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EIGHTEENTH ANNUAL
World Sabbath
An Interfaith Experience of
Music, Dance and Prayer:
Seeking to build a world of tolerance, justice, faithfulness and peace.
Temple Beth El, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
Sunday, March 5, 2017
EIGHTEENTH ANNUAL
World Sabbath Program
Prelude
Jim Gabriel (Pianist/Organist)
Processional:
World Sabbath Committee, Religious and Faith Community Leaders,
Participants, Children of Peace; Jim Gabriel (Pianist/Organist)
Sounding of the Shofar
Abraham MIller, Temple Beth El, Bloomfield Hills, MI
The shofar is a ram’s horn used by ancient Jews in religious and civic ceremonies, and is now sounded at Rosh Hashanah and
Yom Kippur, two of the most important holy days for Jews. Today, at this service, it functions as a call to action, to take our understanding and our relationships out into the world and to make it better. In Jewish tradition, this is called Tikkun Olam, repair of the world.
Muslim Call to Prayer
Hassan Awada, MAYA Schoool, Dearborn, MI
Five times a day the call to prayer is chanted before each prayer. Followers of the Islamic faith, all over the world, stop what they are
doing and pray. The call to prayer is like an alarm clock for a devout Muslim. It notifies the believers that the time for prayer has commenced and to get ready for the prayer. With each prayer, they show their devotion to God, most often called by the Arabic name, Allah.
Today, there are nearly 1 billion followers of Islam across the world. The word Islam means “Surrender to God,” and followers of this
faith (known as Muslims) are required to submit to God’s will. The religion’s holy book, the Qur’an, contains the word of Allah, as told
by the angel Gabriel to Islam’s Prophet and Messenger Muhammad.
Allah Akbar (4x)
God is Great
Ash-Hadu aana -illaha (2x)
I testify that there is no God but the Almighty
Ash-Hadu anna Mohammadan rasoolullah (2x)
I testify that Mohammad is the messenger of God
Hayya ala ssalah (2x)
Come to prayer
Hayya ala-Falah (2x)
Come to success
Hayya ala-Kheiril-amal (2x)
Come to the best deed
Allahu Akbar (2x)
God is The Greatest
La-ilaha illallah (2x)
There is no God but the Almighty
Blowing of the Conch Shell
Vishal Chandu, Bharatiya Temple, Troy, MI
Hinduism is one of the world’s oldest living religions. It is a rich collection of hundreds of spiritual and philosophical traditions,
followed throughout Asia for more than 5,000 years. Most traditions within Hinduism share certain distinctive core beliefs, despite
the absence of an identifiable beginning in history, single founder, central religious establishment or sole authoritative scripture. The
concept of Pluralism is expressed through the diversity of Hindu practice and centuries of peaceful coexistence with various faiths.
Hindus blow the conch during worship at home and the temple, or to mark an important occasion. When the conch is blown, the
primordial sound Om is produced, which is considered to represent the Universe and the Truth behind it.
Welcome
Rabbi Mark MIller,Temple Beth-El and Gail Katz, World Sabbath Chairperson
Worship Through Music in the Jewish Tradition
Oseh Shalom/Children of Peace by Nurit Hirsch and Jerry Sperling
Cantor Rachel Gottlieb Kalmowitz, Director; Samantha Jahr, Asst. Director; Jim Gabriel, Pianist
Temple Beth El Youth Choir - Noah Benz, Emily Johnson, Ethan Kalt, Abraham Miller, Sarah Ostheimer, Ava Paige,
Payton Renusch, Sydney Rosenberg, Ari Sklar, Sarah Solomon
The Jewish people brought monotheism to the world, and have embraced their Covenant with God for nearly 4,000 years. Judaism is
defined by an on-going interaction with sacred texts, starting with the Torah – the Five Books of Moses that open the Hebrew Bible and
describe the creation of the world, the first Jews (Abraham and Sarah) and their family, and the legendary Exodus from slavery in Egypt
led by the great prophet Moses. The Torah also includes the 10 Commandments, among a broad series of laws and stories that help build
cohesive families and strong communities. In the words of the great rabbi Hillel, who was asked to describe the Torah while the questioner
stood on one foot, “What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor. The rest is commentary.”
