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Episode 101.  This is the second part of my discussion with Judith Pajo and Zeyneb Sayilgan about living our faiths in America and Germany. While we have all lived in both countries, we practice different faiths, representing the three Abrahamic religions––Judaism, Christianity, and Islam respectively.    In the first part released on 12 June, we discussed our backgrounds, immigration patterns, religious identity and the dynamic of universalism and particularism. In this part, we continue the conversation about the universal and the particular, the problem with identity boxes, and the value or challenge of diversity, before shifting to the issues of the abuse of religion in national efforts to claim power.  Bio for Judith: Judith Pajo, PhD, grew up in both Germany and the United States. She studied Catholic theology and cultural anthropology on both sides of the Atlantic and has been teaching at Pace University in New York City. Her new research on interfaith dialogue among Jews, Christians, and Muslims in Europe and North America, conceived a little over a year ago, is transforming her Catholic faith. She is currently working on an article about cultural transgressions in interfaith work. Judith lives in Queens, NY.  Links for Judith:  Profile at Pace University LinkedIn – Judith Pajo  Bio for Zeyneb: Zeyneb Sayilgan, PhD, is the Muslim Scholar at ICJS, The Institute for Islamic, Christian, and Jewish Studies in Baltimore, where her research focuses on Islamic theology and spirituality as articulated in the writings of Muslim scholar Bediüzzaman Said Nursi (1876-1960). She is the host of the Podcast On Being Muslim. You can read her publications on her blog. Links for Zeyneb:  On Being Muslim podcastZeyneb’s blogICJS website – www.icjs.org Transcript on Buzzsprout More episodes about living abroad: Daniel Stein Kokin 'Reinterpreting Jewish Liturgy'Oliver Bradley 'A Jew in Germany' Social Media and other links for Méli: Website – the Talking with God ProjectMeli’s emailLinkedIn – Meli SolomonFacebook – Meli Solomon Follow the podcast! The Living Our Beliefs podcast is part of the Talking with God Project.

Episode 100.    For this episode, I’ve invited two women, Judith Pajo and Zeyneb Sayilgan, for a group discussion about living our faiths in America and Germany. We each have unique patterns of immigration in addition to different religious identities and practice. Judith grew up in both countries as a Catholic, Zeyneb likewise grew up in Germany and is a lifelong Muslim, while I grew up in the US and lived in Germany for nearly nine years, having become a practicing Jew as an adult. In comparing our unique religious experiences in these two countries, we found engaging layers of issues that we hope to further explore.     A small note. Because this conversation was so extensive, I’ve divided it into two episodes of approximately 30 minutes each. This first part includes discussion of our background, religious identity and the dynamic of universalism and individuality. Part two will be released in two weeks.  Bio for Judith: Judith Pajo, PhD, grew up in both Germany and the United States. She studied Catholic theology and cultural anthropology on both sides of the Atlantic and has been teaching at Pace University in New York City. Her new research on interfaith dialogue among Jews, Christians, and Muslims in Europe and North America, conceived a little over a year ago, is transforming her Catholic faith. She is currently working on an article about cultural transgressions in interfaith work. Judith lives in Queens, NY.  Links for Judith:  Profile at Pace University LinkedIn – Judith Pajo  Bio for Zeyneb: Zeyneb Sayilgan, PhD, is the Muslim Scholar at ICJS, The Institute for Islamic, Christian, and Jewish Studies in Baltimore, where her research focuses on Islamic theology and spirituality as articulated in the writings of Muslim scholar Bediüzzaman Said Nursi (1876-1960). She is the host of the Podcast On Being Muslim. You can read her publications on her blog. Links for Zeyneb:  On Being Muslim podcastZeyneb’s blogICJS website – www.icjs.org Transcript on Buzzsprout More episodes about living abroad: Daniel Stein Kokin 'Reinterpreting Jewish Liturgy'Oliver Bradley 'A Jew in Germany' Social Media and other links for Méli: Website – the Talking with God ProjectMeli’s emailLinkedIn – Meli SolomonFacebook – Meli Solomon Follow the podcast! The Living Our Beliefs podcast is part of the Talking with God Project.

