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Gail Katz: Reflections on the IFLC Education Committee
January 20, 2025
As the co-chair of the Education Committee for many years, interfaith interaction has always been my passion. Reflecting on 2024, it was an incredibly productive year for our committee. One of my favorite events featured Zachary Rodger, a Muslim high school student who authored a book called, “Fasting: An Interfaith Exploration” which explored the significance of fasting across various faiths as a way to promote interfaith understanding.
This inspiring event took place on Sunday, February 25th, at the West Bloomfield Public Library. In addition to spotlighting Zachary, we hosted an interfaith panel discussion on fasting practices in Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Judaism. The distinguished panelists included Imam Mohammad Ali Elahi, Monsignor John Zenz, Narayanaswamy (Nasy) Sankagiri, Wonrim, and Rabbi Marla Hornsten.
The event was profoundly moving and exemplified the spirit of unity and respect among our diverse faith communities. As a retired middle school ESL teacher, it was especially meaningful for me to feature a teenager so dedicated to fostering interfaith understanding. I hope that Zachary and the many youth he inspires will continue to engage with IFLC educational programs in the future.
