This fall OneJax became an affiliate organization with Interfaith Alliance, benefiting from their years of national interfaith advocacy and collaboration. As of last week, we’re excited to share that OneJax has received a $2,500 grant from Interfaith Alliance for our work! This will help us further our interfaith engagement in the areas of education, volunteer service, and advocacy.
As an affiliate of Interfaith Alliance, our own Rev. Rebekah McLeod Hutto attended the Festival of Faiths Conference Nov. 11-15 in Louisville, KY studying the theme of Sacred Belonging. Please ask her about this conference and what ideas she is bringing back to OneJax. Thank you to Interfaith Alliance for investing in a future where diverse voices come together for the common good.
“Thanks to the diverse religious and cultural perspectives represented, I learned a lot about creating spaces of belonging and ways to combat fear and ignorance,” Rev. Hutto said. “I hope to bring these insights to my work at OneJax, holding space for dialogue, storytelling, and growing our interfaith community to include the rich diversity of Jacksonville.”
Through our interfaith partnerships, we can create a more respectful and understanding community—one conversation, one partnership at a time. Join us in this important Interfaith work! Your contributions make a difference:
The JCA will host a book discussion to explore “Hostage”, the powerful memoir of Eli Sharabi who survived 491 days in Hamas captivity. Hear his firsthand story of loss, resilience, and the human spirit’s refusal to surrender. Discover an unforgettable account of survival, courage, and hope.
Space is limited.
When: Wednesday, December 3, 2025 7:00pm
Where: JCA Donziger Library 8505 San Jose Blvd Jacksonville, FL 32217
As part of the Together Against Hate Speaker Series, Jewish Book Council Author and Ethiopian Jewish Chef, Beejhy Barhany, will host an inspiring program titled Gursha. Chef Barhany will share her story and culture while offering a live food demonstration that highlights the rich traditions of Ethiopian Jewish cuisine. This unique event is free and open to the community, and we invite everyone to attend for an evening that blends food, culture, and conversation.
The Heritage Singers of Jacksonville (HSJ) is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization of gifted singers who are dedicated to experiencing and fostering a sense of community through the preparation and performance of high quality choral music.
It is their goal, through both their repertoire and organizational structure, to be of the people, by the people, and for the people. The guiding word is in their very name: Heritage.
Through the fostering of mutual admiration, and respect within their ranks, and the selection of repertoire that is fresh and reflective of both their common and individual heritages, the Heritage Singers is, in the very best sense of the word, a community chorus.
The Scriptural Reasoning Series with Atlantic Institute!
Event Highlights:
Topic: “Education and Learning” Moderator: Rev. Dr. Jonathan Swanson from Hodges Boulevard Presbyterian Church
Engage in Genuine Dialogue: Scriptural Reasoning is a genuine opportunity for committed religious individuals to engage in inter-faith practice without undermining particularity. Deepen your own faith commitment and engagement with members of other faiths simultaneously
This is the twelfth gathering of this series, where gusts will explore different scriptures, fostering bonds across faith communities and promoting a deeper understanding of our own and others’ scriptures. Refreshments will be provided, ensuring a warm and welcoming environment reminiscent of Abraham’s hospitality.
Date: Tuesday, December 9th Time: 6:30pm Venue: Istanbul Center (2032 Southside Blvd, Jacksonville)
Everyone is welcome! RSVP today and be part of this transformative experience.
Istanbul Center invites you to join their Cooking Class & Luncheon. It will be on Saturday December 13 from 11am to 1pm.
We will be learning to make handmade Turkish-style dumplings generously stuffed with seasoned mashed potatoes. Served with a rich garlic yogurt sauce and topped with a savory tomato–butter drizzle and herbs. A comforting, authentic Anatolian favorite.
The program is open to public with registration. The cost is $15 per person.
We warmly invite you to participate in the 2025 Ronald A. Hersom Memorial Peace Tree Luminaria and Tree Lighting, a heartfelt tradition honoring the life and legacy of Rev. Ronald A. Hersom. The Peace Tree, located in Willowbranch Park, was planted in memory of Ron, who served as the minister of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Jacksonville. Ron passed on April 22, 2022, after nearly a ten-year journey battling the effects of acute myeloid leukemia.
In honor of Ron’s interfaith spirit, this year’s Peace Tree will be decorated with 6-inch wide ornaments representing symbols of the world’s religions, each accompanied by a short thought or prayer for world peace (about 125 characters), and the words “Peace” or “Peace on Earth” in various fonts and languages. These ornaments will be created using your art submissions and hung on the tree ahead of the 41st Annual Luminaria celebration at Willowbranch Park, which will be held at dusk on December 21, 2-25 in Jacksonville’s Historic Riverside Avondale neighborhood.
Heal Lab Study
Thank you for being a part of this important journey!
If you would like to make a gift to support our Interfaith Programs, click here.
100 Festival Park Ave. • Jacksonville, FL 32202 • (904) 799-5370 • www.OneJax.org
Date: Tuesday, December 9th
Time: 6:30pm
Venue: Istanbul Center (2032 Southside Blvd, Jacksonville)
