Interfaith Respect Series #4: Jewish Dr. Michael Grossman on Rabbi Hillel, Safed, Mystics, Kabbalah, Zohar

The EarthKeeper “Interfaith Respect” video series continues with a look at the Jewish faith with Dr. Michael Grossman of Ishpeming, Michigan.
The video ends with a drum solo and singing by Northern Michigan University student Emmanuel Shayo.

The series is brought to you buy the Northern Michigan University EarthKeeper Student Team and the nonprofit Cedar Tree Institute and its related environment projects like the interfaith Earth Healing Initiative, the interfaith Upper Peninsula (U.P.) EarthKeeper Team and more.
Interfaith Respect has long been a goal of the U.P. EarthKeeper Team in northern Michigan.

On June 4, 2009 President Barack Obama said in Cairo, Egypt that people from different religions should respect each other’s faiths:

“The richness of religious diversity must be upheld … faith should bring us together.”

The video series began with a three part look at Islam (see links below) and now the Jewish faith.

Future videos will include Baha’i, Zen Buddhist and Christian (Catholic, Lutheran, United Church of Christ and more).

In this video we feature Dr. Michael Grossman, a member of Temple Beth Sholom, a Jewish Synagogue in Ishpeming, MI. After Dr. Grossman’s talk, you will hear NMU student Emmanuel Shayo who played a drum solo and sang.

Dr. Grossman joined faith leaders from other religions on April 23, 2009 in an address to NMU students.

The interfaith messages were deliver during the Sacred Planet series sponsored by the EarthKeeper NMU Student Team led by team leaders Sarah Swanson and Ben Scheelk.

The first three videos featured well-known Muslim Imam Hassan Qazwini, head of the Islamic Center of America, who spoke on Oct. 22, 2008 at the Lutheran Campus Ministry (LCM) Lothlórien House in Marquette, MI.

Imam Qazwini talked about his life, the Iraq War, the treatment of women in Islam, respect for the environment and the few differences between the world’s major religions. NMU Health & Nutrition Professor Mohey Mowafy of Marquette introduced Imam Hassan Qazwini.

Parts 1-3 on bliptv & youtube:

Interfaith Respect Series #1 Islamic Center of America Imam Hassan Qazwini talks about his life during fall 2008 visit to Marquette:

bliptv

youtube

Interfaith Respect Series #2: Islamic Center of America Imam Hassan Qazwini discusses the Iraq War and other issues:

bliptv

youtube

Interfaith Respect Series #3: Islamic Center of America Imam Hassan Qazwini explains Islam and respect for women:

bliptv

youtube

Other Interfaith Respect videos with:

Dr. Rodney H. Clarken, chair of the Local Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Marquette: Speaks about the history of the Baha’i faiht, the environment and the EarthKeeper Initiative.

Head Priest Reverend Tesshin Paul Lehmberg of the Lake Superior Zendo, Soto Zen Buddhist temple, Marquette, MI: Speaks about the history of the Buddhist and Zen Buddhist faith, the environment and the EarthKeeper Tree Project.

Lutheran Bishop Thomas A. Skrenes of the Northern Great Lakes Synod for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
Speaks on the environment, interfaith projects and respect for each other’s faith.

The mother of three children, Catholic EarthKeeper team member Kyra Fillmore was the seedling distribution coordinator for the 2009 EarthKeeper Tree Project that was held in connection with Earth Day 2009 and saw the congregations of 100 churches and temples plant over 12,000 trees across the U.P. during May 2009: Fillmore speaks about the Catholic faith, the environment and the tree project including what it takes to organize the distribution of 12,000 seedlings across a 400-mile area.

United Church of Christ Rev. Dr. George Cairns of Chesterton IN: Cairns speaks about what can be learned from the Earth-based Celtic religion: Speaks in May 2009 about Celtic Christianity and the environment from Union Community Church (UCC) in Valparaiso, IN thanks to the congregation and its pastor, Rev. Dr. Gregory Augustus Jones, M.Div., D. Min, adjunct assistant professor of theology at Valparaiso University.

Dr. Cairns is the co-founder of the nonprofit Turtle island Project, a research professor with the Chicago Theological Seminary and Theologian in Residence at the Union Community Church.

The interfaith series includes music from the NMU Sacred Planet series: EarthKeeper volunteer Johnnie Bryant sang an original song and NMU student Emmanuel Shayo played the drums and sang.

The EarthKeepers are an interfaith environment group involving over 150 churches and temples across northern Michigan.

The EarthKeeper Initiative is co-sponsored by the nonprofit Cedar Tree Institute, the nonprofit Superior Watershed Partnership, the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community and 10 faith communities: Catholic, Episcopal, Lutheran, Presbyterian, United Methodist Church, Unitarian Universalist, Baha’i, Jewish, Quakers (Religious Society of Friends) and Zen Buddhist.

The EarthKeepers have ties to several other faiths including the Evangelical Covenant Church and Japanese Soka Gakkai International (SGI) Buddhist Network.

U.S. President Barack Obama interfaith quotes from Cairo, Egypt on June 4, 2009:

People in every country should be free to choose and live their faith based upon the persuasion of the mind, heart, and soul.

The richness of religious diversity must be upheld – whether it is for Maronites in Lebanon or the Copts in Egypt.
And fault lines must be closed among Muslims as well, as the divisions between Sunni and Shia have led to tragic violence, particularly in Iraq.

“Indeed, faith should bring us together.”

“That is why we are forging service projects in America that bring together Christians, Muslims, and Jews.”

“That is why we welcome efforts like Saudi Arabian King Abdullah’s Interfaith dialogue and Turkey’s leadership in the Alliance of Civilizations.
Around the world, we can turn dialogue into Interfaith service, so bridges between peoples lead to action – whether it is combating malaria in Africa, or providing relief after a natural disaster.”

“I want to particularly say this to young people of every faith, in every country – you, more than anyone, have the ability to remake this world.”

“The enduring faith of over a billion people is so much bigger than the narrow hatred of a few.”

“We should choose the right path, not just the easy path. There is also one rule that lies at the heart of every religion – that we do unto others as we would have them do unto us.
This truth transcends nations and peoples – a belief that isn’t new; that isn’t black or white or brown; that isn’t Christian, or Muslim or Jew.
It’s a belief that pulsed in the cradle of civilization, and that still beats in the heart of billions.
It’s a faith in other people, and it’s what brought me here today.”

“All of us have a responsibility to work for the day when the mothers of Israelis and Palestinians can see their children grow up without fear; when the Holy Land of three great faiths is the place of peace that God intended it to be; when Jerusalem is a secure and lasting home for Jews and Christians and Muslims, and a place for all of the children of Abraham to mingle peacefully together as in the story of Isra, when Moses, Jesus, and Mohammed (peace be upon them) joined in prayer.”

And because the EarthKeepers stand for the equal treatment of all – we include the President’s remarks about respect for women’s rights:

President Obama said “the sixth issue that I want to address is women’s rights.”

“I know there is debate about this issue. I reject the view of some in the West that a woman who chooses to cover her hair is somehow less equal, but I do believe that a woman who is denied an education is denied equality.
And it is no coincidence that countries where women are well-educated are far more likely to be prosperous.”

“Now let me be clear: issues of women’s equality are by no means simply an issue for Islam. In Turkey, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Indonesia, we have seen Muslim-majority countries elect a woman to lead.”
“Meanwhile, the struggle for women’s equality continues in many aspects of American life, and in countries around the world.”

“Our daughters can contribute just as much to society as our sons, and our common prosperity will be advanced by allowing all humanity – men and women – to reach their full potential.
I do not believe that women must make the same choices as men in order to be equal, and I respect those women who choose to live their lives in traditional roles.
But it should be their choice.”

“That is why the United States will partner with any Muslim-majority country to support expanded literacy for girls, and to help young women pursue employment through micro-financing that helps people live their dreams.”

Related Links:

Rabbi Hillel:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hillel_the_Elder

http://rabbihillel.com

http://www.jewfaq.org/sages.htm

Artwork of Rabbi Hillel:

Rabbi Hillel artwork was “reproduced with cooperation of the Arthur Szyk Society in Burlingame, CA.

By the way, Szyk is pronounced “Schick” (like the razor) and has a Polish origin.

http://www.szyk.org

http://www.szyk.org/szykonline/hillel.html

The
Arthur Szyk Society

Not-for-profit organization

1200 Edgehill Drive

Burlingame, CA 94010

Phone:

1-650-343-9588 (office)

1-650-579-6014 (fax)

email The Arthur Szyk Society

Special thanks to Allison Chang, the Society Coordinator for the Arthur Szyk Society

email Allison Chang

Zohar:

Wikipedia on Zohar

Jewish Virtual Library on Zohar

Drawing of Zohar on wikipedia:

Title page of first edition of the Zohar, Mantua, 1558 Library of Congress is in the Public Domain because its copyright has expired.