Episode 99. Bonus   For this Bonus episode, I’ve invited two British women, Lindsay Simmonds and Julie Siddiqi, both PhDs, to talk about their interfaith friendship and the public facing work they’ve done since Hamas’ attack on Israel on 7 Oct. 2023. Lindsay is an Orthodox Jew and Julie is Muslim. The fact of their religious identities and deep practice is noteworthy and relevant, as the attack and subsequent war, have proven polarizing, straining the already challenging work of bridging religious differences between Jews and Muslims. Lindsay and Julie offer an inspiring example of possibility, showing us the path to connection, communication, and healing, while not shying away from the challenges. Given the long standing and apparent intransigence of the conflict, this seemed a good time for some hope. Highlights:  Intersection of deep faith practice and interfaith work.Organizing inclusive events amidst tension.Impact and significance of their work.The role of space, gender, and representation.Trivializing women's impactful initiatives.Sustaining hope and setting intentions for the future.  Bios:   Dr. Lindsay Simmonds is a Research Fellow at the London School of Jewish Studies (LSJS) where she has lectured for 20+ years. She recently worked as a Researcher at the London School of Economics (LSE), UK, working on Women of Faith and Peacebuilding. Lindsay is very active in local interfaith work. She has five adult children and five grandchildren, and she promotes women's participation in her local orthodox Jewish community in London.  Dr. Julie Siddiqi MBE is a mentor, consultant and gender equality campaigner with a focus on interfaith relations, applying that to social work. She has 25+ years of experience in community work predominantly in the Muslim community as well as in interfaith work. Julie is a qualified Life Coach. She was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List of 2020 and an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Middlesex. She chose Islam in 1995 and is married with four children.  Other episodes: Raphael Luzon Building Peace Through Interfaith DialogueLindsay Simmonds Honoring and Challenging Jewish Orthodoxy  Links for Lindsay:   London School of Jewish Studies (LSJS)LSE, Religion and Global Society UnitAbraham Initiatives, UK Council of Christians & Jews  Links for Julie:  Together We Thrive Transcript on Buzzsprout Links for Méli: Website – the Talking with God ProjectMeli’s emailLinkedIn – Meli SolomonFacebook – Meli Solomon Follow the podcast! The Living Our Beliefs podcast is part of the Talking with God Project.

Episode 98.  (replay of Episode 78) Over the last two episodes with Judith Pajo and Zeyneb Sayilgan, we’ve talked quite a bit about faith challenges and dealing with changes in life that impact religious practice. Those changes have included moving country. With that in mind, I wanted to replay an episode from 2024 that addresses these themes among others. Aaron Solberg was raised in an Orthodox Jewish home in New York. As a young adult, he traversed several spiritual thresholds, eventually converting to Christianity. He is now a minister in the Anglican church. He has also traded in the city for the remote wilderness of Canada. In this conversation, he describes the path he’s traveled and the challenges he continues to face. While his story is unique and unusual, I believe the threads that run through it will find resonance. He offers reminders that challenges are a part of life, and that walking the path and remembering, even cherishing, your past remains with you.  Highlights:  Jewish practice seen as "legalistic," leading to feelings of obligation and guilt.Importance of structure and discipline.Appreciation for communal aspects of both Jewish and Christian services.Shift from fear-based obedience to love-driven practices in Christianity.Human struggle with discipline and imperfection. Bio: Father Aaron Solberg is an Anglican priest, composer, husband, and father living in the Canadian North. A convert from Judaism, he originally worked as a conductor and cellist in Germany before feeling a calling to ministry. After studying theology, he served in Baker Lake, Nunavut, (in the Canadian Arctic) and now leads St. John's Anglican Church in Fort Smith, Northwest Territories. He is the father of two young boys and writes about family life and faith, fostering a deeper understanding of spirituality within his community. In his free time, he focuses on writing and composing new music for various ensembles.  Transcript on Buzzsprout More episodes with converts: Katrina KincadeRabbi Tara FeldmanJeanne Blasberg Social Media and other links for Aaron:  Website – www.thesolbergs.family Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/theanglicanfamily/Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/theanglicanfamilyTikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@theanglicanfamily  Transcript on Buzzsprout Social Media and other links for Méli: Website – the Talking with God ProjectMeli’s emailLinkedIn – Meli SolomonFacebook – Meli Solomon Follow the podcast! The Living Our Beliefs podcast is part of the Talking with God Project.

