Chico State University is launching an interfaith lecture series aimed at promoting understanding and common ground among various religions and cultures. The inaugural event, scheduled for October 3, 2023, will be held in the Arts and Humanities Building and is free and open to the public.
The lecture series, titled “Interreligious Reflections in Northern California,” will commence with presentations on Jewish and Hindu traditions. Leading the discussions will be Hindu statesman Rajan Zed and local Jewish leader Lisa Rappaport, alongside experts from Chico State’s Comparative Religion and Humanities Department, including Chair Daniel Veidlinger and religion professor Jed Wyrick.
Veidlinger highlighted that the focus of the series is not on the historical aspects of these religions but rather their relevance to life in Northern California, a region known for its religious tolerance. Zed, who is based in Reno, has been actively involved in the Northern California Hindu community, while Rappaport serves as a rabbi at Congregation Beth Israel in Chico.
The choice to feature Judaism and Hinduism in the first lecture was intentional. “We’re trying to pair religions that have some common factor,” Veidlinger noted. He pointed out that both religions are among the oldest continually practiced in the world, with histories stretching back approximately 3,000 years.
This event will be the only interfaith lecture for the current fall semester, but the department plans to host at least one additional event each semester moving forward. The next lecture will explore Sikhism and Islam, two faiths often confused due to their shared cultural practices, such as the wearing of turbans.
The series was initiated by local donors Matthew and Isabel Fine, who initially sought to fund lectures focused solely on Judaism. After discussions with the department, they agreed to broaden the scope to encompass a range of religions present in the region.
The upcoming event will begin at 7 p.m., following an opening at 6:30 p.m. for light refreshments. For those unable to attend in person, the lecture will also be accessible via Zoom at [tinyurl.com/y95jkfcc](http://tinyurl.com/y95jkfcc). Veidlinger expressed a warm invitation to all, especially those interested in learning more about the diverse religions that enrich their community.
This initiative highlights Chico State’s commitment to fostering dialogue and understanding among different faiths, contributing to a more inclusive society in Northern California.
