Grade 11s Gain Greater Understanding of Abrahamic Faiths
By Jayne Wyvill Abubakar
On February 20, the Grade 11 World Religions class spent the day visiting places of worship associated with the Abrahamic Faiths.
We began our excursion at St David's Roman Catholic Church, where Fr Jesus talked us through his journey toward becoming a priest. He told us of a time that he turned away from the church, but was able to find mercy through the sacrament of confession. His own experience made him want to show compassion to folks that are struggling. His belief is that suffering is part of a much bigger plan. Though the visit was short, Fr Jesus took the time to tell us about the parish and the types of activities the parishioners participate in weekly, including: a number of masses in English and Italian, as well as youth outreach, charity work and Bible study groups.
We then headed over to Tahir Hall to hear about the Muslim experience. Mr. Mustajab met with us and talked us through the five pillars of Islam. He also told us about his journey through Seminary School. Special attention was given to practices during the Holy Month of Ramadan, since it had just begun when we visited. He spoke about how the faith reveres women [a common misconception] and there is an expectation not to hoard wealth. A number of our questions were answered and a number of misconceptions about the faith were dispelled. Though members of Tahir Hall were fasting, they provided us with refreshments.
Our last stop of the day was to Kol Ami to visit with Rabbi Lori. She talked us through her experience as a convert to the faith and about the progress Judaism has made toward including women in leadership. Though she noted there is nowhere in Canada for women to study and become rabbis. She did her training in the USA and Israel. Some key takeaways from her talk included: that actions are preferred over beliefs, that Jewish people are encouraged to question everything and that we are all responsible for each other. She then showed us Torah Scroll 669, which was rescued from the Czech Republic after WWII. A moving moment for us all.
We are all richer for the experience and a number of practical examples will support our learning as we finish the Judaism Unit and progress through Christian and Islamic topics ahead of the exam.
Land Acknowledgment
The Country Day School wishes to recognize and acknowledge the land on which the school operates. Our nearest Indigenous Nations are now the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the Chippewas of Georgina Island. The Dish with One Spoon Wampum covenant is often cited as an example of the shared responsibility for caring for these lands among the Huron-Wendat, Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples who would call these their traditional territories. CDS respects the relationship with these lands and recognizes that our connection to this land can be strengthened by our continued relationship with all First Nations, by acknowledging our shared responsibility to respect and care for the land and waters for future generations.
School Information
Junior, Middle and Senior Schools
13415 Dufferin Street, King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
13415 Dufferin Street, King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
