As a response to the downturn in the U.S. economy, the Interfaith Center of New York held its 23rd Rabbi Marshall T. Meyer Retreat for Social Justice on “Building Economic Resilience in Faith Communities.” During each of these retreats, religious leaders create interfaith dialogue and learn about what their traditions teach regarding the issue of focus. In addition, they have a chance to meet with city agencies as well as secular and faith-based non-profits who could in turn serve as resources for their congregants. One of our panels considered Jewish, Christian and Muslim approaches to debt and lending; featured speakers included: Shana Novick, Executive Director of the Hebrew Free Loan Society; Taha bin Hasan Abdul-Basser, a consultant on Islamic finance and financial ethics; and Rev. David Haberer, a representative of the Metro IAF’s 10% is Enough Campaign. This year, The Hebrew Free Loan society marked its 120th anniversary! Congratulations to Shana Novick and HFLS for helping to build economic resilience in Jewish communities. Read more about HFLS in The Jewish Week and the Wall Street Journal!