Episode 97.   Burying a child is an unimaginable trauma that no parent should have to face. My guest today, Zeyneb Sayilgan, has sadly needed to endure that pain and grief twice. Through it all, her Muslim faith has sustained her and provided a path for healing. She has joined me to talk about her experience of loss and subsequent growth, as well as the related Islamic beliefs about death and the afterlife. We also touch on where the beliefs are similar to those in Judaism. Zeyneb brings both personal experience and knowledge to this complex topic.  Highlights:  Zeyneb’s personal religious and cultural backgroundEngagement with death in the Muslim communityComparison of death practices and attitudes in different countriesParallels and differences with Jewish and Christian practicesDetailed overview of Islamic funeral practicesCommunity healing through griefLife's value: time and eternity Bio:    Zeyneb Sayilgan, Ph.D., is the Muslim Scholar at ICJS, The Institute for Islamic, Christian, and Jewish Studies in Baltimore, where her research focuses on Islamic theology and spirituality as articulated in the writings of Muslim scholar Bediüzzaman Said Nursi (1876-1960). She is the host of the Podcast On Being Muslim. You can read her publications on her blog. References: https://religionnews.com/2024/05/15/what-the-dead-teach-us-about-life-a-view-from-islams-last-rites/https://uscatholic.org/articles/202410/what-catholics-can-learn-from-muhammad-about-grief/https://muslimmatters.org/2024/12/13/death-the-greatest-teacher/  Social Media and other links for Zeyneb:   On Being Muslim podcastZeyneb’s blogICJS website – www.icjs.org Suggested episodes on Living Our Beliefs: Elissa Felder episode Bonus episode on Tahara Transcript on Buzzsprout Social Media and other links for Méli: Website – the Talking with God ProjectMeli’s emailLinkedIn – Meli SolomonFacebook – Meli Solomon Follow the podcast!   The Living Our Beliefs podcast is part of the Talking with God Project.

Episode 96.    Have you lived in more than one country? Do you participate in interreligious dialogue or are you interested in it? Have you studied religion or theology? Not very many people can say yes to all of these questions. But my guest, Judith Pajo can. Born in Germany, she has nevertheless lived many years both there and in the U.S., shuttling back and forth since childhood. Raised Catholic, she has also studied theology and cultural anthropology in both countries. Judith now conducts interreligious research at Pace University in New York. With these elements as our focus, Judith and I explored her peripatetic upbringing, her current scholarship on interreligious and intra-religious dialogue, and the impact of that exploration on her Catholic faith.    While this conversation was recorded weeks ago, the recent death of Pope Francis makes it particularly timely.  Highlights:  Diverse experiences of Catholicism.The impact of mobility on religious experience.Sound and light over words and other distractions. Language diversity in Catholic practice.Impact of October 7th attack on interfaith dialogue.Researcher risks and faith struggles.How interfaith dialogue reshapes religions.Research outcomes and future directions. Bio:   Judith Pajo, PhD, grew up in both Germany and the United States. She studied Catholic theology and cultural anthropology on both sides of the Atlantic and has been teaching at Pace University in New York City for over fifteen years, with shorter stints at NYU and Fordham. Her new research on interfaith dialogue among Jews, Christians, and Muslims in Europe and North America, conceived a little over a year ago, is transforming her Catholic faith as she integrates more elements from the other Abrahamic religions into her practice. She is also guiding undergraduate students in conducting interviews with individuals from diverse faith traditions. The research group itself is an interfaith initiative; no two members share the same faith, but they are discovering that they have much in common. She is currently working on an article about cultural transgressions in interfaith work. What does forgiveness look like in practice? How do we continue interfaith dialogue? Judith lives in Queens, NY.    References: Church of the Reconciliation, BerlinSecond Vatican Council Suggested episode on Living Our Beliefs: Mookie Manalili episode – Catholic life  Social Media and other links for Judith:   Profile at Pace University LinkedIn – Judith Pajo Transcript on Buzzsprout Social Media and other links for Méli: Website – the Talking with God ProjectMeli’s emailLinkedIn – Meli SolomonFacebook – Meli Solomon Follow the podcast!   The Living Our Beliefs podcast is part of the Talking with God Project.

