RE: Violence in Gaza & Israel
December 31, 2008
We are both disheartened and grieved by the latest episode of heightened strife, senseless destruction, bloodshed, and widespread suffering in the Israel/Palestine conflict. Once again, we are shown how vendetta, collective punishment, and desperate acts of indiscriminate violence do not move forward the cause of social justice and peace. Indeed, if ever a victory is declared, it will be a pyrrhic victory, coming at an unimaginably high cost of life, infrastructure and property. Moreover, the means by which a conflict is conducted fundamentally shape the type of resolution that is achieved post-bellum. And so we pray for all parties – Palestinian as well as Israeli – to halt hostilities and declare a truce so that medicine, food, water, and other essential forms of humanitarian aid can be brought to those in dire need while alternatives are sought for the calming of the violence and the eventual resolution of the conflict.
When humankind has advanced so impressively in technological and material terms, the persistence and primitive nature of violence as a mode of self-assertion and as a means to resolve conflict can only be seen as a shameful backwardness that continues to plague our progress. We urge all people to seek more humane ways to address injustice, oppression, grievance, and fear; more promising paths to societal transformation and to the security and well-being that all people naturally crave. A willingness to imagine the position from the other’s point of view and a readiness to treat the other as you would wish to be treated yourself are necessary first steps to realizing just and sustainable solutions.
May God’s mercy be with the victims of the current violence, destruction, and the deprivation of basic essentials. May we find the wisdom and strength in our hearts and traditions to better promote understanding, real justice, enduring peace, forgiveness, and reconciliation in Israel/Palestine and everywhere.
Timothy J. Gianotti, Ph.D.
Light Upon Light Friday January 9, 2008
Friday January 9 at 7:30 pm
NOTE: Light Upon Light is being held the 2nd Friday of the month in January.
Light Upon Light
Topic: Spiritual Storytelling
lower level at the Noor Cultural Centre, 123 Wynford Drive map
Light Upon Light Spirituality Discussion Series features a variety of spiritually nourishing subjects. This is an inclusive space where participants of all faiths actively contribute in a manner that is respectful to all.
This series is led by Dr. Timothy Gianotti
2008-2009 Noor Fellow in Islamic Studies, York University
2007-2008 Noor Chair of Islamic Studies, York University
Light refreshments will be served. Admittance is $5.
Previous Topics:
Spiritual Knowledge / Love / Tests & Trials / Loving Universally while Living within Particularity (featuring the writings of Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook) / On the Importance of Being a Stranger in the World / Dreams, Death and the Journeys of the Spirit / On the Art of Being Grateful / The Importance of Solitude / Core Paradoxes: freedom in servitude, wealth in poverty, life in death, gaining by spending, spiritual advancement through sin / The World of the Unseen
Next scheduled date:
Friday February 6 at 7:30 pm
Light Upon Light, Topic: Being a Perpetual Beginner
lower level at the Noor Cultural Centre, 123 Wynford Drive map
Introduction to Islam & Islamic Religious Sciences
NOOR CULTURAL CENTRE ANNOUNCES
TWO COURSES STARTING JANUARY 11, 2009
TWO COURSES STARTING JANUARY 11, 2009
Introduction to Islam: a public service course at the Noor Cultural Centre, with Dr. Timothy J. Gianotti, 2008-2009 York-Noor Fellow in Islamic Studies
Introduction to the Islamic Religious Sciences: a public service course at the Noor Cultural Centre, with Dr. Laury Silvers. See below for course details.
Registration details and discounted savings for both courses are outlined below.
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Introduction to Islam
A public service course at the Noor Cultural Centre, with Dr. Timothy J. Gianotti, 2008-2009 York-Noor Fellow in Islamic Studies
Designed for the intrigued Torontonian as well as for Muslims seeking an academically-grounded deepening in their faith, this 9-week course promises to provide a thoughtful foundation for understanding Islamic belief, practice, and history, even as it opens up new areas for inquiry and study.
