Intersections

Spring Stories: The Great Spiritual Narratives

Four Religious Voices Reflect on Their Ancient Stories
Click Below to Listen:
Each spring for hundreds (and sometimes thousands) of years, Jews, Christians and Muslims observe important holidays in their Abrahamic faith traditions. In Judaism, it is the festival of Passover; in Christianity, it is Easter, and in Islam, it is Ramadan (though the exact dates for Ramadan change each year). In the spring, these faiths remember foundational stories in their traditions which are told over and over again each year. These are more than simple tales; they are grand spiritual narratives that they believe connect them to a larger purpose and a supreme destiny. Four spiritual leaders from one community in California reflect on these timeless stories of the season: Jewish Rabbi Eli Cohen, Muslim leader Ihab Saud, and Christian pastors Richard Gotthardt and Andy Lewis share these ancient stories and how these narratives shape their lives and values today.
About the Guests
Rabbi Eli Cohen is rabbi of Chadeish Yameinu Renewal Congregation in Santa Cruz. Ihab Saud has been a congregational leader at the Isalmic Center of Santa Cruz. Andy Lewis is pastor of Faith Community Church in Santa Cruz. Richard Gotthardt is former pastor of Santa Cruz Bible Church and currently is a senior partner at Wellspring supporting Christian pastors.

Beyond Intersections

Online resources to learn more about the guests
Chadeish Yameinu Rabbi Eli Cohen's Jewish congregation. Santa Cruz Islamic Center Ihab Saud's Islamic community Faith Community Church Pastor Andy Lewis' congregation. Wellspring Richard Gotthardt's organization supporting Christian pastors.