Abrahamic Reunion Community Service Silicon Valley 2016

SILICON VALLEY, California — On Sunday, November 6, 2016, more than fifty-five Jews, Christians and Muslims united at Lincoln Glen Church​ to prepare over 250 meals for the homeless and hungry of San Jose. Orientation was led by Pastor Larry Albright of Lincoln Glen Church, Mehmet Sen of Pacifica Institute, and Iris Bendahan​ of Congregation Beth David​. Volunteers enjoyed getting acquainted in small buddy groups before working together to kosherize the church kitchen for meal preparation. Volunteers sliced and diced fresh fruit and vegetables to make salads and dessert. Afterward, all proceeded to Cityteam’s soup kitchen in downtown San Jose for meal service under the supervision of Chef Reynolds Stewart​. Iris Bendahan recited a blessing before shelter residents dined. Rev. Albright thanked God in prayer before our friends who live outside dined. Guests were quick to get seconds of the tasty kosher and halal dinner, which included Turkey chili, braided challah bread, and Turkish revani dessert. After all guests had eaten, volunteers enjoyed taking a break and dining together. Oktay Erbil of Pacifica Institute offered a final prayer of thanksgiving for God’s blessing upon our time of service together, to which all volunteers said, “Amen!” Engaging conversations continued, connections were made, and bridges of understanding were built for the glory of God, kavod Hashem, سبحان الله‎

Photos courtesy of Mike Carlson and Pacifica Institute. Image curator: Nathan Flohr.