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Worship Through Dance in the Hindu Tradition
Nartana Ganapati
Sanjana Sharma, Kavya Varadarajan, Harini Sangeetham, Michelle Leon, Gayathri Subbiah, Sriya Neelam
Bharatiya Temple/Students of Nupur Dance Academy
Ganapati is the Hindu god of auspicious beginnings. The song lyric praises him as the son of God Siva and Goddess Parvati. He is radiant
like thousand Suns, with his elephant head, big ears and curled trunk. He is the remover of obstacles and destroyer of ignorance.
Worship Through Prayer in the Zoroastrian Tradition
Afriti Chinoy and Miss Delna Sholapurwalla
Zoroastrianism is considered to be one of the oldest monotheistic religions in the world, having originated in Persia or modern day Iran
over 3000 years ago. Its founder Prophet Zarathustra or Zoroaster taught belief in one God, Ahura Mazda. His teachings are contained in
the divine songs called Gathas. A dominant religion of the civilized world from 500 BC to 500 AD Zoroastrianism influenced many other
faiths that originated in the Middle East with concepts of Heaven and Hell, the coming of a Savior and the final Day of Judgement. The
religion also preaches non-violence, religious tolerance and philanthropy. By practicing the principles of Good Thoughts, Good Words and
Good Deeds, Zoroastrians work to create a Heaven on Earth filled with peace and prosperity.
Our Prayer today:
Ashem Vohu - Righteousness is Good. It is the Best. It brings Happiness. Happiness to Him who is Righteous for the sake of the
Highest Righteousness Alone. That is the Best.
Yatha Ahu Vairyo - As God rules over the World with His Powerful Will, so does a true religious teacher with his pious teachings.
The blessings of a good, loving, peaceful mind come to those who toil not for themselves but for Ahura Mazda (God Of Wisdom)
The one who helps the deserving helps Ahura Mazda rule over the Universe.
Kerfeh Mozd - To be able to win forgiveness for my sins, may I gain the reward of good deeds. May all the good people
be blessed with righteousness as wide as the world, as long as the rivers and as shining as the sun. May it be so even as I pray.
Worship Through Music in the Sikh Tradition - Kirten
Yashpreet Singh, Maheep Singh, Yashprit Singh, Manjot Singh, Preet Singh, Jeevin Singh, Maheep Singh
Sikhism is a monotheistic religion based on a definitive revelation. With over 25 million followers worldwide, it is one of the youngest
major world religions. Sikhism was revealed to Guru Nanak over 500 years ago in the Punjab, the Sikh Homeland in South Asia. Guru
Nanak Sahib, the founder of Sikhi (also Sikhism) talked about the principle of Oneness, which leaves no room for distinctions based on
race, caste, creed, gender, color or nationality. Therefore, differences between “them” and “us” vanish. As it says in the Guru Granth Sahib,
the Sikh Scriptural Canon, “I see no stranger.” For this reason, principles of divinity, dignity and liberty are inherent to the Sikh lifestyle.
Sikhism preaches a message of devotion, remembrance of God at all times, truthful living, equality between all human beings and social
justice, while emphatically denouncing superstitions and blind rituals.
Kirten is the singing of the verses in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib. The Sikh scripture is set to musical meter or Raag. At most Sikh
religious gatherings, (sangats or diwans) kirtan (Sikh Sacred Music) is a big part of the program. Sikh kirten was traditionally performed on
stringed instruments including the rabab, dilruba, taus, sarangi and saranda, with percussion accompaniment on pakhawaj, mirdang or jori.
Worship Through Prayer in the Baha’i Tradition
Mark Stone and Bob Schneeweiss and the Baha’i Children
The Baha’i faith began in Persia (modern-day Iran) in 1844. Its Prophet-Founder was Baha’u’llah, a name meaning “Glory of God.” Baha’is
believe in the unity of mankind and accept the great world religions and their prophets. Some of their beliefs are the Oneness of God, the
essential harmony of science and religion, the elimination of prejudices of all kinds, equality of men and women, a spiritual solution
to economic problems, universal compulsory education and independent investigation of the truth. Although there are no clergy, there is a
governing body called the Universal House of Justice in Haifa, Israel which has a board of nine members voted on by Baha’is all over the
world. The central purpose of all Baha’is is to bring forth an ever-advancing civilization. Like the Torah, Bible and Quran, the Baha’is
have holy books written by the founder of their faith. “Let your vision be world embracing.”