Episode 95.   What comes to mind when you hear the term mysticism? Perhaps you imagine a yogi sitting cross legged in meditation, or people sitting in a circle chanting. Several religions have mystical practices, Sufism in Islam, and Zen Buddhism, for instance. Whatever the particulars, they generally share a desire to become one with the Divine and valueing of spiritual rather than intellectual understanding. Today, my guest, Lex Rofeberg, has joined me to talk about Jewish mysticism, its history, core books, challenging concepts and risks to followers. As a rabbi ordained in the Jewish Renewal movement, he is both a practitioner and critic of Jewish mysticism. Lex is co-host of the Judaism Unbound podcast and the Un-Yeshiva – a link is in the show notes. He is also an active proponent of learning from other faith traditions. In this, he shares my philosophy that learning about other paths is beneficial and does not pose a risk to your beliefs or practice.  Bio:   Lex Rofeberg (he/him) serves as senior Jewish educator for Judaism Unbound, a digital-first Jewish organization. He co-hosts and produces its weekly podcast, facilitates many of its digital rituals and events, and oversees the UnYeshiva: a digital center for Jewish learning and unlearning. He graduated from Brown University with a degree in Judaic Studies, and was ordained as a rabbi by ALEPH: Alliance for Jewish Renewal. A native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Lex lived for two years in Jackson, Mississippi -- working for the Institute of Southern Jewish Life -- and he currently lives in Providence, Rhode Island with his wife. Highlights:  Embracing Jewish pop culture. Pantheism, panentheism and monotheism.Embodied worship and pantheism. Oneness and separation of the sacred and the profane.Hasidism, neo-Hasidism, and Chabad.The Zohar and Kabbalah. Reckoning with harm in by charismatic leaders. Social Media links for Lex:  Website – JudaismUnbound.comBluesky – @lexaphus.bsky.social References: Living Our Beliefs – Yusef Hayes episode on SufismLiving Our Beliefs – David Green on the Tanya and Chabad Transcript on Buzzsprout Social Media links for Méli: Website – the Talking with God ProjectMeli’s emailLinkedIn – Meli SolomonFacebook – Meli Solomon Follow the podcast! The Living Our Beliefs podcast is part of the Talking with God Project.

