Finding Common Grounds across Faith event planned in Monroe County

Monroe County United is a group dedicated to bringing people from all walks of life together to build relationships and break down barriers.

At 2 p.m. on Sunday, the group will hold a “Finding Common Grounds Across Faiths” afternoon event to celebrate diversity in religion. The event will take place at Congregation B’nai Harim in Pocono Pines.

“At a time when religious minority groups in the U.S. are experiencing increasing incidents of vandalism and outright attacks, we at Monroe County United are building bridges of understanding across religious lines,” said Cynthia Crowner, secretary of MCU. “By getting to know our neighbors and learning of their religious values and practices, we are building relationships of mutual respect and affection.”

The event is meant to introduce those present to the traditions of the Jewish faith.

“Sharing the tastes, sounds, scents and sights of the Jewish year with our Muslim and Christian visitors encourages conversations about holidays that we all enjoy and the different ways we practice our religions,” says Rabbi Peg Kershenbaum of Congregation B’nai Harim. “In that way we find a common ground.”

Kershenbaum hopes that by bringing people of different religions together they learn and understand.

“I hope that it gives our guests a little understanding about what our particular sacred times are and why we celebrate them the way we do,” Kershenbaum said.

“This event at Congregation B’nai Harim is a fun, educational and tasty opportunity for us to come together in this season of peace and light,” added Crowner.

Those interested in taking part are encouraged to RSVP to monroecountyunited@gmail.com.