Kabbalah:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kabbalah

http://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/361877/jewish/The-Zohar.htm

Tree of Life (Kabbalah):

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tree_of_life_(Kabbalah)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Tree_of_life_wk_02.svg

Illustration:

A Public Domain version of the Kabbalistic tree with flaming sword in yellow. (The flaming sword that protects the Garden of Eden and the Tree of Life itself.)

Diagram by Morgan Leigh

email Morgan Leigh

Tree of Life:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Tree_of_life_wk_02.svg

Town of Safed (home of Jewish Mystics):

http://jewishmag.com/1mag/safad/safad.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Safad

Wikipedia photo of city of Safed:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Safed1.jpg

Safed (צפת in Hebrew), a city in northern Israel. Taken by Beny Shlevich (Volland), on May 29th, 2006.

Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License

Wikipedia map of Safed:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Israel_outline_north_haifa.png

Map of North and Haifa districts of Israel

Map by Yan Nasonov from Petah Tikva, Israel, going by the alias Ynhockey because I once played hockey and have had this alias for over 6 years.

Wikipedia user Ynhockey:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:Ynhockey

Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament)

11th century manuscript of the Hebrew Bible with Aramaic Targum image used under Creative Commons.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hebrew_Bible

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Targum.jpg

U.P. EarthKeeper Team

Nonprofit Superior Watershed Partnership in Marquette, MI

Nonprofit Cedar Tree Institute in Marquette, MI

Two previous excerpts from the Marquette talk by Imam Hassan Qazwini:

Religions, people have few differences on bliptv

Religions, people have few differences on youtube

Selfish humans abuse Earth on MIEarth Video Website

Selfish humans abuse Earth on bliptv

Selfish humans abuse Earth on youtube

Islamic Center of America, Detroit, MI

Imam Hassan Qazwini website

Lutheran Campus Ministry

http://www.tiredofthiscrap.com

Lutheran Campus Ministry native Species Garden

Lake Superior Interfaith

Local Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Marquette story on national Baha’i website about 2009 tree platning project

Local Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Marquette story on national Baha’i website about Earth Day 2007

Northern Great Lakes Synod, Marquette, MI (Bishop Thomas Skrenes)

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)

United Methodist Church Marquette District Office (Supt. Grant R. Lobb)

Marquette Unitarian Universalist Congregation (MUUC)

http://www.uuworld.org/news/articles/3754.shtml

http://www.uua.org

Temple Beth Sholom, Ishpeming, MI

http://www.templebethsholom-ishpeming.org/tikkun

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Marquette, MI (Bishop Alexander Sample)

Episcopal Diocese of Northern Michigan, Marquette, MI

http://www.upepiscopal.org

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Episcopal_Diocese_of_Northern_Michigan

http://www.lakesuperiorinterfaith.com/bishopkelsey.html

Lake Superior Zendo, Soto Zen Buddhist Temple, Marquette, MI:

http://lakesuperiorzendo.googlepages.com/lakesuperiorzendo

Buddhadharma MahaSangha News:

http://www.shambhalasun.com/news/?p=1946

American Buddhist Network:

http://americanbuddhist.net/over-12-000-trees-planted-across-northern-michigan

http://americanbuddhist.net/michigan-buddhist-groups-helped-plant-12-000-trees

Buddhist Yahoo Darma Wellness Group:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Dharma-Direct/message/17168

Presbytery of Mackinac (Presbyterian):

http://presbymac.com

http://www.presbysupport.net/mac

http://www.pcusa.org/pcnews/2007/07188.htm

Quakers Lake Superior Friends, Marquette, MI:

http://www.quakerfinder.org/quaker/near/MI/Marquette/11767

http://www.northernyearlymeeting.org/meetings

MIEarth:

http://www.miearth.org/play.php?vid=368

http://www.miearth.org/play.php?vid=253

http://www.miearth.org/play.php?vid=252

http://www.miearth.org/play.php?vid=178

Celtic Christianity Today, founded by Rev. Dr. George Cairns:

http://www.celticchristianitytoday.org

Union Community Church in Valpraiso, IN:

http://unioncommunitychurchucc.blogspot.com

Rev. Dr. Gregory Augustus Jones:

http://blogs.valpo.edu/gjones

Interfaith graphics by Justice St. Rain (Bahá’í Community) of Interfaith Resources – Special Ideas website:

Call Justice St. Rain at Interfaith resources

1-800-326-1197

Interfaith Resources

P.O. Box 9

511 Diamond Rd

Heltonville IN

47436

Stories on EarthKeeper projects (2005-2009):

EK Tree Planting final story:

http://earthkeepers.blip.tv/file/2108308

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMNGjxirmK4

http://blip.tv/journal/10088

EarthKeeper Column #6 by Catholic member Kyra Fillmore: Growing Faith:

http://www.miningjournal.net/page/content.detail/id/527268.html

EarthKeeper Column #5 by co-founder Rev. Jon Magnuson: Seeds, Signs and Symbols

http://www.miningjournal.net/page/content.detail/id/526935.html

EarthKeeper Column #4 by Presbyterian member Jill Martin: The Giving Tree

http://www.miningjournal.net/page/content.detail/id/526579.html

EarthKeeper Column #3 by Carl Lindquist: Great Lakes Ripple Effect

http://www.miningjournal.net/page/content.detail/id/526285.html

EarthKeeper Column #2 Rev. Tesshin Paul Lehmberg:

http://miningjournal.net/page/content.detail/id/525918.html?nav=5003

EarthKeeper Column #1 by Rev. Jon Magnuson:

http://www.miningjournal.net/page/content.detail/id/525642.html?nav=5003

Some of the Earthkeeper stories over the years:

http://www.dailypress.net/page/content.detail/id/512057.html

http://www.dailypress.net/page/content.detail/id/511861.html?nav=5052

http://www.miningjournal.net/page/content.detail/id/527270.html?nav=5001

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMNGjxirmK4

http://blip.tv/file/2108308

http://www.uppermichiganssource.com/community/story.aspx?id=295080

http://www.uppermichiganssource.com/news/story.aspx?id=290507

http://www.lscbc.com/news.php?id=509

http://www.ironmountaindailynews.com/page/content.detail/id/507618.html?nav=5002

http://www.dailypress.net/page/content.detail/id/512306.html

http://www.miningjournal.net/page/content.detail/id/526750.html

http://www.americancatholic.org/news/newsreport.aspx?id=999

http://www.catholicreview.org/subpages/storyworldnew-new.aspx?action=6082

http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Blog/News-Blog-Archive.aspx?a=327

http://cmonletsplantatree.blogspot.com

http://network.earthday.net/profiles/blogs/its-underway-update-rainbow

Lake Superior Magazine:

http://www.lakesuperior.com/online/295/295award.html

National Religion News:

http://www.episcopalchurch.org/79901_84803_ENG_HTM.htm

http://news.bahai.org/story/449

http://www.thelutheran.org/article/article.cfm?article_id=6044

http://www.thelutheran.org/article/article.cfm?article_id=5918

Catholic News Service Preview Story on 2006 EarthKeeper Electronic Clean Sweep

Presbyterian News Service on 2006 Earth Keeper Electronic Waste Clean Sweep

Presbyterian News Service on 2007 EarthKeeper Pharmaceutical Clean Sweep

United Methodist News Service on EarthKeeper Methodists sharing Michigan Sierra Club White Pine Award

Environment Magazine on 2007 Pharmaceutical Clean Sweep

Environment News Service on 2007 Pharmaceutical Clean Sweep

Interfaith Good News Daily newspaper story says Faith-based Lake Superior benefit concert a big hit

Story on Earth Keeper Energy Summit in Cedar Tree Institute website

EarthTimes story on EarthKeepers

April 2005 EPA Significant Activites report on EarthKeepers

EPA story on the Upper Peninsula EarthKeepers

PR Web: Michigan Earth Day 2007 Project Nets Over Ton of Pharmaceuticals (has lots of photos on right side of page)

Michigan Earth Keepers video: One person can make a difference

2007 Earth Keeper Clean Sweep video on bliptv

Christian Post article on 2009 EarthKeeper Tree Project

Presbyterian News Service preview story on 2009 EarthKeeper Tree Project

The Interfaith Upper Peninsula EarthKeeper Team planted 12,000 trees across 400 miles of northern Michigan during May 2009 thanks to the congregations of over 100 churches and temples.

A garden initiative is among the projects being considered in 2010.

Interfaith Respect Series #3: Imam Hassan Qazwini explains Islam, respect for women

Interfaith Respect Series #3: Islamic Center of America Imam Hassan Qazwini explains Islam and respect for woman

Interfaith Respect has long been a goal of the Upper Peninsula EarthKeeper Team in northern Michigan.

Interfaith graphics by Justice St. Rain

Interfaith Respect Series on BlipTV courtesy the nonprofit Cedar Tree Institute in Marquette, MI and the interfaith Upper Peninsula EarthKeeper team:

On June 4, 2009 President Barack Obama said in Cairo, Egypt that people from different religions should respect each others faiths: The richness of religious diversity must be upheld … faith should bring us together.

