Faith in Democracy Program January 6, 2025

---

Jeanné Lewis, Faith in Public Life and David Searby, Faith in Peace Concerts  introduce the concert and artist Muath Edriss, who will perform "The Star Spangled Banner" in Arabic and other music.

“Seeds of Peace” is lovingly known as "Lamplighters." Following in the miracle of the lights of Hanukkah, the song is a reflection on what it means for us to share our light not knowing when it might come back to us.  “Bend the Arc” is an opportunity to reflect on core words of the bible as we relate to Martin Luther King Jr’s immortal words of "The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice."

"Gevurah" by Molly Bajgot.  "Gevurah" means strength in Hebrew.  We pray for strength and love to to fight for solidarity and justice.

"Pilot Light" by Sarah Beller, is a song about keeping the light of hope lit for refugees and immigrants and all vulnerable people in the world. 

"Olam Chesed Yibaneh" by Rabbi Menachem Creditor is a Hebrew phrase meaning "The world is built with loving-kindness." This core Jewish concept emphasizes that kindness (chesed) is the foundation of existence, drawing from Psalm 89:3 and inspiring acts of compassion and world repair (Tikkun Olam).  Rabbi Creditor wrote this song of hope and light after a dark day in our history, September 11, 2001. 

"Bahá’í Chants “Blessed is the Spot” both by Baháʼu'lláh, chanted in the style of Klare Kuolga and “Justice" chanted in the style of Van Gilmer.

"Power to the People" reflects the Quran's emphasis on individual worth and God-given rights through concepts like Karamah al-Insaan (human dignity), stating humanity is honored by God, given free will, and made vicegerents on Earth (Khalifah). 

Hindu Priest and Musician Dr. Kowtha will perform one of The Great Mahatma Gandhi's favorite songs: "Vaishnava Janato". 

Brooklyn-based Sonny Singh and UK Born Sukhmani Kaur channel ancestral Sikh wisdom for our time.

Two Choral Pieces by Paul Leavitt: 1) Psalm 85 and 2) Luther's Words

Hip-hop artist Wordsmith will perform "Fill the Space" and "Welcome Home," two songs about people coping with everyday challenges with humanity and hope.  

Elena Lacayo will perform "Amor Migrante" about an immigrant mother separated from her son; plus the Grand Finale song "Let's Stand Together."  Stand and sing this chorus!           

"Let's stand together,

Stand for eachother,

And be united 

As the children of the same mother"