Interfaith Panel Held on Abraham

Leaders of three faiths—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—met together yesterday to discuss the different ways Abraham is discussed in each of the religious traditions at USC Hillel.

The panel included Rabbi Reuven Firestone, professor of medieval Judaism at the Hebrew Union College and co-director of the USC Center for Muslim-Jewish Engagement; Imam Jihad Turk, director of religious affairs at the Islamic Center of Southern California; and Reverend Jim Burklo, associate dean of religious life at USC.

The event, which started at 7 p.m., involved a reading of passages from the Torah, the Quran, and the Bible, all of which discussed Abraham. The panelists then introduced the different ways Abraham is represented in their respective religions. This was followed by a discussion, which involved attendees asking questions to the three panelists.

The event was moderated by Rabbi Lori Schneide, director of Jewish life at USC and was sponsored by the USC Interfaith Council, USC Hillel and the USC Muslim Student Union.