In that spirit, the nonprofit Cedar Tree Institute in Marquette, MI begins a series of videos from a wide range of faiths.

These videos include Bahai, Jewish, Muslim, Zen Buddhist and Christian (Catholic, Lutheran, United Church of Christ and more.)

Interfaith graphics by Justice St. Rain

We start with three videos with well-know Muslim Imam Hassan Qazwini (pictured above) and followed by three videos of Dr. Michael Grossman, a member of Temple Beth Sholom (pictured below), a Jewish Synagogue in Ishpeming, MI.

Blip TV:

Bliptv video #1

Bliptv Interfaith Respect Series #2 Islamic Center of America Imam Hassan Qazwini talks about his life during fall 2008 visit to Marquette

Bliptv video #2

Bliptv Interfaith Respect Series #2: Islamic Center of America Imam Hassan Qazwini discusses the Iraq War and other issues

youtube video #1

Islamic Center of America Imam Hassan Qazwini talks about his life during fall 2008 visit to Marquette

youtube video #2

Interfaith Respect Series #2: Islamic Center of America Imam Hassan Qazwini discusses the Iraq War and other issues

Imam Hassan Qazwini photos by Greg Peterson

Imam Hassan Qazwini, head of the Islamic Center of America, spoke on Oct. 22, 2008 at the Lutheran Campus Ministry (LCM) Lothlórien House in Marquette, MI.

Imam Qazwini talks about his life, the Iraq War and the treatment of women in Islam.

(See links below to two previous videos in which Imam Qazwini talks about respect for the environment and the few differences between the worlds major religions.)

Northern Michigan University (NMU) Health & Nutrition Professor Mohey Mowafy of Marquette introduced Imam Hassan Qazwini.

Dr. Grossman joined faith leaders from other religions in a April 23, 2009 address to NMU students.

The interfaith messages were delivered during the Sacred Planet series sponsored by the EarthKeeper NMU Student Team led by team leaders Sarah Swanson and Ben Scheelk.

Interfaith graphic, above, by Justice St. Rain

The EarthKeeper Interfaith Respect videos will include:

Dr. Rodney H. Clarken, chair of the Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahais of Marquette:

Speaks about the history of the Bahai faiht, the environment and the EarthKeeper Initiative.

Head Priest Reverend Tesshin Paul Lehmberg of the Lake Superior Zendo, Soto Zen Buddhist temple, Marquette, MI:

Speaks about the history of the Buddhist and Zen Buddhist faith, the environment and the EarthKeeper Tree Project.

Lutheran Bishop Thomas A. Skrenes of the Northern Great Lakes Synod for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:

Speaks on the environment, interfaith projects and respect for each others faith.

Catholic EarthKeeper team member Kyra Fillmore, seedling distribution coordinator for the EarthKeeper Tree Project, held in connection with Earth Day 2009, that saw the congregations of 100 churches and temples plant over 12,000 trees across the U.P. during May 2009:

Speaks about the Catholic faith, the environment and the tree project.

United Church of Christ Rev. Dr. George Cairns of Chesterton, Indiana:

Cairns speaks in May 2009 about what can be learned from the Earth-based Celtic religion plus Celtic Christianity and the environment from Union Community Church (UCC) in Valparaiso, IN.

Dr. Cairns comments are thanks to the congregation and its pastor, Rev. Dr. Gregory Augustus Jones, M.Div., D. Min, adjunct assistant professor of theology at Valparaiso University.

Dr. Cairns is the co-founder of the nonprofit Turtle island Project, a research professor with the Chicago Theological Seminary and Theologian in Residence at the Union Community Church.

We will wrap up our interfaith series with music from the NMU Sacred Planet series:

EarthKeeper volunteer Johnnie Bryant (above) on guitar

NMU student Emmanuel Shayo (above) sings, plays drums

EarthKeeper volunteer Johnnie Bryant sang an original song and NMU student Emmanuel Shayo played the drums.

NMU students and the guest speakers enjoyed homemade herbal tea made with indigenous plants that were collected and and brewed by EarthKeeper volunteer and naturalist Tom Reed, who has served as volunteer social worker with numerous Cedar Tree Institute projects.

The EarthKeepers are an interfaith environment group involving over 150 churches and temples across northern Michigan.

The EarthKeeper Initiative is co-sponsored by the nonprofit Cedar Tree Institute, the nonprofit Superior Watershed Partnership, the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community and 10 faith communities: Catholic, Episcopal, Lutheran, Presbyterian, United Methodist Church, Unitarian Universalist, Baha’i, Jewish, Quakers (Religious Society of Friends) and Zen Buddhist.

The EarthKeepers have ties to several other faiths including the Evangelical Covenant Church and Japanese Soka Gakkai International (SGI) Buddhist Network.

Interfaith graphics by Justice St. Rain

U.S. President Barack Obama interfaith quotes from Cairo, Egypt on June 4, 2009:

“People in every country should be free to choose and live their faith based upon the persuasion of the mind, heart, and soul.”

“The richness of religious diversity must be upheld whether it is for Maronites in Lebanon or the Copts in Egypt.”

“And fault lines must be closed among Muslims as well, as the divisions between Sunni and Shia have led to tragic violence, particularly in Iraq.”

“Indeed, faith should bring us together.”

“That is why we are forging service projects in America that bring together Christians, Muslims, and Jews.”

“That is why we welcome efforts like Saudi Arabian King Abdullah’s Interfaith dialogue and Turkey’s leadership in the Alliance of Civilizations.
Around the world, we can turn dialogue into Interfaith service, so bridges between peoples lead to action whether it is combating malaria in Africa, or providing relief after a natural disaster.”

“I want to particularly say this to young people of every faith, in every country you, more than anyone, have the ability to remake this world.”

“The enduring faith of over a billion people is so much bigger than the narrow hatred of a few.”

“We should choose the right path, not just the easy path. There is also one rule that lies at the heart of every religion that we do unto others as we would have them do unto us.

This truth transcends nations and peoples a belief that isn’t new; that isn’t black or white or brown; that isn’t Christian, or Muslim or Jew.

It’s a belief that pulsed in the cradle of civilization, and that still beats in the heart of billions.

It’s a faith in other people, and it’s what brought me here today.”

“All of us have a responsibility to work for the day when the mothers of Israelis and Palestinians can see their children grow up without fear; when the Holy Land of three great faiths is the place of peace that God intended it to be; when Jerusalem is a secure and lasting home for Jews and Christians and Muslims, and a place for all of the children of Abraham to mingle peacefully together as in the story of Isra, when Moses, Jesus, and Mohammed (peace be upon them) joined in prayer.”

And because the EarthKeepers stand for the equal treatment of all – we include the Presidents remarks about respect for womens rights:

“The sixth issue that I want to address is women’s rights.”

“I know there is debate about this issue.
I reject the view of some in the West that a woman who chooses to cover her hair is somehow less equal, but I do believe that a woman who is denied an education is denied equality.
And it is no coincidence that countries where women are well-educated are far more likely to be prosperous.”

“Now let me be clear: issues of women’s equality are by no means simply an issue for Islam. In Turkey, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Indonesia, we have seen Muslim-majority countries elect a woman to lead.”

“Meanwhile, the struggle for women’s equality continues in many aspects of American life, and in countries around the world.”

“Our daughters can contribute just as much to society as our sons, and our common prosperity will be advanced by allowing all humanity men and women to reach their full potential.

I do not believe that women must make the same choices as men in order to be equal, and I respect those women who choose to live their lives in traditional roles.

But it should be their choice.”

“That is why the United States will partner with any Muslim-majority country to support expanded literacy for girls, and to help young women pursue employment through micro-financing that helps people live their dreams.”

