TABLE OF ABRAHAM

Table of Abraham is a group of Jacksonville several communities that come together periodically to share meals and learn about each others faith.  It began in 2007 at the initiation of the Amity Turkish Cultural Center .

 After a period of discussion and planning, five communities have committed to sustaining interfaith dialogue through sharing food and faith around the table.  Along with Amity, the communities include St. John the Divine Greek Orthodox Church, Riverside Presbyterian Church, Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church, and Congregation Ahavath Chesed-Reform (The Temple).  These faith groups have in common the ancestry of Abraham and sharing food around a common table provides the opportunity to learn about one another’s traditions, practices, and beliefs. The hope is that as each participant becomes more deeply aware of others’ values and beliefs it will lead to greater understanding.   

 The communities gather for 3-4 meals throughout the year.  Each community hosts a meal centered on a religious holiday or observance of their particular faith.  Individuals participating from each of the five communities are asked to commit to a full year of participation in order to establish ongoing relationships and develop a sustained dialogue.

The first Table of Abraham was held on APRIL 2,2009 at 6 pm at Congregation Ahavath Chesed-Reform to celebrate Seder with participation of over 80 people. It was a great experience for our members to witness celebration of Seder.

Please see the following article, inspired by the Table of Abraham and published on the Huffington Post, by Dr. Parvez Ahmed who also participated in the Table of Abraham.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/parvez-ahmed/passover-tells-a-story-fa_b_185339.html

The third Table of Abraham will be hosted by Riverside Presbyterian Church on January 4,2010

 http://jacksonville.com/news/2010-01-04/story/christians_jews_and_muslims_gather_at_table_of_abraham