Shem Center For Interfaith Spirituality

Shem is an Aramaic word expressing the Divine radiance and splendor in all of creation.

 SHEM Center for Interfaith Spirituality offers the sojourners of all spiritual paths and faith traditions, as well as those who claim none, a sacred space where all are respectfully welcomed to encounter the wisdom found in the sacred traditions of the peoples of the world. 

Male Spirit Testimonials

Listen to John Brown, a regular Male Spirit attendee as he attests to the kind of experience this retreat provides for him.
Read more about the retreat here.

Tikkun - The Prophetic Jewish, Interfaith & Secular Voice to Heal and Transform the World
Tikkun - The Prophetic Jewish, Interfaith & Secular Voice to Heal and Transform the World

The Prophetic Jewish, Interfaith & Secular Voice to Heal and Transform the World

Tikkun uplifts Jewish, interfaith, and secular prophetic voices of hope that contribute to universal liberation. A catalyst for long-term social change Tikkun empowers people and communities to heal the world by embracing revolutionary love, compassion, and empathy. Tikkun promotes a caring society that protects the life support system of the planet and celebrates the Earth and the universe with awe and radical amazement.

A Moonlight Speech, October 11, 1962

Sixty years ago, the first night of the Second Vatican Council, Pope John XXIII came out on a balcony overlooking St. Peter’s Square and gave his impromptu remarks now called "the moonlight speech.” I remember it well, making its way into the world via the news media. 

A Challenge Grant to Shem Center

Once again The Wolcott/Ebbeler Foundation, our supportive friends of many years, is offering you a way to have your donations to Shem Center increase by way of their matching gift.

The Wolcott/Ebbeler Foundation
Shem Center For Interfaith Spirituality

Shem Center Programs

Shem Center offers experiences of the prayer, meditation, rituals, and the wisdom of the peoples of the world. In doing so, each takes a place at the table with others whose spiritual tradition may be similar to or different from one’s own. 

Martin Luther King Jr.

"Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity."

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. (1929-1968)

An Interfaith Greeting of Peace

SHALOM - SHLAMA - SALAAM

These three words in Hebrew, Aramaic and Arabic are used in turn as greetings of peace by Jews, Christians and Muslims, the followers of the three Abrahamic religions.

Inter-Spirituality

Recognizing that the Divine Reality is not limited to any one expression of our journey with God, Shem Center takes its place with many others committed to the task of bringing peace into the world through understanding, respect and friendship. 

Shem Center For Interfaith Spirituality

News

Joseph Kilikevice, OP, Director of Shem Center and Gerard Francisco Timoner, OP, Master of the Order of Preachers

Dominican Order of Friars Chicago Assembly 2022

By Joseph Kilikevice O.P. | August 24, 2022

An Assembly of some 150 Dominican Friars of the Central USA Province of the international Order of Preachers gathered in Chicago August 8-11, 2022. Matters of common concern are considered periodically by members of the Order to examine, evaluate, update and improve the life and mission of our religious order.

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The Last Tisha B'Av

The Last Tisha B’Av: A Tale of New Temples

By Joseph Kilikevice O.P. | August 14, 2022

By Rabbis Arthur Waskow & Phyllis Berman
From The Shalom Report, The Shalom Center

In the Abuhav synagogue in Tz’fat (Safed) there is actually on the ceiling a painting of the Dome of the Rock, built by Muslims in that extraordinary place that both Muslims and Jews view as holy above the rock where Isaac or Ishmael was bound for offering; above the rock from which Muhammad began his mystical ascent to Heaven.

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We Have Family in Ukraine

Letter from Ukaraine, July 26, 2022

By Joseph Kilikevice O.P. | July 29, 2022

Dear Sisters, Dear Brothers,

I wrote the last letter from Ukraine over a month ago. That’s a long time. Since life in Kyiv has become calmer and more normal, it’s harder to force yourself to write. Routine, weariness of repeated air alarms, beginning each day with checking the phone to see where bombs fell overnight and how many casualties, the fear of repeating what everyone already knows… all this contributed to my procrastination in writing.

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Welcome to Shem Center. Contact Us!

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Shem Center for Interfaith Spirituality
708 North Harvey Avenue
Oak Park, IL 60302

(708) 848-1095
shemcenter1993@gmail.com

Photo Credits: Emory Mead, Stephen B. Starr, Joseph Kilikevice

The Shem Center for Interfaith Spirituality website is awarded a 2022 American Digital Design Award for excellence in design and user experience.

2022 American Digital Design Awards