Related Links:

U.P. EarthKeeper Team

Nonprofit Superior Watershed Partnership in Marquette, MI

Nonprofit Cedar Tree Institute in Marquette, MI

Two previous excerpts from the Marquette talk by Imam Hassan Qazwini:

Religions, people have few differences on bliptv

Religions, people have few differences on youtube

Selfish humans abuse Earth on MIEarth Video Website

Selfish humans abuse Earth on bliptv

Selfish humans abuse Earth on youtube

Islamic Center of America, Detroit, MI

Imam Hassan Qazwini website

Lutheran Campus Ministry

http://www.tiredofthiscrap.com

Lutheran Campus Ministry native Species Garden

Lake Superior Interfaith

Local Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Marquette story on national Baha’i website about 2009 tree platning project

Local Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Marquette story on national Baha’i website about Earth Day 2007

Northern Great Lakes Synod, Marquette, MI (Bishop Thomas Skrenes)

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)

United Methodist Church Marquette District Office (Supt. Grant R. Lobb)

Marquette Unitarian Universalist Congregation (MUUC)

http://www.uuworld.org/news/articles/3754.shtml

http://www.uua.org

Temple Beth Sholom, Ishpeming, MI

http://www.templebethsholom-ishpeming.org/tikkun

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Marquette, MI (Bishop Alexander Sample)

Episcopal Diocese of Northern Michigan, Marquette, MI

http://www.upepiscopal.org

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Episcopal_Diocese_of_Northern_Michigan

http://www.lakesuperiorinterfaith.com/bishopkelsey.html

Lake Superior Zendo, Soto Zen Buddhist Temple, Marquette, MI:

http://lakesuperiorzendo.googlepages.com/lakesuperiorzendo

Buddhadharma MahaSangha News:

http://www.shambhalasun.com/news/?p=1946

American Buddhist Network:

http://americanbuddhist.net/over-12-000-trees-planted-across-northern-michigan

http://americanbuddhist.net/michigan-buddhist-groups-helped-plant-12-000-trees

Buddhist Yahoo Darma Wellness Group:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Dharma-Direct/message/17168

Presbytery of Mackinac (Presbyterian):

http://presbymac.com

http://www.presbysupport.net/mac

http://www.pcusa.org/pcnews/2007/07188.htm

Quakers Lake Superior Friends, Marquette, MI:

http://www.quakerfinder.org/quaker/near/MI/Marquette/11767

http://www.northernyearlymeeting.org/meetings

MIEarth:

http://www.miearth.org/play.php?vid=368

http://www.miearth.org/play.php?vid=253

http://www.miearth.org/play.php?vid=252

http://www.miearth.org/play.php?vid=178

Celtic Christianity Today, founded by Rev. Dr. George Cairns:

http://www.celticchristianitytoday.org

Union Community Church in Valpraiso, IN:

http://unioncommunitychurchucc.blogspot.com

Rev. Dr. Gregory Augustus Jones:

http://blogs.valpo.edu/gjones

Interfaith graphics by Justice St. Rain (Bahá’í Community) of Interfaith Resources – Special Ideas website:

Call Justice St. Rain at Interfaith resources

1-800-326-1197

Interfaith Resources

P.O. Box 9

511 Diamond Rd

Heltonville IN

47436

Stories on EarthKeeper projects (2005-2009):

EK Tree Planting final story:

http://earthkeepers.blip.tv/file/2108308

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMNGjxirmK4

http://blip.tv/journal/10088

EarthKeeper Column #7 by Rev. Jon Magnuson: Bequeathing a Sacred Planet

EarthKeeper Column #6 by Catholic member Kyra Fillmore: Growing Faith:

http://www.miningjournal.net/page/content.detail/id/527268.html

EarthKeeper Column #5 by co-founder Rev. Jon Magnuson: Seeds, Signs and Symbols

http://www.miningjournal.net/page/content.detail/id/526935.html

EarthKeeper Column #4 by Presbyterian member Jill Martin: The Giving Tree

http://www.miningjournal.net/page/content.detail/id/526579.html

EarthKeeper Column #3 by Carl Lindquist: Great Lakes Ripple Effect

http://www.miningjournal.net/page/content.detail/id/526285.html

EarthKeeper Column #2 Rev. Tesshin Paul Lehmberg:

http://miningjournal.net/page/content.detail/id/525918.html?nav=5003

EarthKeeper Column #1 by Rev. Jon Magnuson:

http://www.miningjournal.net/page/content.detail/id/525642.html?nav=5003

Some of the Earthkeeper stories over the years:

http://www.dailypress.net/page/content.detail/id/512057.html

http://www.dailypress.net/page/content.detail/id/511861.html?nav=5052

http://www.miningjournal.net/page/content.detail/id/527270.html?nav=5001

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMNGjxirmK4

http://blip.tv/file/2108308

http://www.uppermichiganssource.com/community/story.aspx?id=295080

http://www.uppermichiganssource.com/news/story.aspx?id=290507

http://www.lscbc.com/news.php?id=509

http://www.ironmountaindailynews.com/page/content.detail/id/507618.html?nav=5002

http://www.dailypress.net/page/content.detail/id/512306.html

http://www.miningjournal.net/page/content.detail/id/526750.html

http://www.americancatholic.org/news/newsreport.aspx?id=999

http://www.catholicreview.org/subpages/storyworldnew-new.aspx?action=6082

http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Blog/News-Blog-Archive.aspx?a=327

http://cmonletsplantatree.blogspot.com

http://network.earthday.net/profiles/blogs/its-underway-update-rainbow

Lake Superior Magazine:

http://www.lakesuperior.com/online/295/295award.html

National Religion News:

http://www.episcopalchurch.org/79901_84803_ENG_HTM.htm

http://news.bahai.org/story/449

http://www.thelutheran.org/article/article.cfm?article_id=6044

http://www.thelutheran.org/article/article.cfm?article_id=5918

Catholic News Service Preview Story on 2006 EarthKeeper Electronic Clean Sweep

Presbyterian News Service on 2006 Earth Keeper Electronic Waste Clean Sweep

Presbyterian News Service on 2007 EarthKeeper Pharmaceutical Clean Sweep

United Methodist News Service on EarthKeeper Methodists sharing Michigan Sierra Club White Pine Award

Environment Magazine on 2007 Pharmaceutical Clean Sweep

Environment News Service on 2007 Pharmaceutical Clean Sweep

Interfaith Good News Daily newspaper story says Faith-based Lake Superior benefit concert a big hit

Story on Earth Keeper Energy Summit in Cedar Tree Institute website

EarthTimes story on EarthKeepers

April 2005 EPA Significant Activites report on EarthKeepers

EPA story on the Upper Peninsula EarthKeepers

PR Web: Michigan Earth Day 2007 Project Nets Over Ton of Pharmaceuticals (has lots of photos on right side of page)

Michigan Earth Keepers video: One person can make a difference

2007 Earth Keeper Clean Sweep video on bliptv

Christian Post article on 2009 EarthKeeper Tree Project

Presbyterian News Service preview story on 2009 EarthKeeper Tree Project

The Interfaith Upper Peninsula EarthKeeper Team planted 12,000 trees across 400 miles of northern Michigan during May 2009 thanks to the congregations of over 100 churches and temples.

A garden initiative is among the projects being considered in 2010.

Interfaith Respect Series #2: Imam Hassan Qazwini discusses the Iraq War and other issues

Interfaith Respect Series #2: Islamic Center of America Imam Hassan Qazwini talks about the Iraq War and other issues

Interfaith Respect has long been a goal of the Upper Peninsula EarthKeeper Team in northern Michigan.

Interfaith graphics by Justice St. Rain

On June 4, 2009 President Barack Obama said in Cairo, Egypt that people from different religions should respect each others faiths: The richness of religious diversity must be upheld … faith should bring us together.

In that spirit, the nonprofit Cedar Tree Institute in Marquette, MI begins a series of videos from a wide range of faiths.

These videos include Bahai, Jewish, Muslim, Zen Buddhist and Christian (Catholic, Lutheran, United Church of Christ and more.)

Interfaith graphics by Justice St. Rain

We start with three videos with well-know Muslim Imam Hassan Qazwini (pictured above) and followed by three videos of Dr. Michael Grossman, a member of Temple Beth Sholom (pictured below), a Jewish Synagogue in Ishpeming, MI.

Blip TV:

Bliptv video #1

Bliptv Interfaith Respect Series #2 Islamic Center of America Imam Hassan Qazwini talks about his life during fall 2008 visit to Marquette

Bliptv video #2

Bliptv Interfaith Respect Series #2: Islamic Center of America Imam Hassan Qazwini discusses the Iraq War and other issues

youtube video #1

Islamic Center of America Imam Hassan Qazwini talks about his life during fall 2008 visit to Marquette

youtube video #2

Interfaith Respect Series #2: Islamic Center of America Imam Hassan Qazwini discusses the Iraq War and other issues

Imam Hassan Qazwini photos by Greg Peterson

Imam Hassan Qazwini, head of the Islamic Center of America, spoke on Oct. 22, 2008 at the Lutheran Campus Ministry (LCM) Lothlórien House in Marquette, MI.

Imam Qazwini talks about his life, the Iraq War and the treatment of women in Islam.

(See links below to two previous videos in which Imam Qazwini talks about respect for the environment and the few differences between the worlds major religions.)

Northern Michigan University (NMU) Health & Nutrition Professor Mohey Mowafy of Marquette introduced Imam Hassan Qazwini.

Dr. Grossman joined faith leaders from other religions in a April 23, 2009 address to NMU students.

The interfaith messages were delivered during the Sacred Planet series sponsored by the EarthKeeper NMU Student Team led by team leaders Sarah Swanson and Ben Scheelk.

Interfaith graphic, above, by Justice St. Rain

The EarthKeeper Interfaith Respect videos will include:

Dr. Rodney H. Clarken, chair of the Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahais of Marquette:

Speaks about the history of the Bahai faiht, the environment and the EarthKeeper Initiative.

Head Priest Reverend Tesshin Paul Lehmberg of the Lake Superior Zendo, Soto Zen Buddhist temple, Marquette, MI:

Speaks about the history of the Buddhist and Zen Buddhist faith, the environment and the EarthKeeper Tree Project.