Episode 94.  Are you a Jew, Christian, or Muslim? Do you wonder about how your holiday this spring intersects with other holidays occurring at or near the same time? What do you make of that? And what does your holiday mean to you? How do you celebrate it?  In this month's reflection, I address how Ramadan, Lent, and Passover connect thematically, and in the calendar. In these tense times when so many of us are feeling anxious and distressed, we can either give into that or strive to remember what connects us to be civil and caring and, that we can learn from each other. I personally choose the latter and I'm guessing you do as well. I thought taking a few moments to look at the main themes of these holidays and the calendar of these holidays that we can, get a little relief from the exhaustion and expand, enrich our own spiritual experience. Highlights: Ramadan, Lent and Passover coinciding this year.Ramadan and Lent: Repentance and gratitude.Lent and Passover: Redemption and transformation.Fasting or restriction brings time and reflection.Exodus story as the foundation for both Lent and Passover.Importance of processes over time for renewal and spiritual cleansing. Bio: I am a public scholar and interreligious leader with a keen interest in understanding the nature of similarities and differences––especially religious and cultural.  The Talking with God Project is currently my main focus, and I am actively expanding its reach through workshops, articles, panels, talks and a podcast.   ​ Raised in the Boston area, I have lived in Seattle, WA and Berlin, Germany, before returning to Boston in 2017.  Carving out a varied educational and professional path, I hold a B.A. in Fine Art from Oberlin College (1984), an M.B.A. from Northeastern University (1997), a Certificate in Coaching from the International Coach Academy (2015), and a Master of Jewish Liberal Studies (MJLS) from Hebrew College with a focus on Global Interreligious Studies (2019).  Professionally, I have worked as a business manager, an art dealer and founder of Solomon Fine Art gallery, language trainer, text editor, business coach and now public scholar and podcaster.  ​ Though raised in an interfaith non-observant home. my Conservative Jewish practice and wide range of personal and professional experiences inform my research and life. Transcript on Buzzsprout Social Media links for Méli: Website – the Talking with God ProjectMeli’s emailLinkedIn – Meli SolomonFacebook – Meli Solomon Follow the podcast! The Living Our Beliefs podcast is part of the Talking with God Project.

Episode 93.    Did you grow up in a highly observant home and religious community where surety of belief was the norm? Aubrey Chaves did, and much as she felt embraced by the family’s deep engagement within their Mormon congregation, or ward, when she encountered differing lifestyles that were loving and not harmful to anyone, the rightness she had always believed about the church fathers and doctrine shifted from a solid foundation to something brittle. In short, it prompted a crisis of faith. Over the many years since then, she’s spent a lot time learning and struggling with her faith, emerging with a stronger and more forgiving approach to living her beliefs. These days, her spiritual views are more complex and open, for which she is grateful.  Highlights:  Pioneer stock of Mormons on both sides of the family. Church provided an anchor and cadence for life.Crisis of faith and realizing the church had flaws and ugly history.The role of LGBTQ issues in faith reassessment.James Fowler's Stages of Faith.Missionary service as a transformative journey.Orthodoxy v. Orthodoxy.Faith redefined as love and trust. Bio:  As a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Aubrey Chaves finds deep meaning in faith, community, and the continual pursuit of spiritual growth. She serves on the executive board of the Faith Matters Foundation and co-hosts its weekly podcast with her husband, Tim. Together, they explore big questions and hope to foster expansive, thoughtful conversations that inspire curiosity, connection, and deeper engagement with faith. They live in Midway, Utah, where they are raising their four children under the beautiful snowy peaks of the Wasatch Mountains. References: James Fowler, Stages of FaithBrian McLaren – Faith After DoubtPew Research   Social Media links for Aubrey:  Website – https://faithmatters.org/Instagram – @faithmattersfoundation Transcript on Buzzsprout Social Media links for Méli: Website – the Talking with God ProjectMeli’s emailLinkedIn – Meli SolomonFacebook – Meli Solomon Follow the podcast! The Living Our Beliefs podcast is part of the Talking with God Project.

