Change
Partner Seminaries:
- Claremont School of Theology
- St. John’s Seminary
- Fuller Theological Seminary
- Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion
- Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies at the American Jewish University
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