Lutheran Bishop Thomas A. Skrenes of the Northern Great Lakes Synod for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:

Speaks on the environment, interfaith projects and respect for each others faith.

Catholic EarthKeeper team member Kyra Fillmore, seedling distribution coordinator for the EarthKeeper Tree Project, held in connection with Earth Day 2009, that saw the congregations of 100 churches and temples plant over 12,000 trees across the U.P. during May 2009:

Speaks about the Catholic faith, the environment and the tree project.

United Church of Christ Rev. Dr. George Cairns of Chesterton, Indiana:

Cairns speaks in May 2009 about what can be learned from the Earth-based Celtic religion plus Celtic Christianity and the environment from Union Community Church (UCC) in Valparaiso, IN.

Dr. Cairns comments are thanks to the congregation and its pastor, Rev. Dr. Gregory Augustus Jones, M.Div., D. Min, adjunct assistant professor of theology at Valparaiso University.

Dr. Cairns is the co-founder of the nonprofit Turtle island Project, a research professor with the Chicago Theological Seminary and Theologian in Residence at the Union Community Church.

We will wrap up our interfaith series with music from the NMU Sacred Planet series:

EarthKeeper volunteer Johnnie Bryant (above) on guitar

NMU student Emmanuel Shayo (above) sings, plays drums

EarthKeeper volunteer Johnnie Bryant sang an original song and NMU student Emmanuel Shayo played the drums.

NMU students and the guest speakers enjoyed homemade herbal tea made with indigenous plants that were collected and and brewed by EarthKeeper volunteer and naturalist Tom Reed, who has served as volunteer social worker with numerous Cedar Tree Institute projects.

The EarthKeepers are an interfaith environment group involving over 150 churches and temples across northern Michigan.

The EarthKeeper Initiative is co-sponsored by the nonprofit Cedar Tree Institute, the nonprofit Superior Watershed Partnership, the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community and 10 faith communities: Catholic, Episcopal, Lutheran, Presbyterian, United Methodist Church, Unitarian Universalist, Baha’i, Jewish, Quakers (Religious Society of Friends) and Zen Buddhist.

The EarthKeepers have ties to several other faiths including the Evangelical Covenant Church and Japanese Soka Gakkai International (SGI) Buddhist Network.

Interfaith graphics by Justice St. Rain

U.S. President Barack Obama interfaith quotes from Cairo, Egypt on June 4, 2009:

“People in every country should be free to choose and live their faith based upon the persuasion of the mind, heart, and soul.”

“The richness of religious diversity must be upheld whether it is for Maronites in Lebanon or the Copts in Egypt.”

“And fault lines must be closed among Muslims as well, as the divisions between Sunni and Shia have led to tragic violence, particularly in Iraq.”

“Indeed, faith should bring us together.”

“That is why we are forging service projects in America that bring together Christians, Muslims, and Jews.”

“That is why we welcome efforts like Saudi Arabian King Abdullah’s Interfaith dialogue and Turkey’s leadership in the Alliance of Civilizations.
Around the world, we can turn dialogue into Interfaith service, so bridges between peoples lead to action whether it is combating malaria in Africa, or providing relief after a natural disaster.”

“I want to particularly say this to young people of every faith, in every country you, more than anyone, have the ability to remake this world.”

“The enduring faith of over a billion people is so much bigger than the narrow hatred of a few.”

“We should choose the right path, not just the easy path. There is also one rule that lies at the heart of every religion that we do unto others as we would have them do unto us.

This truth transcends nations and peoples a belief that isn’t new; that isn’t black or white or brown; that isn’t Christian, or Muslim or Jew.

It’s a belief that pulsed in the cradle of civilization, and that still beats in the heart of billions.

It’s a faith in other people, and it’s what brought me here today.”

“All of us have a responsibility to work for the day when the mothers of Israelis and Palestinians can see their children grow up without fear; when the Holy Land of three great faiths is the place of peace that God intended it to be; when Jerusalem is a secure and lasting home for Jews and Christians and Muslims, and a place for all of the children of Abraham to mingle peacefully together as in the story of Isra, when Moses, Jesus, and Mohammed (peace be upon them) joined in prayer.”

And because the EarthKeepers stand for the equal treatment of all – we include the Presidents remarks about respect for womens rights:

“The sixth issue that I want to address is women’s rights.”

“I know there is debate about this issue.
I reject the view of some in the West that a woman who chooses to cover her hair is somehow less equal, but I do believe that a woman who is denied an education is denied equality.
And it is no coincidence that countries where women are well-educated are far more likely to be prosperous.”

“Now let me be clear: issues of women’s equality are by no means simply an issue for Islam. In Turkey, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Indonesia, we have seen Muslim-majority countries elect a woman to lead.”

“Meanwhile, the struggle for women’s equality continues in many aspects of American life, and in countries around the world.”

“Our daughters can contribute just as much to society as our sons, and our common prosperity will be advanced by allowing all humanity men and women to reach their full potential.

I do not believe that women must make the same choices as men in order to be equal, and I respect those women who choose to live their lives in traditional roles.

But it should be their choice.”

“That is why the United States will partner with any Muslim-majority country to support expanded literacy for girls, and to help young women pursue employment through micro-financing that helps people live their dreams.”

Related Links:

U.P. EarthKeeper Team

Nonprofit Superior Watershed Partnership in Marquette, MI

Nonprofit Cedar Tree Institute in Marquette, MI

Two previous excerpts from the Marquette talk by Imam Hassan Qazwini:

Religions, people have few differences on bliptv

Religions, people have few differences on youtube

Selfish humans abuse Earth on MIEarth Video Website

Selfish humans abuse Earth on bliptv

Selfish humans abuse Earth on youtube

Islamic Center of America, Detroit, MI

Imam Hassan Qazwini website

Lutheran Campus Ministry

http://www.tiredofthiscrap.com

Lutheran Campus Ministry native Species Garden

Lake Superior Interfaith

Local Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Marquette story on national Baha’i website about 2009 tree platning project

Local Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Marquette story on national Baha’i website about Earth Day 2007

Northern Great Lakes Synod, Marquette, MI (Bishop Thomas Skrenes)

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)

United Methodist Church Marquette District Office (Supt. Grant R. Lobb)

Marquette Unitarian Universalist Congregation (MUUC)

http://www.uuworld.org/news/articles/3754.shtml

http://www.uua.org

Temple Beth Sholom, Ishpeming, MI

http://www.templebethsholom-ishpeming.org/tikkun

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Marquette, MI (Bishop Alexander Sample)

Episcopal Diocese of Northern Michigan, Marquette, MI

http://www.upepiscopal.org

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Episcopal_Diocese_of_Northern_Michigan

http://www.lakesuperiorinterfaith.com/bishopkelsey.html

Lake Superior Zendo, Soto Zen Buddhist Temple, Marquette, MI:

http://lakesuperiorzendo.googlepages.com/lakesuperiorzendo

Buddhadharma MahaSangha News:

http://www.shambhalasun.com/news/?p=1946

American Buddhist Network:

http://americanbuddhist.net/over-12-000-trees-planted-across-northern-michigan

http://americanbuddhist.net/michigan-buddhist-groups-helped-plant-12-000-trees

Buddhist Yahoo Darma Wellness Group:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Dharma-Direct/message/17168

Presbytery of Mackinac (Presbyterian):

http://presbymac.com

http://www.presbysupport.net/mac

http://www.pcusa.org/pcnews/2007/07188.htm

Quakers Lake Superior Friends, Marquette, MI:

http://www.quakerfinder.org/quaker/near/MI/Marquette/11767

http://www.northernyearlymeeting.org/meetings

MIEarth:

http://www.miearth.org/play.php?vid=368

http://www.miearth.org/play.php?vid=253

http://www.miearth.org/play.php?vid=252

http://www.miearth.org/play.php?vid=178

Celtic Christianity Today, founded by Rev. Dr. George Cairns:

http://www.celticchristianitytoday.org

Union Community Church in Valpraiso, IN:

http://unioncommunitychurchucc.blogspot.com

Rev. Dr. Gregory Augustus Jones:

http://blogs.valpo.edu/gjones

Interfaith graphics by Justice St. Rain (Bahá’í Community) of Interfaith Resources – Special Ideas website:

Call Justice St. Rain at Interfaith resources

1-800-326-1197

Interfaith Resources

P.O. Box 9

511 Diamond Rd

Heltonville IN

47436

Stories on EarthKeeper projects (2005-2009):

