How did I get here? To be completely honest, I got an email asking if I wanted to apply to be a part of the Boston Interfaith Leadership Initiative (BILI), and I thought to myself, “Literally why not?” I didn’t know a whole lot about BILI when I submitted my application, nor did I ever expect myself to be on a Zoom call with Andrew, Shayna, and Ariel as I write this talking about our heights and shoe sizes. (This is what life has come to since we have never met in person). 

Even though we have only met virtually for about ten hours over the course of a semester, the atmosphere cultivated by BILI has been nothing but welcoming, enlightening, and inspirational. Free food is quite a motivator; however, listening to everyone’s opinions and perspectives about everything we talk about, from reflections on a reading to personal vulnerabilities, is why I look forward to attending BILI meetings every month. I feel very emotionally close to the other fellows because we all are a part of BILI for the shared purpose of wanting to understand the world in a more profound manner. For example, we had a workshop conducted by Bob Stains, and we were placed into smaller breakout rooms. This gave us the opportunity to get to know one another better by showing vulnerability, asking questions, and helping one another. 

BILI has opened my eyes to a lot of different views on interfaith communication. Before starting the fellowship, when the word “interfaith” popped into my mind, I just thought of a room full of people who practice different traditions. In reality, “interfaith” is less about the presence of individuals, but more about the presence of their minds and the communication between them all. It is about what each person brings to the table whether this be acquired through a class, general knowledge, or an experience. It is about the integration and segregation of ideals, values, and thoughts. There is no need for there to be unanimous opinions, but accord should be maintained by means of respect, curiosity, and willingness to learn from each other. An interfaith community strives to find harmony in a world full of chaos. 

With the help of readings, guest speakers, and conversations with my peers, I have gained a lot of knowledge about having an open dialogue with people of  both similar and disparate viewpoints. I have learned that debate is quite futile in the sense that reaching a point of respectability and mutuality is much more beneficial than continuously arguing over who is “correct.” Understanding another point of view, digesting it, and knowing that it is ok for there not to be complete acquiescence is important because it allows all sides to be heard. Rather than just having two extremes be said aloud, everyone should be able to share their take on whatever is being discussed so that everyone can become more educated. BILI fosters an environment in which every person can speak whatever they are thinking, and instead of being judged, they will be understood and be a part of an important dialogue that can guide each one of us throughout our lives. 

For the near and distant future, both, I look forward to many more monthly BILI sessions where I can further my understanding of the interfaith world and community. I look forward to collaboration, meaningful dialogues, and a fun-filled retreat. I look forward to eating our dinners together on Zoom while listening to guest speakers and talking about classes. But most of all, I look forward to my fellow BILI peers and I deepening this sense of belonging and community we already share, whether it be via a Zoom call where we can maybe talk about our favorite foods rather than our shoe sizes or an in person meet up where we can laugh our hearts out together.