Because the World Sabbath is a celebration of children from all faith traditions, we’ve chosen a prayer revealed especially for the children
of the world. “Oh God! Educate these children. These children are the plants of Thine orchard, the flowers of Thy meadow, the roses of Thy
garden. Let Thy rain fall upon them; let the Sun of Reality shine upon them with Thy love. Let Thy breeze refresh them in order that they
may be trained, grow and develop, and appear in the utmost beauty. Thou art the Giver. Thou art the Compassionate.” – Abdu’l-Baha
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Worship Through Music in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
I am a Child of God/Faith in Every Footstep
Youth & Missionary Choir: Emma Palmer, Sister Fuapau, Sister Herder, Cora Truscott, Sister Hansen, Sister Jensen, Bodi Johnson,
Elder Ferguson, Elder O’Brien, David Williams, Elder Thompson, Elder Cooper, Luke Sanchez, Parker Sanchez, Elder Gurney, Elder
Gouchenour, Elder Taylor, Elder Coleman, Cayenne Johnson, Elise Kesler, Rachel Miltimore, Maurielle Cook, Hollis Cook
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe the family is divine in nature and God has designed it as the fundamental building
block of all community, both on earth and through eternity. “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together”
(Romans 8:16-17). Through following Christ’s teachings, Latter-day Saints believe all people can become “partakers of the divine nature”
(2 Peter 1:4). In I Am a Child of God we express that all human beings are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit, son or
daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. In “Faith in Every Footstep” we share that happiness in
family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established
and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work and wholesome recreational activities.
Worship Through Dance in the Jain Tradition
Shikha Lakhani, Siddharth Lakhani, Kavya Doshi, Tanushka Shah, Avnee Jain, Jaina Shah, Aarian Shah,
Rachit Shah, Adiva Jain and Roma Jain
Jainism is one of the oldest living religions of India, predating recorded history as referenced in Hindu scriptures. It is an original system,
quite distinct and independent from all other Indian philosophies. Jains believe in the philosophy of Karma, reincarnation of worldly soul,
hell and heaven as a punishment or reward for one’s deeds, and liberation (Nirvän or Moksha) of the self from life’s misery of birth and
death in a way similar to the Hindu and Buddhist beliefs. Though there are similarities in these South Asian religions, there are some
major portions of the belief system that remain unique to each religion.
The children will present a song which praises all the Tirthankars and the Pilgrims of Jain religion. It is a traditional Indian folk dance.
Worship Through Prayer in the Hare Krishna Tradition
Eric Crosley/Antariksa das
The Hare Krishna Movement is based on the ancient Vedic Scriptures of India and written in Sanskrit, which is acknowledged to be one of
the oldest, if not the oldest, written language on our planet. Just like there is no Jewish tradition without Moses, Christian tradition without
Jesus or Islamic tradition without Muhammad, there is no Vedic tradition without Krishna. The most unique and important point of our faith
tradition, is that Krishna Himself is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, or more succinctly, God. The Bhagavad-Gita is part of the great
spiritual epic known as the Mahabharata, a most important Vedic literature. The name Bhagavad-Gita, translates as Bhagavad: God and
Gita: Song. It is known all over the world as “The Song of God”. Sri Caitanya taught the chanting of the great chant for deliverance,
the Hare Krishna mantra: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare / Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare, as a
simple and sublime process for achieving self-realization.
Presentation of Peace Award
World Sabbath Peace Awardee: Beverly Brun (posthumous)
Presenter: Ruth Turner
Received by Rev. Dr. Wesley Brun, Nardin Park United Methodist Church.
Bev Brun was an active member of the World Sabbath planning committee for many years, and introduced the
waving of the multi-colored napkins to represent our diversity! She had been a champion for promoting respect
and understanding for the many faiths and cultures around the world. Bev was a member of the Nardin Park
United Methodist Church in Farmington Hills, and married to Dr. Wesley Brun, a United Methodist pastor.
Nardin Park Liturgical Dancers
Beth Titus/Karen Poole, Directors, Angel Afolabi, Christine Afolabi, Lily Babcock, Lizzy Babcock, Olivia Brown,
Jacqueline Brown, Emma Latimer, Emily Scobel, Kaylie Snow
We are here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. Be generous with your lives. Live justly and you’ll prompt
others to open up with God, this generous God of all earth’s people. We share this dance in honor of Bev Brun and to the glory of God.