EK Tree Planting final story:

http://earthkeepers.blip.tv/file/2108308

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMNGjxirmK4

http://blip.tv/journal/10088

EarthKeeper Column #7 by Rev. Jon Magnuson: Bequeathing a Sacred Planet

EarthKeeper Column #6 by Catholic member Kyra Fillmore: Growing Faith:

http://www.miningjournal.net/page/content.detail/id/527268.html

EarthKeeper Column #5 by co-founder Rev. Jon Magnuson: Seeds, Signs and Symbols

http://www.miningjournal.net/page/content.detail/id/526935.html

EarthKeeper Column #4 by Presbyterian member Jill Martin: The Giving Tree

http://www.miningjournal.net/page/content.detail/id/526579.html

EarthKeeper Column #3 by Carl Lindquist: Great Lakes Ripple Effect

http://www.miningjournal.net/page/content.detail/id/526285.html

EarthKeeper Column #2 Rev. Tesshin Paul Lehmberg:

http://miningjournal.net/page/content.detail/id/525918.html?nav=5003

EarthKeeper Column #1 by Rev. Jon Magnuson:

http://www.miningjournal.net/page/content.detail/id/525642.html?nav=5003

Some of the Earthkeeper stories over the years:

http://www.dailypress.net/page/content.detail/id/512057.html

http://www.dailypress.net/page/content.detail/id/511861.html?nav=5052

http://www.miningjournal.net/page/content.detail/id/527270.html?nav=5001

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMNGjxirmK4

http://blip.tv/file/2108308

http://www.uppermichiganssource.com/community/story.aspx?id=295080

http://www.uppermichiganssource.com/news/story.aspx?id=290507

http://www.lscbc.com/news.php?id=509

http://www.ironmountaindailynews.com/page/content.detail/id/507618.html?nav=5002

http://www.dailypress.net/page/content.detail/id/512306.html

http://www.miningjournal.net/page/content.detail/id/526750.html

http://www.americancatholic.org/news/newsreport.aspx?id=999

http://www.catholicreview.org/subpages/storyworldnew-new.aspx?action=6082

http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Blog/News-Blog-Archive.aspx?a=327

http://cmonletsplantatree.blogspot.com

http://network.earthday.net/profiles/blogs/its-underway-update-rainbow

Lake Superior Magazine:

http://www.lakesuperior.com/online/295/295award.html

National Religion News:

http://www.episcopalchurch.org/79901_84803_ENG_HTM.htm

http://news.bahai.org/story/449

http://www.thelutheran.org/article/article.cfm?article_id=6044

http://www.thelutheran.org/article/article.cfm?article_id=5918

Catholic News Service Preview Story on 2006 EarthKeeper Electronic Clean Sweep

Presbyterian News Service on 2006 Earth Keeper Electronic Waste Clean Sweep

Presbyterian News Service on 2007 EarthKeeper Pharmaceutical Clean Sweep

United Methodist News Service on EarthKeeper Methodists sharing Michigan Sierra Club White Pine Award

Environment Magazine on 2007 Pharmaceutical Clean Sweep

Environment News Service on 2007 Pharmaceutical Clean Sweep

Interfaith Good News Daily newspaper story says Faith-based Lake Superior benefit concert a big hit

Story on Earth Keeper Energy Summit in Cedar Tree Institute website

EarthTimes story on EarthKeepers

April 2005 EPA Significant Activites report on EarthKeepers

EPA story on the Upper Peninsula EarthKeepers

PR Web: Michigan Earth Day 2007 Project Nets Over Ton of Pharmaceuticals (has lots of photos on right side of page)

Michigan Earth Keepers video: One person can make a difference

2007 Earth Keeper Clean Sweep video on bliptv

Christian Post article on 2009 EarthKeeper Tree Project

Presbyterian News Service preview story on 2009 EarthKeeper Tree Project

The Interfaith Upper Peninsula EarthKeeper Team planted 12,000 trees across 400 miles of northern Michigan during May 2009 thanks to the congregations of over 100 churches and temples.

A garden initiative is among the projects being considered in 2010.

2009 Spirit of Place: God and the Bomb, a retreat Benedictine Monastery near Los Alamos National Laboratory

Spirit of Place: Wisdom in Wilderness: The Poetic Vision of Mary Oliver, kayaking trip retreat

Interfaith Respect Series #1: Islamic Center of America Imam Hassan Qazwini

Interfaith Respect Series #1: Islamic Center of America Imam Hassan Qazwini talks about his life during fall 2009 visit to Marquette, MI

Interfaith Respect has long been a goal of the Upper Peninsula EarthKeeper Team in northern Michigan.

Interfaith graphics by Justice St. Rain

On June 4, 2009 President Barack Obama said in Cairo, Egypt that people from different religions should respect each others faiths: The richness of religious diversity must be upheld … faith should bring us together.

In that spirit, the nonprofit Cedar Tree Institute in Marquette, MI begins a series of videos from a wide range of faiths.

These videos include Bahai, Jewish, Muslim, Zen Buddhist and Christian (Catholic, Lutheran, United Church of Christ and more.)

Interfaith graphics by Justice St. Rain

We start with three videos with well-know Muslim Imam Hassan Qazwini and followed by three videos of Dr. Michael Grossman, a member of Temple Beth Sholom, a Jewish Synagogue in Ishpeming, MI.

Imam Hassan Qazwini photos by Greg Peterson

Imam Hassan Qazwini, head of the Islamic Center of America, spoke on Oct. 22, 2008 at the Lutheran Campus Ministry (LCM) Lothlórien House in Marquette, MI.

Imam Qazwini talks about his life, the Iraq War and the treatment of women in Islam.

(See links below to two previous videos in which Imam Qazwini talks about respect for the environment and the few differences between the worlds major religions.)

Northern Michigan University (NMU) Health & Nutrition Professor Mohey Mowafy of Marquette introduced Imam Hassan Qazwini.

Dr. Grossman joined faith leaders from other religions in a April 23, 2009 address to NMU students.

The interfaith messages were deliver during the Sacred Planet series sponsored by the EarthKeeper NMU Student Team led by team leaders Sarah Swanson and Ben Scheelk.

Interfaith graphics by Justice St. Rain

Interfaith Respect videos will include:

Dr. Rodney H. Clarken, chair of the Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahais of Marquette: Speaks about the history of the Bahai faiht, the environment and the EarthKeeper Initiative.

Head Priest Reverend Tesshin Paul Lehmberg of the Lake Superior Zendo, Soto Zen Buddhist temple, Marquette, MI: Speaks about the history of the Buddhist and Zen Buddhist faith, the environment and the EarthKeeper Tree Project.

Lutheran Bishop Thomas A. Skrenes of the Northern Great Lakes Synod for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America: Speaks on the environment, interfaith projects and respect for each others faith.

Catholic EarthKeeper team member Kyra Fillmore, seedling distribution coordinator for the EarthKeeper Tree Project, held in connection with Earth Day 2009,  that saw the congregations of 100 churches and temples plant over 12,000 trees across the U.P. during May 2009:

Speaks about the Catholic faith, the environment and the tree project.

United Church of Christ Rev. Dr. George Cairns of Chesterton IN: Cairns speaks about what can be learned from the Earth-based Celtic religion: Speaks in May 2009 about Celtic Christianity and the environment from Union Community Church (UCC) in Valparaiso, IN. Dr. Cairns thanks to the congregation and its pastor, Rev. Dr. Gregory Augustus Jones,  M.Div., D. Min, adjunct assistant professor of theology at Valparaiso University .
Dr. Cairns is the co-founder of the nonprofit Turtle island Project, a research professor with the Chicago Theological Seminary and Theologian in Residence at the Union Community Church.

We will wrap up our interfaith series with music from the NMU Sacred Planet series: EarthKeeper volunteer Johnnie Bryant sang an original song and NMU student Emmanuel Shayo played the drums.

The EarthKeepers are an interfaith environment group involving over 150 churches and temples across northern Michigan.

The EarthKeeper Initiative is co-sponsored by the nonprofit Cedar Tree Institute, the nonprofit Superior Watershed Partnership, the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community and 10 faith communities: Catholic, Episcopal, Lutheran, Presbyterian, United Methodist Church, Unitarian Universalist, Baha’i, Jewish, Quakers (Religious Society of Friends) and Zen Buddhist.

The EarthKeepers have ties to several other faiths including the Evangelical Covenant Church and Japanese Soka Gakkai International (SGI) Buddhist Network.

Interfaith graphics by Justice St. Rain

U.S. President Barack Obama interfaith quotes from Cairo, Egypt on June 4, 2009:

“People in every country should be free to choose and live their faith based upon the persuasion of the mind, heart, and soul.”

“The richness of religious diversity must be upheld whether it is for Maronites in Lebanon or the Copts in Egypt.”

“And fault lines must be closed among Muslims as well, as the divisions between Sunni and Shia have led to tragic violence, particularly in Iraq.”

“Indeed, faith should bring us together.”

“That is why we are forging service projects in America that bring together Christians, Muslims, and Jews.”

“That is why we welcome efforts like Saudi Arabian King Abdullah’s Interfaith dialogue and Turkey’s leadership in the Alliance of Civilizations.
Around the world, we can turn dialogue into Interfaith service, so bridges between peoples lead to action whether it is combating malaria in Africa, or providing relief after a natural disaster.”

“I want to particularly say this to young people of every faith, in every country you, more than anyone, have the ability to remake this world.”

“The enduring faith of over a billion people is so much bigger than the narrow hatred of a few.”

