Abrahamic Reunion Community Service Carmel 2016

CARMEL, California — On Sunday, July 31, 2016, more than 50 Jews, Christians and Muslims united at Congregation Beth Israel in Carmel Valley to prepare and serve some 300 meals both for our friends who live outside at Municipal Beach, and to raise more than $5,000 for victims of the Soberanes Fire with a fundraiser at El Estero Park. Rabbi Bruce Greenbaum of Congregation Beth Israel, Rev. Brian Bajari of Beach Church, and Br. Abdel Seck of Islamic Society of Monterey County oriented volunteers, then all broke into small buddy groups to get acquainted before working together. Baruch Hashem, الحَمْد لله‎ and thanks be to God for all the bridges of understanding built and friendships begun. Special thanks to Congregation Beth Israel, Beach Church, and Islamic Society of Monterey County for sponsoring. Thanks also to Rabbi Bruce Greenbaum, Rev. Brian Bajari, and Abdel Seck for their excellent planning and leadership. Special thanks to Br. Agha Bilal for preparing his amazing kabobs to the delight of all who savored every bite.

Photos courtesy of River Gurtin and Ana Moran Rivera. Image curator: Nathan Flohr