By Anna Hope Emerson ’16, Staff Writer

Just after the bell marking the end of second period rung on April 4^th, the freshman class, their humanities teachers, and many other members of the Newark Academy community headed down to the Kaltenbacher Hall. The reason? The initial discussion of the Newark Academy Dialogues series: Abraham Talks. This year, Mrs. Schottland, a 9th grade humanities teacher, kicked off the new Dialogue series where she hopes to bring in at least one speaker every year to talk to the freshman class, tying in what they have learned in their Ancient World classes. The presentation was an interfaith discussion between Rabbi Matthew Gewirtz of Temple B’nai Jeshurun in Short Hills, Imam Deen Sharif of Masjid Waarith ud Deen in Irvington, and Bishop Mark Beckwith of the Episcopal Archdiocese of Newark. They discussed the views of their respective religions on Abraham.

Rabbi Matt Gewirtz, Bishop Mark Beckwith, and Imam Deen Sharif co-founded The Newark Interfaith Coalition for Hope and Peace. This nonprofit organization was formed in 2007, following the wake of three teens shot dead in Newark. The Coalition strives to embrace the vast diversity in Newark, while creating a web of peace and acceptance.

Though the presentation was open to anybody free during third period, it was directed specifically at the freshman class. “In our Ancient World class this year, we learn about many different religions but so far we have never had the chance to put them all together,” said Stephanie Roser, a freshman. “The presentation really helped to show how Judaism, Christianity, and Islam coincide though Abraham.”

During the presentation, each speaker shared a different story about Abraham. Each story, though pertaining to the same man, was completely unique and reflected different values and truths of each religion. “The opposite of a fact is a lie, but the opposite of a truth is another truth”, said the Bishop at one point. This statement is essential in understanding these three religious figures: they had their own set of beliefs and values, but they were open to listening and respecting other people’s beliefs as well. “They were able to draw on common themes of their religion to work together for a common good,” said Zach Persing, a sophomore who was able to attend the dialogue series. He added that, “I felt that this type of attitude could put a stop to many problems that the world is facing today.”

Many students in the freshman class do not consider themselves very religious, but the presentation was impressive regardless of religious background.  The strength in the communication and presentation skills of the speakers definitely kept the audience’s eager attention. As Caleigh Molnear ’16 puts it, “I am not very religious, but the fact that they could keep me interested and get me thinking definitely showed the success of their presentation.”

Following the three brief and thought-provoking presentations, time was left over for a question and answer session. The Rabbi, the Imam, and the Bishop expressed praise towards the audience for asking exceptional and bold questions. Ms. Schottland, Ancient World teacher and organizer of the event, said, “They were blown away by the reception, the warmth, and the level of interest that greeted them the minute they walked into the building. I think they were surprised that our students were so receptive to thinking about sacred issues, and how personally the students thought about the topics and issues they discussed.” One of such honest and direct questions was from Dean Rosenthal, a freshman. In reference to a story in which Abraham smashed the idols-small figures for worship- in his father’s shop, Dean asked, “If you do not believe in statues because they don’t answer, why do you believe in God if God doesn’t answer?” Each speaker, in turn, answered eloquently and honestly.

The students who were able to attend the Academy’s initial dialogue presentation “Abraham Talks” were highly intrigued by the Rabbi, the Iman, and the Bishop. The insightful lecture was both directly relevant to the freshman Ancient World curriculum and the greater issues at large in the Newark Academy community and beyond.