On the weekend of August 15 – 17, 2014, family, friends, colleagues and students of Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi, Reb Zalman, came together from around the world and gathered in Boulder, Colorado to celebrate his life. They made a 1 ½ hour video recording of eulogies, talks and music that were shared on Sunday. The complete recording can be seen at Aleph, the Allance for Jewish Renewal, and at Upstream.
One of the highlights is an eight-minute prayer and reflection offered by Matthew Fox. A former Dominican Catholic priest, currently an Episcopalian priest and theologian, he is the leading exponent of the Creation Spirituality movement – which he describes as “based in ancient Judeo-Christian tradition, supported by leading-edge science, bearing witness for social, environmental, and gender justice.” He is the author of many books on Christian theology, mysticism, and Creation Spirituality. Matthew Fox was a “brother, colleague and co-conspirator” (his words) to Reb Zalman. He coined the term, “deep ecumenism,” which became central to Reb Zalman’s thinking and practice toward the end of his life. This prayer and tribute, offered by a priest wearing a yarmulke at a gathering to honor one of the world’s influential contemporary Jewish leaders — gives us a moving example of what deep ecumenism actually looks like. |