“We should choose the right path, not just the easy path. There is also one rule that lies at the heart of every religion that we do unto others as we would have them do unto us.

This truth transcends nations and peoples a belief that isn’t new; that isn’t black or white or brown; that isn’t Christian, or Muslim or Jew.

It’s a belief that pulsed in the cradle of civilization, and that still beats in the heart of billions.

It’s a faith in other people, and it’s what brought me here today.”

“All of us have a responsibility to work for the day when the mothers of Israelis and Palestinians can see their children grow up without fear; when the Holy Land of three great faiths is the place of peace that God intended it to be; when Jerusalem is a secure and lasting home for Jews and Christians and Muslims, and a place for all of the children of Abraham to mingle peacefully together as in the story of Isra, when Moses, Jesus, and Mohammed (peace be upon them) joined in prayer.”

And because the EarthKeepers stand for the equal treatment of all – we include the Presidents remarks about respect for womens rights:

“The sixth issue that I want to address is women’s rights.”

“I know there is debate about this issue.
I reject the view of some in the West that a woman who chooses to cover her hair is somehow less equal, but I do believe that a woman who is denied an education is denied equality.
And it is no coincidence that countries where women are well-educated are far more likely to be prosperous.”

“Now let me be clear: issues of women’s equality are by no means simply an issue for Islam. In Turkey, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Indonesia, we have seen Muslim-majority countries elect a woman to lead.”

“Meanwhile, the struggle for women’s equality continues in many aspects of American life, and in countries around the world.”

“Our daughters can contribute just as much to society as our sons, and our common prosperity will be advanced by allowing all humanity men and women to reach their full potential.

I do not believe that women must make the same choices as men in order to be equal, and I respect those women who choose to live their lives in traditional roles.

But it should be their choice.”

“That is why the United States will partner with any Muslim-majority country to support expanded literacy for girls, and to help young women pursue employment through micro-financing that helps people live their dreams.”

Related Links:

U.P. EarthKeeper Team:
http://www.upearthkeepers.org

Non-profit Cedar Tree Institute

Superior Watershed Partnership

Lake Superior Interfaith Communication Network

Two previous excerpts from the Marquette talk by Imam Hassan Qazwini:

Religions, people have few differences:
http://blip.tv/file/1392326/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGCkCE85Dfk
Selfish humans abuse Earth:
http://www.miearth.org/play.php?vid=107
http://blip.tv/file/1400491
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8lj0RBo-LM

Islamic Center of America, Detroit, MI:
http://www.icofa.com
Imam Hassan Qazwini
http://www.qazwini.org

Lutheran Campus Ministry:
http://www.nmulutherans.org
http://www.tiredofthiscrap.com
http://www.lakesuperiorinterfaith.com/gardenblessing.html

Lake Superior Interfaith:
http://www.lakesuperiorinterfaith.com

Local Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Marquette:
http://www.bahai.us/Earth-Day-2009
http://www.bahai.us/earth-day

Northern Great Lakes Synod, Marquette, MI (Bishop Thomas Skrenes):
http://www.nglsynod.org
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA):
http://www.elca.org

United Methodist Church Marquette District Office (Supt. Grant R. Lobb):
http://mqtdistrict.com/

Marquette Unitarian Universalist Congregation (MUUC):
http://www.mqtuu.org
http://www.uuworld.org/news/articles/3754.shtml
http://www.uua.org

Temple Beth Sholom, Ishpeming, MI:
http://www.templebethsholom-ishpeming.org
http://www.templebethsholom-ishpeming.org/tikkun

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Marquette, MI (Bishop Alexander Sample):
http://www.dioceseofmarquette.org

Episcopal Diocese of Northern Michigan, Marquette, MI
http://www.upepiscopal.org
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Episcopal_Diocese_of_Northern_Michigan
http://www.lakesuperiorinterfaith.com/bishopkelsey.html

Lake Superior Zendo, Soto Zen Buddhist Temple, Marquette, MI:
http://lakesuperiorzendo.googlepages.com/lakesuperiorzendo
Buddhadharma MahaSangha News:
http://www.shambhalasun.com/news/?p=1946
American Buddhist Network:
http://americanbuddhist.net/over-12-000-trees-planted-across-northern-michigan
http://americanbuddhist.net/michigan-buddhist-groups-helped-plant-12-000-trees
Buddhist Yahoo Darma Wellness Group:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Dharma-Direct/message/17168

Presbytery of Mackinac (Presbyterian):
http://presbymac.com
http://www.presbysupport.net/mac
http://www.pcusa.org/pcnews/2007/07188.htm

Quakers Lake Superior Friends, Marquette, MI:
http://www.quakerfinder.org/quaker/near/MI/Marquette/11767
http://www.northernyearlymeeting.org/meetings

MIEarth:
http://www.miearth.org/play.php?vid=368
http://www.miearth.org/play.php?vid=253
http://www.miearth.org/play.php?vid=252
http://www.miearth.org/play.php?vid=178

Celtic Christianity Today, founded by Rev. Dr. George Cairns:
http://www.celticchristianitytoday.org
Union Community Church in Valpraiso, IN:
http://unioncommunitychurchucc.blogspot.com
Rev. Dr. Gregory Augustus Jones:
http://blogs.valpo.edu/gjones

Interfaith graphics by Justice St. Rain (Bahá’í Community) of Interfaith Resources – Special Ideas website:

Call Justice St. Rain at Interfaith resources

1-800-326-1197

E-mail Justice St. Rain

Interfaith Resources
P.O. Box 9
511 Diamond Rd
Heltonville IN
47436

Stories on EarthKeeper projects:

EK Tree Planting final story:
http://earthkeepers.blip.tv/file/2108308
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMNGjxirmK4
http://blip.tv/journal/10088

EarthKeeper Column #6 by Catholic member Kyra Fillmore: Growing Faith
http://www.miningjournal.net/page/content.detail/id/527268.html
EarthKeeper Column #5 by co-founder Rev. Jon Magnuson: Seeds, Signs and Symbols
http://www.miningjournal.net/page/content.detail/id/526935.html
EarthKeeper Column #4 by Presbyterian member Jill Martin: The Giving Tree
http://www.miningjournal.net/page/content.detail/id/526579.html
EarthKeeper Column #3 by Carl Lindquist: Great Lakes Ripple Effect
http://www.miningjournal.net/page/content.detail/id/526285.html
EarthKeeper Column #2  Rev. Tesshin Paul Lehmberg:
http://miningjournal.net/page/content.detail/id/525918.html?nav=5003
EarthKeeper Column #1 by Rev. Jon Magnuson:
http://www.miningjournal.net/page/content.detail/id/525642.html?nav=5003

Some of the Earthkeeper stories over the years:
http://www.dailypress.net/page/content.detail/id/512057.html
http://www.dailypress.net/page/content.detail/id/511861.html?nav=5052
http://www.miningjournal.net/page/content.detail/id/527270.html?nav=5001
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMNGjxirmK4
http://blip.tv/file/2108308
http://www.uppermichiganssource.com/community/story.aspx?id=295080
http://www.uppermichiganssource.com/news/story.aspx?id=290507
http://www.lscbc.com/news.php?id=509
http://www.ironmountaindailynews.com/page/content.detail/id/507618.html?nav=5002
http://www.dailypress.net/page/content.detail/id/512306.html
http://www.miningjournal.net/page/content.detail/id/526750.html
http://www.americancatholic.org/news/newsreport.aspx?id=999
http://www.catholicreview.org/subpages/storyworldnew-new.aspx?action=6082
http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Blog/News-Blog-Archive.aspx?a=327
http://cmonletsplantatree.blogspot.com/
http://network.earthday.net/profiles/blogs/its-underway-update-rainbow
Lake Superior Magazine:
http://www.lakesuperior.com/online/295/295award.html
National Religion News:
http://www.episcopalchurch.org/79901_84803_ENG_HTM.htm
http://news.bahai.org/story/449
http://www.thelutheran.org/article/article.cfm?article_id=6044
http://www.thelutheran.org/article/article.cfm?article_id=5918
http://www.catholic.org/printer_friendly.php?id=19504&section=Cathcom
http://www.pcusa.org/pcnews/2007/07188.htm
http://www.pcusa.org/pcnews/2007/07251.htm
http://www.umc.org/site/c.gjJTJbMUIuE/b.1850805/k.B6A9/United_Methodists_receive_award_for_protecting_Lake_Superior.htm
Environment Magazine:
http://www.emagazine.com/view/?3673
Environment News Service:
http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/may2007/2007-05-07-09.asp#anchor6
Interfaith Good News Daily newspaper: Faith-based Lake Superior benefit concert a big hit:
http://www.goodnewsdaily.net/modules/news/article.php?storyid=5490
Earth Keeper Energy Summit:
http://www.cedartreeinstitute.org/ekenergysummit2007.html
http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/news_press_release,122272.shtml
EPA:
http://www.epa.gov/grtlakes/active/2005/apr05.html
http://www.epa.gov/NCEI/collaboration/PDF/Partnerships%20for%20Pollution%20Prevention%20and%20Waste%20Minimization/EarthKeepers.pdf
PR Web: Michigan Earth Day 2007 Project Nets Over Ton of Pharmaceuticals (has lots of photos on right side of page):
http://www.prweb.com/releases/2007/4/prweb522589.htm
Michigan Earth Keepers: One person can make a difference:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JymNVzZ9AEc
2007 Earth Keeper Clean Sweep:
http://earthkeepers.blip.tv/file/220181
http://www.christianpost.com/church/General/2009/04/churches-across-faith-traditions-plant-12-000-trees-23/index.html

Over 12,000 trees planted across northern Michigan in early May 2009 by U.P.EarthKeepers; as project ends forest fires destroy thousands of trees

Over 12,000 trees planted by Northern Michigan interfaith EarthKeepers during early May across 400 miles of northern Michigan and Minocqua, Wisconsin

Raging forest fires underline importance of planting trees

Earth Day 2009: First tree planted and blessed by northern Michigan bishops and faith leaders on Earth Day 2009 near shores of Lake Superior at Presque Isle in Marquette

(Marquette, Michigan) – Northern Michigan residents planted more than 12,000 trees in early May across a 400-mile area of the Upper Peninsula and in northern Wisconsin during the 2009 interfaith EarthKeeper Tree Project.