Sunday, January 11, 2009 -- Sunday, March 15, 2009
First class from 10:00 to 12:30 pm
all other classes from 10:00 am – 12 noon
no class on Sunday, February 22
SESSION 1 - January 11
Introductions & Getting Started: The Challenge of Studying Religion & the Special Challenge of Studying Islam in a Post 9/11 World
SESSION 2 - January 18
A First Glimpse into the Essence, Belief, and Mechanics of Islam
SESSION 3 - January 25
Islam's Sacred Worldview, or Belief System
SESSION 4 - February 1
Islam's Path of Sacred Action (Obligatory Religious Practices)
SESSION 5 - February 8
The Eastern Branch of the Abrahamic Covenant: Ishmael, the Ka'ba, and the Mythic History of Arabia Prior to the Rise of Islam
SESSION 6 - February 15
The "Age of Ignorance" and the Dawning of Islam
February 22 - no class this week
SESSION 7 - March 1
Prophecy: Muhammad and the Advent of Qur'ānic Revelations in Mecca
SESSION 8 - March 8
Archetypes & Realities: the Birth and “Perfection” of the Islamic Religion in Medina
SESSION 9 - March 15
Pursuing Ultimate Horizons: A Glimpse into the Mysteries of Being and Becoming "Muslim"
PLEASE RESERVE YOUR SPACE NOW, click here.
Attendance is limited to 20 participants. Course timetable and fees are detailed below.
WHERE: upper library/classroom, Noor Cultural Centre map
WHEN: Sunday, January 11, 2009 -- Sunday, March 15, 2009
First class from 10:00 to 12:30 pm
all other classes from 10:00 am – 12 noon
no class on Sunday, February 22
COURSE REGISTRATION FEE**: $250.00 due by January 4, 2009, payable by cash or credit card to the Noor Cultural Centre, click here to register or call 416-444-7148, ext. 222 (special rates available for students, seniors and the underemployed)
**A discounted fee is offered if you register for both courses at the same time. The discounted fee is $400.00. Payable by cash or credit card to the Noor Cultural Centre, click here to register or call416-444-7148, ext. 222.
COURSE MATERIALS FEE: $25.00 (this fee is not discounted)
(all required course readings will be provided upon registration)
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________________________________________________________________
Introduction to the Islamic Religious Sciences
A public service course at the Noor Cultural Centre, with Dr. Laury Silvers.
Sunday, January 11, 2009 -- Sunday, March 15, 2009
From 1:00 to 3:00 pm
This course will be an introduction to the Islamic Religious Sciences. We will be learning the major terms, concepts, and methods in the traditional study of the Qur'an, Hadith, and Islamic Law: such as the Qur'an's recitative traditions and collection, Hadith collection and methods of authentication, and legal methods of extracting rulings from the Sources. As we gain familiarity with the issues at stake in each religious science, we will move on to discuss our own concerns with the traditional methods. In particular, we will focus on the ethical questions that arise from the process of interpretation. We will be reading some primary sources, but for the most part our course readings will be secular in orientation with a deep appreciation for traditional methods. In readings and discussions our goal will be to integrate secular and religious intellectual methods in order to become "traditionally literate." In other words, I hope that during this course we will become comfortable having informed and mutually beneficial conversations with other Muslims and non-Muslims on these difficult topics.
SESSION 1 - January 11
Introduction to the Course: Bridging Traditional and Secular Thought
SESSION 2 - January 18
The Nature of the Qur'an, the Recitation Traditions and Collection
SESSION 3 - January 25
Our Issues: Grapes or Houris? Talking about the Divinity of the Qur'an
SESSION 4 - February 1
The Qur'an Commentary Tradition and New Readings
SESSION 5 - February 8
Muhammad's (S) Example, Hadith, Transmission, and Collection
SESSION 6 - February 15
The History and Methods of Hadith Criticism
SESSION 7 - February 22
Our Issues: The Ethics of Telling the Story of the Sunna
SESSION 8 - March 1
The Qur'an and Hadith as Sources for Islamic Law
SESSION 9 - March 8
Characteristic Features of Shariah and the Leading Schools of Law
SESSION 10 - March 15
Our Issues: The Ethics of "Best Practices"
PLEASE RESERVE YOUR SPACE NOW, click here.
