So, it makes sense that when I sought to convene scholars and leaders of all major faiths in order to honor my friend Rabbi David Rosen in honor of his 70th birthday, I would turn to yet another dimension of religion made personal, this time in the field of interfaith relations. Thus was conceived “Interreligious Heroes: Role Models and Spiritual Exemplars for Interfaith Practice.”
This is a work I take particular joy in, inasmuch as it is not only a study of a figure. It is, in fact, a history and an overview of the entire interfaith movement. It is thus one valuable entry point into interfaith studies, seen through the lens of the great men and women who shaped the movement. Whether for purposes of individual learning or for purposes of classroom study, this collection of short essays functions as an introduction to interfaith.
Forty noted religious leaders and scholars responded positively to my invitation to contribute. This is what they were asked, and I quote from the letter of invitation:
The choice of topic stems from the recognition that all those who are working in the field have been and are inspired by figures who preceded them and who serve as inspirations and role models. What we would like is to learn :
a. Who is a figure who inspires your interfaith work?
b. How does this figure inspire you and what lessons, applications and concrete expressions has this inspiration taken in your life?
The writing should be personal, but grounded in the objective reference to the figure.