Spiritual Growth Study

Conflict between the Israelis and the Palestinians has been ongoing since the creation of the state of Israel, a conflict revolving around land-ownership, water politics, human rights, and religious rights. 'Shalom/Salaam/Peace' examines the realities of life in contemporary Israel/Palestine, with its politics, wars, security wall, settlements and ongoing struggles. Having established the historical, scriptural and theological context behind the present situation, the book presents key figures who have promoted peace and justice and explores liberation theology as a way of bringing peace in Israel/Palestine. Combining the history of liberation theology with its lived reality in Israel/Palestine today, 'Shalom/Salaam/Peace' is an illuminating resource for students and scholars of politics and religion.

Shalom/Salaam: A Story of a Mystical Fraternity is a groundbreaking study introducing To The popular reader, The story of respectful and loving interfaith relations between Sufis (Islamic mystics) and Jewish spiritual thinkers for nearly one thousand years. From the inception of Islam, To the Golden Age (8th-12th centuries) Jewish-Sufis of Arabia, North Africa and Spain, through the Kabbalists in Spain And The Holy Land, and then into 18th century European Hasidism, Islamic and Jewish ideas commingled to influence both paths, As well as strongly influencing the Jewish mystical system. This story is important to understanding contemporary Jewish-Muslim relations. As Egyptian Ambassador Sallama Shaker notes: "Block's narrative is an eye-opener for peace activists and politicians who are in search for genuine peace built on mutual respect – This is a 'must read book'." Many medieval Jews interacted with and were influenced by the Sufi way. Moses Maimonides, considered the pre-eminent Jewish medieval thinker, Solomon ibn Gabirol, whose "piyyut" are still sung during the Sabbath liturgy the world over, Judah Halevi, whose work, according To The chief Rabbi of Palestine in the early 20th century, contains that which is most precious about the Jewish soul and hundreds of other seminal Jewish thinkers often read Sufi treatises in Arabic, wrote Islamic-inspired mystical odes and sometimes even based their interpretations of Jewish tradition on Sufi thought and practice.

Two neighbors—one Jewish, one Muslim—have always been best friends. When they both fall on hard times, can they find a way to help each other? In Fawzia Gilani's retelling of this folktale—which has both Jewish and Arab origins—differences are not always causes for conflict and friendship can overcome any obstacle.

When they meet on the first day of school, three girls realize they are different from each other - Molly is Christian, Savera is Muslim, and Hannah is Jewish. As the seasons pass, the girls' friendship blossoms through a planting project in Peace Park. Written by three women authors from the same faith traditions as the girls in the story, this book brings more kindness and understanding into the world. PEACE, SALAAM, SHALOM.

A compilation of treaties, resoultions, and other official documents from 1917-1994.

Bibliography: p.120.