Attendance is limited to 20 participants. Course timetable and fees are detailed below.
WHERE: upper library/classroom, Noor Cultural Centre map
WHEN: starting January 11, 1 PM to 3 PM each Sunday ending on March 15
COURSE REGISTRATION FEE**: $250.00 due by January 4, 2009, payable by cash or credit card to the Noor Cultural Centre, click here to register or call416-444-7148, ext. 222. (special rates available for students, seniors and the underemployed)
**A discounted fee is offered if you register for both courses at the same time. The discounted fee is $400.00. Payable by cash or credit card to the Noor Cultural Centre click here to register or call 416-444-7148, ext. 222 .
COURSE MATERIALS FEE: $25.00 (this fee is not discounted)
(all required course readings will be provided upon registration)
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PUBLIC STATEMENT
November 27, 2008
RE: MUMBAI ATROCITIES
We condemn these and all acts of viciousness, inhumanity, and terror, and we categorically affirm that such behavior violates Islam and all Divinely inspired religious and spiritual systems.
We pray for all those innocents whose lives have been lost and whose sense of security has been shattered by these evil acts; and we pledge to stand up against the ideologies and twisted theologies that rationalize and condone the indiscriminate killing of innocent people and the targeted persecution of anyone because of race, creed, nationality, or gender.
Even as we pledge our support in the tracking down of those who planned and carried out these abominations, we counsel all peoples of faith to practice restraint, lest more innocent people die in the grief and anger arising from the wounds.
May the light of God's mercy envelop those whose lives were so viciously and unjustly taken, and may the lights of His healing and peace fill the hearts of those who are left behind to mourn and to pick of the pieces of shattered hopes and dreams.
Timothy J. Gianotti, Ph.D.
Toronto
RE: MUMBAI ATROCITIES
We condemn these and all acts of viciousness, inhumanity, and terror, and we categorically affirm that such behavior violates Islam and all Divinely inspired religious and spiritual systems.
We pray for all those innocents whose lives have been lost and whose sense of security has been shattered by these evil acts; and we pledge to stand up against the ideologies and twisted theologies that rationalize and condone the indiscriminate killing of innocent people and the targeted persecution of anyone because of race, creed, nationality, or gender.
Even as we pledge our support in the tracking down of those who planned and carried out these abominations, we counsel all peoples of faith to practice restraint, lest more innocent people die in the grief and anger arising from the wounds.
May the light of God's mercy envelop those whose lives were so viciously and unjustly taken, and may the lights of His healing and peace fill the hearts of those who are left behind to mourn and to pick of the pieces of shattered hopes and dreams.
Timothy J. Gianotti, Ph.D.
Toronto
Light Upon Light Friday December 5, 2008
Friday December 5 at 7:30 pm
Light Upon Light
Topic: The World of the Unseen
lower level at the Noor Cultural Centre, 123 Wynford Drive map
Light Upon Light Spirituality Discussion Series features a variety of spiritually nourishing subjects. This is an inclusive space where participants of all faiths actively contribute in a manner that is respectful to all.
This series is led by Dr. Timothy Gianotti
2008-2009 Noor Fellow in Islamic Studies, York University
2007-2008 Noor Chair of Islamic Studies, York University
Light refreshments will be served. Admittance is $5.
