This past issue of Character Clearinghouse featured highlight interviews with JIRD co-Founders, Joshua Stanton and Stephanie Varnon-Hughes.

Said Stanton: “I see myself attempting to realize one of the classical teachings of Tractate Kiddushin in the Babylonian Talmud (a central source of Jewish law): study to guide action. Without study, notably about the challenging issues that exist between our religious and ethical communities, our actions may not be productive or lead to greater justice. Without action, it is uncertain what study alone will do—apart from enriching our own thoughts. Study-guided action is a potent force for good in the world and engages our spiritual cores in a way that little else does.” For more of this interview, read on here.

Said Varnon-Hughes: “I feel called to teach; that is my vocation. I have learned from Dominican nuns—whose charism is “Committed to Truth, Compelled to Justice,” that once I have committed myself to teach and work for truth in the world, I also have committed myself to engage in actions and teaching that bring about justice. This informs my teaching, my writing, and my desire as an editor to find and amplify voices from around the world that should be heard. My pursuit of truth and my seeking to build relationships with others pursuing truth has led me into interfaith work. I can’t help but be deeply affected and changed by the religious lives of those I get to know. This is beautiful and graceful, and it in turn feeds my teaching and my own religious journey.” For more of this interview, read on here.