Episode 92.   Jews had lived in Libya since the third century BCE, but 1967 marked their final expulsion from the majority Muslim country. Raphael Luzon was a child at the time and fled with his family. Like many, they went to Italy. Overnight, his environment changed. Gone were his Jewish, Muslim and Catholic classmates. Gone was the exchange of holiday greetings with Muslim neighbors. But all was not lost. Those relationships had planted a seed, and that seed grew. Over the decades since university, Raphael has used his religious and cultural knowledge, along with his Arabic, Italian and English, to work in journalism, management, and interfaith dialogue. Within this latter sphere, he has brought high-level religious leaders like the Dalai Llama and Catholic cardinals together for constructive interfaith discussions. In this conversation, you’ll hear stories of success, disappointment and perseverance. Especially in these trying times, it's good to be reminded that connection is possible and what it takes to reach that goal.  Highlights:  Upbringing as an Orthodox Jew in Libya.Instances of "gentleman hypocrisy" and the challenges of integrity in public.Overcoming challenges and finding common ground through religious literacy, sacred texts and mutual respect.The importance of timing and recognizing when constructive dialogue can occur.Participants must be a believer and open-minded, not seeing their religion as the ‘right’ way. Ongoing initiatives like MENA 2050.Libyan unity and justice effort. Bio:   Raphael was born in Bengasi, Libya. Thrown out of Libya after a bloody pogrom during the “Six Day War”, in 1967 he moved to Rome, Italy, where he lived for 27 years. He then lived in Israel for 6 years, and for the last 24 years, he's lived in the UK. He completed a degree in Political Science at University of Rome, then worked for 16 years in diplomacy dealing with Organization, Press and Information, Commercial and Economics, and Administration. He was also a press correspondent in Italy, for Israeli newspapers and media, including Maariv and Hadashot and the Israeli Radio Galei Zahal. In Israel Raphael was active in journalism & management. He has also worked for some years as a producer of RAI, Italian TV and I managed to build up the Jerusalem office.  Raphael was as Manager of a company dealing with Judaica items, books, crafts and silver gifts. He is currently a freelance journalist and analyst regarding the Middle East and Arab world. Raphael’s major interests include politics, movies, reading, opera, oriental music, travelling, computers and interfaith dialogue.  Social Media links for Raphael:  Website – https://rluzon.net Transcript on Buzzsprout Social Media links for Méli: Website – the Talking with God ProjectMeli’s emailLinkedIn – Meli SolomonFacebook – Meli Solomon Follow the podcast! The Living Our Beliefs podcast is part of the Talking with God Project.

Episode 91.     In this episode, I delve into the complex intersection of personal faith and public roles. I reflect on my recent conversation with Chris Stevenson, founder of the National Museum of American Religion, who chooses to leave his Mormon faith outside the museum to maintain an inclusive environment. I also explore the balance between personal religious identity, intention, and situational appropriateness, sharing my experience of being Jewish in Germany and interacting with diverse cultures and traditions. I highlight the importance of respectful dialogue and awareness, drawing connections to the observance of Ramadan and the values it emphasizes, such as mindfulness and community.  Bio: I am a public scholar and interreligious leader with a keen interest in understanding the nature of similarities and differences––especially religious and cultural.  The Talking with God Project is currently my main focus, and I am actively expanding its reach through workshops, articles, panels, talks and a podcast.   ​ Raised in the Boston area, I have lived in Seattle, WA and Berlin, Germany, before returning to Boston in 2017.  Carving out a varied educational and professional path, I hold a B.A. in Fine Art from Oberlin College (1984), an M.B.A. from Northeastern University (1997), a Certificate in Coaching from the International Coach Academy (2015), and a Master of Jewish Liberal Studies (MJLS) from Hebrew College with a focus on Global Interreligious Studies (2019).  Professionally, I have worked as a business manager, an art dealer and founder of Solomon Fine Art gallery, language trainer, text editor, business coach and now public scholar and podcaster.  ​ Though raised in an interfaith non-observant home. my Conservative Jewish practice and wide range of personal and professional experiences inform my research and life. Resources: Chris Stevenson podcast episode National Museum of American Religion Zeyneb Sayilgan blog  The Big Kahuna movie Transcript on Buzzsprout Social Media links for Méli: Website – the Talking with God ProjectMeli’s emailLinkedIn – Meli SolomonFacebook – Meli Solomon Follow the podcast! The Living Our Beliefs podcast is part of the Talking with God Project.