White Spruce and Red Pine seedlings measuring 12 to 16 inches tall were given to over 100 churches and temples in all 15 Upper Peninsula (U.P.) counties and Minocqua, WI, said Catholic EarthKeeper Kyra Fillmore of Marquette, the project distribution coordinator.

“We hope these trees grow strong and tall,” Fillmore said.

EarthKeeper volunteers planted the 12,000 trees by homes, camps, parks, American Indian reservations and many other places with help from hundreds of chilren ranging in age from two-years-old to twenty-two.

In a tragic irony, within hours of the last trees being planted two raging forest fires erupted in Marquette and Alger counties.
In Marquette County, 33 structures were destroyed including 12 homes.

In Baraga County, an EarthKeeper tree planter was preparing to bury a cousin at the Pinery Cemetery when the wildfire ripped through the Native American cemetery destroying 45 spirit houses. Fortunately there were no deaths or serious injuries reported. Untold thousands and thousands of trees were burned in the forest fires.

The fires underline the need for people to plant trees and remove dead underbrush from around your home.

“My kids and I had a great time packing trees and planting trees,” said Carl Lindquist, who has a son Nels, 13, and a daughter Ingrid, 11, and is executive director of the nonprofit Superior Watershed Partnership in Marquette. “I think everyone likes to feel like they are part of something much bigger than they are.”

The EarthKeeper team includes ten faith traditions with over 150 participating churches/temples (Catholic, Episcopal, Lutheran, Presbyterian, United Methodist Church, Unitarian Universalist, Baha’i, Jewish, Zen Buddist, Quakers), plus the nonprofit Superior Watershed Partnership, the nonprofit Cedar Tree Institute, and the Northern Michigan University EarthKeeper (NMU EK) Student Team.

Three Native American sisters and their mom volunteered at the Marquette tree distribution center. The girls planted trees behind their Gwinn, MI home hoping to attract more wildlife to what has turned into a nature preserve of sorts with a wide variety of wild animals and birds.

“We’ve decided to do a wildlife sanctuary in our backyard because we already have deer and many other animals come,” said Pamella Vincent, 17, a senior at Gwinn High School. “It will be really cool to see different animals come because of the trees.”

In the eight-acre area, “we already have Sand Hill Cranes, and deer and coyotes there, so we are trying to get more animals to come,” said Paige Vincent, 14, an eighth grader at Gwinn Middle School.

The youngest sister, Gilbert Elementary School sixth grader Paula Vincent, 12, said she has spotted cranes and “had popcorn in my hand and a crow came to eat out of my hand.

The Vincent family are members of St. James the Less Episcopal Church in Harvey, MI.

The girl’s mom Theresa Vincent said her great-grandpa was a Cherokee chief in Maryland who was joined by other relatives in walking the “Trail of Tears” into the Appalachian foothills. Vincent said she has taught her daughters about the respect Native Americans have for the land and wildlife.

“We’re here to help keep the earth green and the trees are important,” Theresa Vincent said. The family believes it’s important to “keep in touch with Mother Earth” in ways that include “recycling, reducing (energy consumption) and reusing” manmade products.

The sisters said Americans Indians have always respected the environment.

“It’s always been tradition for natives that if you take something away from the earth, you have to give it back – or give a blessing – so normally we would give tobacco or (in this case) plant trees,” Paige Vincent said. “We’re planting trees to give back to Mother Nature.”

The trees were purchased or donated by the U.P. EarthKeeper team, Superior Watershed Partnership, Holli Forest Products, the Forestland Group, Plum Creek Timber Company and Meister’s Greenhouses.

Some groups and individuals have donated money to help the tree project including Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Western U.P. Chapter 30918 in Ironwood, MI.

The EarthKeepers is “focused on how the faith communities can work together” despite theological differences, said Northern Great Lakes Synod Lutheran Bishop Thomas A. Skrenes.

“Religious differences are a huge factor in many parts of life and certainly there are big differences between different religious communities,” said Bishop Skrenes, the head of 94 U.P. Lutheran congregations with 40,000 members.

Skrenes asked “where is it that we can find ways to work together?”

“Nature is one of those places and EarthKeepers has provided us the opportunity to again renew our relationship with people who are very different in some ways and yet very similar,” said Skrenes, an original signer of the EarthKeeper Covenant.

Volunteer Johnny Bryant delivered 3,000 seedlings – one fourth of the entire planting effort – from a Marquette warehouse to Messiah Lutheran Church that served as the Marquette County distribution center for 25 churches and temples.

In a parking lot of the Marquette distribution center, the trees were blessed by numerous other faith traditions as the seedlings were picked up including a Catholic and Jewish blessing.

After speaking in Hebrew, Dr. Michael Grossman, a member an Ishpeming Synagogue, translated what he had said into English and explained some of the Jewish beliefs about protecting the environment.

“We have blessings for everything in Judaism, so I just blessed the trees,” said Grossman, a member of Temple Beth Sholom in Ishpeming. “We are grateful to God for bringing trees from the earth – when we eat we bless the bread – when we drink wine we bless the fruit.”

“Trees are symbolic of life,” Grossman said. “Trees are very important in Judaism as I am sure they are important to all faith traditions.”

Grossman then planted the trees at several locations in west Marquette County and in the city of Negaunee with help from two employees from his office.

“We jumped at the chance to help plant the trees,” said Rachel Riley, 25, hile standing next to fellow volunteer Kim McCarthy, 35, both of Negaunee. After the long winter, “I’ve been meaning to get out and do some work.”

Gail Griffith of Marquette, the EarthKeeper Implementation Team co-chair, brought trees to her congregation at the Marquette Unitarian Universalist Church (MUUC).

The MUUC planted seedlings in a Memorial Garden on their property near Harvey, MI and other trees as a future noise buffer to the heavy M-28 traffic that passes by their meeting house. The MUUC donated some of their trees to youth projects including 30 seedlings to a 4-H group.

‘We had a blessing of the trees as part of our service,” Griffith said.

Powell Township students (above) in the first through fourth grades planted about 30 seeedlings donated by the UU congregation.

In Big Bay, MI, the first through fourth graders at Powell Township Schools planted about 30 of the UU trees at several locations including in the schoolyard and at near-by Perkins Park.

“The students really took on a great deal of empathy for the trees – they carefully placed them in the holes, tucked the dirt around, created moats, stood up the sticks,” said teacher Kathy Wright. “Most kids visit their trees faithfully, sometimes leaving little special rocks or giving the trees and extra drink.”

The students and teachers “thank the Unitarian Universalist congregation for the opportunity to connect with our Mother Earth, and for the vehicle to teach our kids about the value of trees and earth stewardship,” Wright said.

MUUC member Nancy Irish the planting was more fun than work.

“We were digging and watering,” Irish said. “We talked about how big they would be 20 years from now, and how we might drive by and remember the day that 12,000 trees were planted all across the U.P.”

Northern Michigan Quakers planted approximately 50 trees during the EarthKeeper project.

The Lake Superior Friends is one of two U.P. Quaker groups in northern Michigan (the other is Keweenaw Friends Meeting in Houghton).

David McCowen of Lake Superior Friends said at one of their recent meetings a seven-year-old girl said planting trees is one way to respect the planet.

“I think it is important to help the earth by planting trees, because it is giving and good for the earth,” the youngster said.

In accordance with their religion, the Quakers quietly support the EarthKeepers and seldom publicly discuss their daily actions that show respect for the earth, wildlife and people, McCowen said.

One of the basic testimonials of the Quakers is “Simplicity of Living,” McCowen said. “A modern outgrowth of that testimonial is care for the environment.”

“Being planters of the trees helps us personally take part in continuing that creation,” McCowen said. “Here in the UP it is easy to take trees for granted, but t