Previous Topics:
Spiritual Knowledge / Love / Tests & Trials / Loving Universally while Living within Particularity (featuring the writings of Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook) / On the Importance of Being a Stranger in the World / Dreams, Death and the Journeys of the Spirit / On the Art of Being Grateful / The Importance of Solitude / Core Paradoxes: freedom in servitude, wealth in poverty, life in death, gaining by spending, spiritual advancement through sin /
Next scheduled date:
Friday January 9 at 7:30 pm
Light Upon Light, Topic: Being a Perpetual Beginner
lower level at the Noor Cultural Centre, 123 Wynford Drive map
Circle of Sacred Knowledge
Friday November 28, 2008
Circle of Sacred Knowledge
We continue this Friday with Dr. Timothy Gianotti who will host this monthly open study session devoted to traditional texts of spiritual formation and sacred knowledge.
The circle meets at the Noor Cultural Centre in the upstairs library/classroom space. We conclude well before the congregational (jum'ah) prayer service. While the texts and topics will come from the Islamic spiritual tradition, people from all faiths are invited to participate and stay for the Friday (jum'ah) prayer service which begins at 1:20 pm.
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Circle of Sacred Knowledge
We continue this Friday with Dr. Timothy Gianotti who will host this monthly open study session devoted to traditional texts of spiritual formation and sacred knowledge.
The circle meets at the Noor Cultural Centre in the upstairs library/classroom space. We conclude well before the congregational (jum'ah) prayer service. While the texts and topics will come from the Islamic spiritual tradition, people from all faiths are invited to participate and stay for the Friday (jum'ah) prayer service which begins at 1:20 pm.
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Hajj Workshop
Hajj: The spiritual significance and actual mechanics of performing Hajj
Sunday December 7, 2008 - THIS IS POSTPONED AS EID AL ADHA MAY FALL ON THIS DAY
Noor Cultural Centre
upper level at the Noor Cultural Centre, 123 Wynford Drive map
10 AM to 11:30 AM
Join Dr. Timothy Gianotti for this workshop being held during the time of the Hajj pilgrimage as we explore the significance this event.
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Sunday December 7, 2008 - THIS IS POSTPONED AS EID AL ADHA MAY FALL ON THIS DAY
Noor Cultural Centre
upper level at the Noor Cultural Centre, 123 Wynford Drive map
10 AM to 11:30 AM
Join Dr. Timothy Gianotti for this workshop being held during the time of the Hajj pilgrimage as we explore the significance this event.
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North American Weekend of "Twinning" between Synagogues & Mosques
Nov. 21-23, 2008
Temple Emanu-El & Noor Cultural Centre
Weekend of Twinning
with Rabbi Debra Landsberg and Dr. Timothy Gianotti
See Coverage of this event in the Canadian Jewish News here.
As part of an inspirational North American wide initiative to build bridges and friendships between Jews and Muslims, Temple Emanu-El and Noor Cultural Centre have planned a series of cross-visits during the Weekend of Twinning of Synagogues and Mosques, November 21-23, 2008.
In the future we hope to have many occasions to share experiences, education, and build long-term friendships. We are hoping that families will attend throughout and in particular that youth will participate in the Sunday morning program at Noor.
LOCATIONS:
Noor Cultural Centre:
123 Wynford Drive
416.444.7148
www.noorculturalcentre.ca
Just east of the DVP ramp, just west of Concord Place. We're easy to miss, so look out for the condo construction right next to us, and a bus stop and Noor sign just outside.
Temple Emanu-El:
120 Old Colony Rd. East
416.449.3880
www.templeemanuel.ca
Off Bayview at the end of Old Colony, south of the 401 & north of York Mills - about ½ way between.
PROGRAM:
FRIDAY NOV 21
Noor Cultural Centre - 1:00-3:00pm
- 1:00-1:15pm Tour of the Noor Cultural Centre
- 1:20pm Call to prayers
- 1.30-2.00pm Jum'a prayers -- sermon: "From Estrangement to Reunion and Beyond: rethinking the biblical/qur'anic record of Abraham and his sons."
- 2:00-3:00pm Refreshments & fellowship at the Noor.
Temple Emanu-El - 6:00pm
- 6:00pm Shabbat services at Emanu-El, followed by family dinner & shared song
SATURDAY NOV 22
Temple Emanu-El - 10:30am
- 10:30am Saturday morning service at Emanu-El. As on Friday at Noor, the sermon focused on the story of Abraham, but here specifically on the 2 women of the biblical narrative: Sarah and Hagar.