Episode 90.    Are you a museum goer? Are you interested in the history of religion in America? Is religious freedom in America important to you?  If you answered yes to any of those questions, today’s episode will speak to you. Chris Stevenson has been developing the National Museum of American Religion for 15 years. Currently a digital-first project, Chris and his team began the Religion in the American Experience podcast as a stepping-stone to exhibits. They are also talking about a traveling exhibit. The key questions are: What has America done to religion and what has religion done to America?  Highlights:  ·       Religious freedom in America ·       the National Museum of American Religion project ·       Religion in the American Experience podcast ·       Smithsonian vs. private structure  ·       Mobile museum: religion's pandemic journey ·       Exploring positive lived religion Bio:   Chris has worked as a teacher, systems engineer, and consultant. He has a B.S. in applied physics and Masters degrees in education and agricultural engineering. His passion is buttressing civil society, and in 2000 he founded the non-profit Community Levee Association. After that he founded America’s Quilt of Faith, Faith2SelfGovern, then the National Museum of American Religion project.  References: Harvard University Pluralism Project, founded by Prof. Diana EckArticle 6 of the US Constitution 1st Amendment of the US Constitution  Social Media links for Chris:  National Museum of American ReligionReligion in the American Experience FacebookInstagramX (Formerly Twitter)LinkedIn Transcript on Buzzsprout More Episodes with Mormons: Margaret AgardZachary DavisRick Bennett Social Media links for Méli: Website – the Talking with God ProjectMeli’s emailLinkedIn – Meli SolomonFacebook – Meli Solomon Follow the podcast! The Living Our Beliefs podcast is part of the Talking with God Project.

Episode 89.   Every culture has its food, and in America, each immigrant group has contributed to the bounty of culinary options––from Italian pizza to Jewish delis and much more. Muslims are no different. What this group has brought, however, is a wide array of foods, since Muslims hail from many countries. My guest today, Shahed Amanullah, a renowned entrepreneur, created a short list of restaurants that offered halal food in 1998. What began as a simple list for himself and his Muslim friends, has grown into a juggernaut. Now an app called Zabihah, it is the world’s first global halal restaurant discovery and delivery platform, including 14,000 locations in the U.S. and 50,000 worldwide. In this conversation, Shahed and I cover many aspects of the halal food scene, and the parallels with Jewish kosher laws among other things. Highlights:  Halal food as a symbol of Muslim presence in America.Defining Halal and Zabiha.Variations in halal observance among Muslims.Halal as both a spiritual and communal expression.Evolving Halal standards debate.Shared principles and practice between halal and kosher traditions.Eco-Kosher and organic principles in halal practices.Spirituality of Food in Islam. Bio: Shahed Amanullah is an accomplished entrepreneur, product developer, and investor/mentor for early-stage startups. He is the founder of Zabihah, the world’s first global halal restaurant discovery and delivery platform, and serves as Managing Director of Elian Capital, a private equity fund manager and investment advisor based in San Antonio. Shahed holds a BS in Engineering from UC Berkeley and an MBA from Georgetown University. Social Media links for Shahed:   Website Twitter  Facebook InstagramLinkedIn  Transcript on Buzzsprout More Episodes with Muslims: Bonus. Understanding the American Muslim Experience (Dr. Amir Hussain)Religious Pluralism vs. White Supremacy in America Today – Wajahat AliHow to be Visibly Muslim in the US Government – Fatima Pashaei Social Media links for Méli: Website – the Talking with God ProjectMeli’s emailLinkedIn – Meli SolomonFacebook – Meli Solomon Follow the podcast! The Living Our Beliefs podcast offers a place to learn about other religions and faith practices. Understanding how other people live opens your mind and heart to new people you meet.    The Living Our Beliefs podcast is part of the Talking with God Project.