Interfaith Pledge Led by Rev. Fran Hayes- Littlefield Presbyterian Church, Dearborn, MI
Clergy, Religious and Faith Community Leaders
We pledge ourselves this day in the name of all we hold holy, to raise our voices in the cause of peace. No longer shall we remain
silent when armies march and children die, while dictators lay the blame on God. No longer shall we remain silent when religious and
political leaders use religion as an excuse for bloodshed or claim faith as a reason for war. We shall raise our voices when prejudice
and persecution are blamed on God. We shall raise our voices when scriptures are twisted. We shall build a world of tolerance, justice,
faithfulness, and peace. We shall build a world where all may know that our faith calls us to be builders
of peace, not makers of war. And this we pledge: Shalom, Salaam, Shanti, Peace.
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Responsive Prayer for Peace
Led by Rabbi Megan Brudney
We pray this day for children and families who suffer, starve and die as victims of environmental degradation, racial conflict,
ethnic persecution, and religious war. Shalom, Salaam, Shanti, Peace
We weep as bullets fly, suicide bombs explode, houses of worship burn, machetes draw blood, and the life drains from the
eyes of innocent children in holy lands and sacred cities across the globe. Shalom, Salaam, Shanti, Peace
We remember especially today the children of Sudan... Syria... Israel... India... Pakistan... Afghanistan... Iraq...
and other countries around the world that have suffered war and unrest. Shalom, Salaam, Shanti, Peace
We call on all people of faith in every land to unite their hearts in the pledge that all boys and girls everywhere will have
full and fair access to education, healthcare, nutrition, environmental protection, prosperity and peace. Shalom, Salaam, Shanti, Peace
Musical Selection – Children of Peace, “We are Children of Peace”
Cantor Rachel Gottlieb Kalmowitz, Director
We are children of peace.
We are the children of the world. 2x
We are children of justice.
We are the children of the world. 2x
We are children of friendship.
We are the children of the world. 2x
We are children of compassion.
We are the children of the world. 2x
We don’t want war anymore.
We are the children of the world. 2x
We are children of love.
We are the children of the world. 2x
CHORUS
Listen people everywhere - hear our song.
Come and take somebody’s hand, sing
along. The choice is ours - what will we do?
It’s up to me, it’s up to you.
CHORUS
We are children of music.
We are the children of the world. 2x
CHORUS
Passing of the Peace Banner
FROM: Rabbi Mark Miller, Temple Beth El, Bloomfield Hills, MI
TO: Rev. Dr. William Danaher, Christ Church Cranbrook, Bloomfield Hills, MI
Threefold Benediction
Cantor Rachel Gottlieb Kalmowitz, Temple Beth El and Rev. Dr. William Danaher, Christ Church Cranbrook
Y’varech’cha Adonai v’yishm’recha. - May God bless you and keep you.
Ya’eir Adonai panav eilecha vichuneka. - May God’s face shine upon you and be gracious to you.
Yisa Adonai panav eilecha, v’yaseim l’cha shalom. - May God’s presence be with you, and grant you peace.
Closing Song- “Olam Chesed Y’baneh” by Rabbi Menachem Creditor
Led by: Cantor Rachel Gottlieb Kalmowitz
Please wave your colorful banners!!
Olam chesed y’baneh, yai dai dai… (4x)
I will build this world from love, yai dai dai…
And you must build this world from love, yai dai dai…
And if we build this world from love, yai dai dai…
Then God will build this world from love, yai dai dai…
Closing Remarks and Acknowledgements by Gail Katz
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Rolling Shofar Blast
Temple Beth El Shofar Corps - Rabbi Mark Miller, Cantor Rachel Gottlieb Kalmowitz, Rabbi Megan Brudney,
James Deutchman, Ilana Kalmowitz, Abraham Miller, Mori Miller, L. Steven Weiner
The shofar is a ram’s horn used by ancient Jews in religious and civic ceremonies, and is now sounded at Rosh Hashanah and
Yom Kippur, two of the most important holy days for Jews. Today, at this service, it functions as a call to action, to take our understanding
and our relationships out into the world and to make it better. In Jewish tradition, this is called Tikkun Olam, repair of the world.
