Our Shared Story: Reflections on America at 250

South Florida faith leaders and scholars examine what the nation’s 250th anniversary means across different religious, cultural and civic perspectives in a new discussion series from the Books & Books Literary Foundation. The first gathering takes place Monday, September 14 at Coral Gables Congregational United Church of Christ, bringing together Rabbi Judith Siegal, Dr. Mohammad Homayounvash and the Rev. Walter T. Richardson, PhD, with Miami Herald religion reporter Lauren Costantino moderating. Running monthly through December, the series is designed to consider differing American experiences as a basis for conversation and connection.

Siegal is senior rabbi of Temple Judea in Coral Gables and a longtime participant in interfaith dialogue in Greater Miami. Homayounvash is founding director of the Jaffer Institute for Interfaith Dialogue and Education at Miami Dade College and teaches international relations at the University of Miami and Florida International University. Richardson, pastor emeritus of Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church, has served for more than three decades as a chaplain with the Miami-Dade Police Department and now the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office.

Books & Books founder Mitchell Kaplan will welcome attendees, followed by introductory remarks from the Rev. Dr. Laurinda Hafner, senior pastor of Coral Gables Congregational United Church of Christ. The program includes a Q&A and catered reception, and the first 50 attendees will receive a complimentary book related to the evening’s themes.

Admission is free and open to the public, with RSVP requested.