The Interfaith Center of New York

Site visits in the #ReligiousWorlds of New York summer institute help us discover the diverse worship communities thriving around us. The Korea Buddhism Jo-Gei Temple of America is housed in a repurposed brownstone former residence in Manhattan's Upper East Side, just blocks from the institute. From the moment we enter, and take off our shoes, we are immersed in a beautiful sacred space, where our guide helps us appreciate the imagery around us, and leads some of the fellows in a brief guided meditation. National Endowment for the Humanities

Our first group photo of the teachers attending this year's #ReligiousWorlds of New York summer institute, a three-week professional development program that helps K-12 teachers teach creatively and effectively about religious diversity. Supported by National Endowment for the Humanities www.religiousworldsnyc.org

Site visits bring the teachers attending our #ReligiousWorlds of New York summer institute into the everyday religious lives of diverse New Yorkers. Today we visited the The Hindu Temple Society of North America in Flushing, Queens. Inside the temple we observed a ceremony honoring the deity Ganesha. Outside the temple, we explored architectural iconography and enjoyed a meal in the canteen.

A major part of our National Endowment for the Humanities-supported #ReligiousWorlds of New York Summer Institute is panel discussions, allowing our teachers to hear directly from members of diverse faith communities. Today, our teachers are hearing from Muslim New Yorkers, including (pictured, l. to r.) Hanadi Doleh, Director of Community Partnerships at the Interfaith Center of New York; scholar and educator Dr. Hussein Rashid; and Imam Ammar Abdul Rahman, deputy imam at Masjid Al-Haram USA in the Bronx. The Institute panel discussions exemplify how teachers in public, private or parochial schools can Constitutionally bring diverse local faith leaders into their classrooms to talk with students about faith. All of the panels we present demonstrate the great diversity that exists within each of the world’s faith traditions, including Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, African Diasporan communities, among others.

The Rev. Dr. Chloe Breyer (ED of ICNY) and Su Yon Pak (VP of Academic Affairs at Union Theological Seminary) welcome our 2025 cohort of teachers attending the #ReligiousWorlds of New York summer institute, a three-week professional development program that helps K-12 teachers teach creatively and effectively about religious diversity. Supported by National Endowment for the Humanities www.religiousworldsnyc.org

Our #ReligiousWorlds of New York summer institute teachers discuss law and First Amendment issues relating to teaching about religion. For example, is it good pedagogy to engage students in role playing, such as partaking in the singing of religious songs, or tasting foods used in particular faith observances? What about taking students to visit diverse houses of worship? How do you talk with students when they ask you about your own faith beliefs?

Extending a hearty welcome to all of the teachers from around the US who are joining us for the launch of this year’s “#ReligiousWorlds of New York” Summer Institute, a National Endowment for the Humanities-funded program helping K-12 teachers and students explore the religious lives of their diverse neighbors. We’ve got 3 weeks of study, discussion & visits to some of the diverse faith communities around NYC. More to come… https://lnkd.in/e3arxF7m

ICNY condemns political violence including the horrific attack on former President Donald Trump that left two people dead, including the gunman, and two others injured. We offer our condolences to the families. We support these sentiments from @67ClergyCouncil https://lnkd.in/ePQGQqND

Our July Newsletter is out now! Read about No Room for Hate in NYC, ICLA Grads, New NEH Fellows: https://lnkd.in/edsh_Wp4

ICNY’S gala ticket link shuts down today at noon, so don't wait! Secure your spot now by clicking the link below: https://lnkd.in/es29q5Zs Huge thanks to all our amazing ticket holders, sponsors, and guests! Can't wait to see you at Tribeca Rooftop (2 Desbrosses Street) on Monday at 6:30 pm sharp!