- 12:00 vegetarian potluck lunch.
SUNDAY NOV 23
Noor Cultural Centre - 9:30-11:30am
- 9:30 - 10:00 Breakfast & Fellowship
-10:00 - 10:30 Sacred Music
-10:30 - 11:00 Rabbi Debra and Dr. Timothy offer scholarly reflections on the "Religion of Abraham."
-11:00 - 12:00 Table D
iscussions + Abraham quiz game
Temple Emanu-El & Noor Cultural Centre
Weekend of Twinning
with Rabbi Debra Landsberg and Dr. Timothy Gianotti
See Coverage of this event in the Canadian Jewish News here.
As part of an inspirational North American wide initiative to build bridges and friendships between Jews and Muslims, Temple Emanu-El and Noor Cultural Centre have planned a series of cross-visits during the Weekend of Twinning of Synagogues and Mosques, November 21-23, 2008.In the future we hope to have many occasions to share experiences, education, and build long-term friendships. We are hoping that families will attend throughout and in particular that youth will participate in the Sunday morning program at Noor.
LOCATIONS:
Noor Cultural Centre:
123 Wynford Drive
416.444.7148
www.noorculturalcentre.ca
Just east of the DVP ramp, just west of Concord Place. We're easy to miss, so look out for the condo construction right next to us, and a bus stop and Noor sign just outside.
Temple Emanu-El:
120 Old Colony Rd. East
416.449.3880
www.templeemanuel.ca
Off Bayview at the end of Old Colony, south of the 401 & north of York Mills - about ½ way between.
PROGRAM:
FRIDAY NOV 21
Noor Cultural Centre - 1:00-3:00pm
- 1:00-1:15pm Tour of the Noor Cultural Centre
- 1:20pm Call to prayers
- 1.30-2.00pm Jum'a prayers -- sermon: "From Estrangement to Reunion and Beyond: rethinking the biblical/qur'anic record of Abraham and his sons."
- 2:00-3:00pm Refreshments & fellowship at the Noor.
Temple Emanu-El - 6:00pm
- 6:00pm Shabbat services at Emanu-El, followed by family dinner & shared song
SATURDAY NOV 22
Temple Emanu-El - 10:30am
- 10:30am Saturday morning service at Emanu-El. As on Friday at Noor, the sermon focused on the story of Abraham, but here specifically on the 2 women of the biblical narrative: Sarah and Hagar.
- 12:00 vegetarian potluck lunch.
SUNDAY NOV 23
Noor Cultural Centre - 9:30-11:30am
- 9:30 - 10:00 Breakfast & Fellowship
-10:00 - 10:30 Sacred Music
-10:30 - 11:00 Rabbi Debra and Dr. Timothy offer scholarly reflections on the "Religion of Abraham."
-11:00 - 12:00 Table D
iscussions + Abraham quiz game
Light Upon Light This Friday November 7
Friday November 7 at 7:30 pm
Light Upon Light
Topic: Core Paradoxes: freedom in servitude, wealth in poverty, life in death, gaining by spending, spiritual advancement through sin
lower level at the Noor Cultural Centre, 123 Wynford Drive map
Light Upon Light Spirituality Discussion Series features a variety of spiritually nourishing subjects. This is an inclusive space where participants of all faiths actively contribute in a manner that is respectful to all.
This series is led by Dr. Timothy Gianotti
2008-2009 Noor Fellow in Islamic Studies, York University
2007-2008 Noor Chair of Islamic Studies, York University
Light refreshments will be served. Admittance is $5.
Next scheduled date:
Friday December 5 at 7:30 pm
Light Upon Light, Topic: The World of the Unseen
lower level at the Noor Cultural Centre, 123 Wynford Drive map
In the Light of the Blessed Tree
We are in the process of constructing this as a resource centre to accompany the book.
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