Episode 88.    This episode is in memory of the passengers and crew of the DC and Philadelphia plane crashes and my friend Karen Hirschfeld. May their memories be for a blessing. This is the first of a new Reflection series. They will be short monthly episodes, opportunities to share my thoughts about recent episodes, things I’ve written or read and whatever else seems relevant.  Highlights: ·      Explanation of the new reflection series format. ·      Criticism of Project 2025 and current administration’s dismantling of the federal government.  ·      Comments on White Christian Nationalism and White Supremacy concerns. ·      Focus on spheres of influence and readiness to act. ·      Four practical suggestions for increasing understanding of others. Bio I am a public scholar and interreligious leader with a keen interest in understanding the nature of similarities and differences––especially religious and cultural.  The Talking with God Project is currently my main focus, and I am actively expanding its reach through workshops, articles, panels, talks and a podcast.   ​ Raised in the Boston area, I have lived in Seattle, WA and Berlin, Germany, before returning to Boston in 2017.  Carving out a varied educational and professional path, I hold a B.A. in Fine Art from Oberlin College (1984), an M.B.A. from Northeastern University (1997), a Certificate in Coaching from the International Coach Academy (2015), and a Master of Jewish Liberal Studies (MJLS) from Hebrew College with a focus on Global Interreligious Studies (2019).  Professionally, I have worked as a business manager, an art dealer and founder of Solomon Fine Art gallery, language trainer, text editor, business coach and now public scholar and podcaster.  ​ Though raised in an interfaith non-observant home. my Conservative Jewish practice and wide range of personal and professional experiences inform my research and life. Transcript on Buzzsprout Social Media links for Méli: Website – Talking with God Project NEW Substack posts Méli's Email – [email protected] LinkedIn – Meli Solomon Facebook – Meli Solomon Follow the podcast! The Living Our Beliefs podcast offers a place to learn about other religions and faith practices. When you hear about how observant Christians, Jews and Muslims live their faith, new ideas and questions arise:  Is your way similar or different?  Is there an idea or practice that you want to explore?  Understanding how other people live opens your mind and heart to new people you meet.  The Living Our Beliefs podcast is part of the Talking with God Project.

Episode 87.  The timing of this Bonus episode is auspicious given the recent debate regarding learning about the history of race in America, the book bans, and the current administration’s aim to eliminate the federal department of education. While each of these issues are complex and engage different issues, they share the matter of understanding our history – all of it. And our history leads into what we do today. As part of my ongoing encouragement to know each other’s faith and religion, Rick Bennett, host of the Gospel Tangents, a Mormon History podcast, has joined me to talk about the many splinter groups within the Church of Jesus Christ of latter-Day Saints, otherwise known as the LDS church or the Mormons. Whatever you might think or know about this church, I encourage you to listen with an open mind and heart. Rick is a passionate researcher and brings humor and curiosity to his work. Highlights: ·       Mormon splinter groups. ·       Joseph Smith: synchronizing the Old Testament and New Testament  ·       Religions are seen as cults at their beginning.  ·       Common miracles today. ·       Studies on faith healings and the placebo effect. ·       Succession, polygamy and theological disagreements. ·       The LDS church as the “One True Church”. Bio: Rick Bennett is the host of the Gospel Tangents, a Mormon History podcast. He is an expert on various Mormon schismatic groups, presenting at the Mormon History Association, and other Mormon history groups. He is an academic authenticity advisor at Western Governors University and teaches math and statistics at Utah Valley University. Rick holds a Master of Statistics Degree from the University of Utah. He has worked as a research biostatistician in the fields of Dermatology and Traumatic Brian Injuries and works in the network television/cable T.V. industries as a sports statistician. Social Media links for Rick: Website – https://gospeltangents.com YouTube – https://youtube.com/gospeltangents Patreon – https://patreon.com/gospeltangents Transcript on Buzzsprout More Episodes with Mormons: Shane Adamson Margaret Agard Zachary Davis Social Media links for Méli: Website – the Talking with God Project Meli’s email LinkedIn – Meli Solomon Facebook – Meli Solomon Follow the podcast! The Living Our Beliefs podcast offers a place to learn about other religions and faith practices. Understanding how other people live opens your mind and heart to new people you meet.  The Living Our Beliefs podcast is part of the Talking with God Project.