Local religious organizations come together to express gratitude and donate nonperishable food items to those in need. Also: South Asheville Cemetery Association hosts a potluck; Antidote cocktail lounge holds a Harry Potter-themed competition; and plenty more in this week’s Small Bites.
Entering its 13th year, Café Israel returns to Congregation Beth Israel. Also: The Golden Pineapple opens; Asheville Food Truck Showdown rolls back into town; Metro Wines hosts a riesling class; and more.
While Asheville thrives on a diverse spiritual life, shifting demographics and evolving notions of religion’s role in daily life have many historic congregations reconsidering the part they play in local culture — and how best to address a changing community’s concerns.
‘Hope. In the end, that’s George Bailey’s true gift to Bedford Falls — and the gift that Asheville’s churches bestow upon our own community. In this time of difficulty and turmoil, as we confront a new reality, could there be anything more relevant?’
Where do people turn when faith runs dry and they start to question what they believe? A number of Asheville-based faith leaders say those who experience doubt aren’t alone, and freely admit to struggling with faith in their own lives.
A variety of local spiritual leaders and practitioners, from a rabbi to a Buddhist monk, weigh in on the existence of past lives and explore the possibility that recalling them can have healing benefits.
In an effort to bring together and celebrate different faiths, the event marks the completion of a sand mandala highlights food traditions from various religions.
Congregation Beth Israel’s 11th annual food and culture event honors the Jewish state’s independence.
While there are as many approaches to environmental stewardship as there are churches dotting our region, more and more local faith communities are investing time, money and effort to align their buildings and practices with their spiritual commitment to caring for creation.
Asheville Jewish Community Center will host a panel discussion on Sunday, July 19, from 4-6:30 p.m. focused on helping help people connect with and better understand Jewish values that encourage environmental stewardship.