Recessional
Jim Gabriel (Pianist/Organist)
Please join us for an Afterglow in the Handleman Social Hall.
The 2017 World Sabbath welcomes clergy, faith and community leaders
Rabbi Mark Miller,
Cantor Rachel Gottlieb Kalmowitz
Rabbi Megan Brudney
Temple Beth El
Rev. Dr. William Danaher
Christ Church Cranbrook
Rev. Dr. Wesley Brun
Rev. Melanie Carey
Rev. George Covintree
Rev. Lynn Hasley
Karen Poole
Nardin Park United Methodist Church
Brother Al Mascia, OFM
Hazzan Steve Klaper
Song and Spirit Institute for Peace
Rev. Fran Hayes
Littlefield Presbyterian Church
Reb Aura Ahuvia
Congregation Shir Tikvah
Imam Elahi
Islamic House of Wisdom
Rev. Ric Beattie
Unity of Royal Oak
Rev. Dharmananda Mahapradhu
Buddhist Council of America
Scott Steiner
St John’s Episcopal Church
Rev. Rich Peacock
Rev. Charlotte Sommers
First United Methodist Church
Rev. Dr. Ventra Asana
Michigan Interfaith Power
and Light
Rev. Dr. Loren M. Scribner
Grosse Isle Presbyterian Church
Jeong Gak Eric Wilkins
Jeong Chun Roberto Berry
Hwa Son Josh Plucinski
Hwa Ja Bill Secrest
Still Point Buddhist Temple
Barbara Talley
Hope United Methodist Church
Christine Bertram
Oakland Community College
Rev Dr. Charles Packer
Pine Hill Congregational Church
Rev. Bob Agnew
Fort Street Presbyterian Church
Rev. Jim Lee
Renaissance Unity
Imam Arif Huskic
Hamtramck
Rev. Dr. Mary Beidron
North Congregational Church
President Justin Cook
Joe Zielinski
Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter-Day Saints
Sr. Nancy Jamroz
Madonna University Interfaith Center
Rabbi Joshua Bennett
Temple Israel
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Shaykh Mohamed Almasmari
Executive Director - MMCC
Imam - Muslim Unity Center
Rabbi David Nelson
Emeritus, Cong. Beth Shalom
Narayana Swamy
Bharatiya Temple
Rev. Charmaine Johnson
Robin Moore
Hartford Memorial Baptist Church
Rev. Michael Curry
Detroit, MI
Children of Peace Houses of Worship
Jain Society of Greater Detroit, Temple Beth El, Clawson United Methodist Church,
Zoroastrian Association of Michigan, Nardin Park United Methodist Church,
Hartford Memorial Baptist Church, Royal Oak First United Methodist Church,
First Presbyterian Church of Birmingham, Fort Street Presbyterian Church,
North Congregational Church, St. John’s Episcopal Church,
Way Elementary School, St. Hugo of the Hills Catholic Church,
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Bharatiya Temple
2017 World Sabbath Planning Committee
Cantor Rachel Gottlieb Kalmowitz
Carol Kravetz
Padma Kuppa
Judy Lewis
Rev. Charles Packer
Janet Pound
Kim Raznik
Raman Singh
Loretta Stanton
Ruth Turner
Teri Weingarden
Gail Katz, Chair
Meredith Skowronski, Administrator
Eide Alawan
Azar Alizideh
April Cook
Rabbi Dorit Edut
Mary Gilhuly
Danielle Gordon
Micki Grossman
Arif Huskic
Charmaine Johnson
Special thanks ...
to the following donors for their generous support of the
March, 2017 World Sabbath
Temple Beth El for their venue and assistance
and for generously sponsoring the Afterglow
Christ Church Cranbrook for printing of program
The Write Stuff, Inc. for design of program and flyers
WISDOM
Interfaith Leadership Council of Metropolitan Detroit
Home Depot in Pontiac for providing materials for the Peace Banners
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Don’t miss the next World Sabbath Program!
Please share your contact information at the link below
and you will receive notification of the 2018 event.
http://www.tbeonline.org/world-sabbath
The Nineteenth Annual World Sabbath will be held on
Sunday, March 4, 2018
Christ Church Cranbrook
470 Church Rd, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304
Sign up for the IFLC’s weekly interfaith newsletter for information
about next year’s World Sabbath and other interfaith events
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