Students Explore Faith Traditions and Prayer in Philadelphia Public School

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Asheq Fazlullah describes Muslim prayer practices

This Spring, Interfaith Philadelphia presented before approximately 100 sixth graders at C.C.A. Baldi Middle School, a public school in N.E. Philadelphia. The social studies class had been studying world religions and the classroom walls were adorned with vibrant posters and artwork that beautifully depicted the essence of their learnings. Their teacher had asked us to speak with the students about prayer in diverse spiritual and religious traditions. 

Sara Zebovitz dons her tallit, Jewish prayer shawl

Suhag Shukla, Executive Director of the Hindu American Foundation, and three members of Interfaith Philadelphia’s staff team: Bronwen Henry, Director of Curricular Innovation, Asheq Fazlullah, Director of the Leadership Institute, and Sara Zebovitz, Director of Institutional Advancement, spent the day visiting the students in their classrooms. They shared prayer practices and rituals from their respective faith traditions and discussed the broad forms of spiritual expression within each of their communities.

Students eagerly asked questions, engaged in mediative reflection, touched the prayer rugs, and tried on the prayer shawls. They expressed an interest in how spiritual practices may or may not be adhered to by members of faith communities and that they can ebb and flow throughout a lifetime. All students received Interfaith Philadelphia's Passport to Understanding, a tool that can continue to guide them in their interfaith journeys.

Interfaith Philadelphia’s Youth Initiatives, brings together young people to articulate their values, express their cultural and spiritual identities, learn about the faiths of others, and celebrate our region’s rich diversity.  By participating in these programs, young people go on to college and careers with a strong foundation in their desire to understand others.  
Interfaith Philadelphia partners with schools, congregations, and youth organizations to design interactive, educational, and skill-based offerings.   

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