I have had the honor of serving on the planning committee since I moved back three years ago and it actually was the Temple's turn to be the location host. Yet, due to the unrest in the Middle East, Westover Hills graciously offered to be the location host again to help cultivate that 'culture of peace.' One might otherwise worry about neutrality ...
Despite an ugly rainy evening about 200 area residents came together to break bread (naan actually) with a delicious vegetarian Middle Eastern meal and to listen to words of peace.
Our stories of Cultivating a Culture of Peace were delivered by :
Rev. Marie Mainard O'Connell Rabbi MarkBiller
Founder& Organizer Synagogue Agudath Achim
The Queer Collective Presbyterian
The organizations had informational tables. We also have a new partner this year with the Arkansas Culture and Dialog Center.
Below is Temple B'nai Israel's table which featured the holidays...
The dinner tables were donned with seasonal mums, copies of essay and art winners from all over Arkansas. There were ~ 4000 submissions from elementary through high school students. We can always use readers if you'd like to volunteer next year...
The wisdom of their words gives true meaning to 'out of the mouth of babes' and I may add out of the artist's 'minds' as well. These citizens will do better than past generations if their entries are any indication of future Peace.
Attendees last night also created bookmarks
they in turn exchanged with someone they did not know... .
May we all help work for peace.
May it come sooner rather than later.
Our ending song says it all...
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