Learn about the Ugandan model of ecumenism at Temple Habonim

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JJ Keki and his son. /Temple Habonim

“Delicious Peace: Coffee, Music and Religious Harmony in Uganda,” a program on ecumenism with guest speaker Rabbi Jeffrey Summit of Tufts University, will be presented May 4 at 2:30 p.m. at Temple Habonim in Barrington.

This is the the story of JJ Keki, an Abayudayan, who traveled on foot, knocking on the doors of his Jewish, Christian and Muslim neighbors, asking them to put aside their differences and to join him to create an extraordinary partnership based on trust and emphasizing peace.

Thus, Delicious Peace (Mirembi Kawomera), a cooperative of small-scale farmers came together to grow Fair Trade coffee. To promote their endeavor, they compose music, and encourage others to work alongside them. The program will feature their songs and will tell their compelling story of interfaith peace.

Rabbi Summit, Tufts University Jewish Chaplain and Director of Tufts Hillel, is a renowned ethnomusicologist and a research professor in the Department of Music and the Judaic Studies Programs. He has researched this music for the past 14 years and has recorded the rhythms and harmonies in a Grammy nominated CD. The Independent Music Awards also nominated it for “Best Traditional World Music” album.

Following the presentation, the Fair Trade coffee of Uganda will be served. The program is free and open to the community at the temple, 165 New Meadow Road. It is sponsored by “Time for Me” adult education.

For more information, go to www.templehabonim.org or call 401-245-6536