Abrahamic Reunion Community Service Palo Alto 2018

PALO ALTO, California — On Sunday, July 8, 2018, more than forty Jews, Christians, and Muslims united at Christ Episcopal Church of Los Altos to prepare a meal for the hungry and homeless of Palo Alto. Orientation was led by The Rev. Claire Ranna, Br. Yasin Tamer of BayCC Turkish community​, and Rabbi Jon Prosnit of Congregation Beth Am. Volunteers enjoyed getting acquainted with lively discussion in small buddy groups before Muslim afternoon prayers. Volunteers then worked in buddy groups to prepare a tasty meatball pasta dinner with green and fruit salads for residents of Abode Services Housing First project for the homeless. After all food was prepared and ready for transport, volunteers enjoyed a variety of refreshments, complete with Turkish tea and revani, a popular Turkish cake. Muslim and Jewish volunteers then enjoyed a tour of the church sanctuary, with The Rev. Claire Ranna answering questions about the church and it’s story-telling stained glass windows. Volunteers then convoyed together to LifeMoves Opportunity Center to serve the meal. Volunteers waited on tables and took orders to honor guests, most of whom heartily enjoyed seconds, and some thirds!

Many thanks to Rebekah Dennison of Abode Services who oriented volunteers to the facility, to The Rev. Claire Ranna, Yasin Tamer, Rabbi Jon Prosnit who planned and prepared for countless details, and to all AAi donors who made it possible. Most of all, thanks be to God الحَمْد لله‎ ברוך השם for providing the strength and resources for this united effort to serve our neighbors in need.

Photos courtesy of Yusuf Mergen and Brian Reid. Photo curation by Annah Liyah.