On November 11, the McKinley Arts & Culture Center was graced by an enlightening event organized by the Silver Sage Foundation Reno and Reno’s First Methodist Church. The focus of the evening was “Maryam in Islam,” aiming to bridge faith through a shared reverence for Mary. The distinguished speaker, Dr. Zeki Saritoprak, delivered an insightful lecture that captivated the audience, comprised of around 90 individuals from diverse faiths and denominations.

Cultural Exchange and Early Thanksgiving

This gathering went beyond the confines of religious discussions. Silver Sage volunteers extended the spirit of community by celebrating an early Thanksgiving. The delectable feast showcased the unity in diversity, with volunteers preparing the turkey and offering a variety of dishes from the rich tapestry of Turkish cuisine. This cultural exchange allowed attendees to connect on a personal level, fostering understanding and appreciation among the different communities present.

A Tapestry of Faiths

The event exemplified the Silver Sage Foundation’s commitment to promoting interfaith dialogue and understanding. By bringing together people of various faiths and denominations, the foundation and Reno’s First Methodist Church(renofirst.church) created an inclusive space where the shared values surrounding Mary became a focal point for connection and mutual respect.

As we reflect on this memorable evening, we recognize the power of shared experiences in building bridges between communities. The Silver Sage Foundation Reno and Reno’s First Methodist Church extend their gratitude to all who attended, making this event a true celebration of unity in diversity.

Silver Sage Volunteers in Las Vegas made Noah’s pudding and shared it with community members such as, three different fire departments, Bolder City Police department and United Methodist Church. Some of the volunteers also attended Sunday service at Epiphany Episcopal Church and UNLV United Methodist Church. We talked about the history of Noah’s Pudding along with the story of Noah’s Ark and The Flood, and shared the homemade Asure (Noah’s Pudding) with the attendees.

Thank you to our volunteers.

What is Noah’s Pudding?

Noah’s pudding, also known as “Aşure” in Turkish, is a traditional dessert with a rich history and cultural significance. It is typically prepared and enjoyed during the Islamic month of Muharram, especially on the 10th day, known as Ashura, which holds religious significance for both Muslims and Jews.

The pudding is made from a combination of various grains, legumes, dried fruits, and nuts, symbolizing the unity and diversity of ingredients. These ingredients often include wheat, barley, chickpeas, beans, lentils, rice, dried apricots, raisins, figs, and various types of nuts like walnuts and almonds. The mixture is sweetened with sugar or a sweet syrup, and fragrant spices like cinnamon and cloves are added for flavor.

The preparation of Noah pudding is a communal activity in many cultures, bringing families and communities together. It is cooked in large quantities to be shared with friends, neighbors, and those in need. This act of sharing reflects the spirit of compassion, generosity, and unity.

Noah’s pudding is not only a delicious dessert but also a symbol of harmony, diversity, and solidarity among different cultures and religions. It is a reminder of the importance of coming together, helping one another, and celebrating the shared values of humanity.

The Silver sage Foundation Reno chapter hosted a panel discussion on the topic of “Abraham’s hospitality and sacrifice” on June 29 at the Spanish Springs Presbyterian Church. The discussion was moderated by Semra Özdemir outreach volunteer at the Silver Sage Foundation. The panelists included Tom Willadsen the Pastor of Spanish Springs Ppresbyterian church, Benjamin Katz the Rabbi of Temple of Emanu-El, and Ayse Tandogan volunteer at Silver Sage Foundation.

The panelists discussed the story of Abraham from a variety of perspectives, including historical, theological, and ethical. They explored the themes of hospitality, sacrifice, and obedience in the story, and they considered how these themes are relevant to our own lives today. The discussion was lively and thought-provoking, and it generated a lot of discussion among the audience.