Our Shared Story: Reflections on America at 250
About this Event
The Books & Books Literary Foundation is enthusiastically partnering with the Coral Gables Congregational Church to present the first of a new four-event series: Our Shared Story: Reflections on America at 250.
Each month, from September to December, we’ll host South Floridians from different backgrounds to share their personal reflections on what “America at 250” means to them. As we exist in a country whose defining moments in history center on the division of its people, Our Shared Story is a space where the multitude of American experiences can become a source of connection and power rather than separation.
Join us for enlightening conversations with our panels of diverse and esteemed speakers, followed by a catered reception at the church venue and post-discussion Q&A. At each month’s event, the first fifty attendees will receive a free book related to the evening’s themes.
🎟 Free & open to the public · RSVP requested ·
After a welcome from Mitchell Kaplan, Founder of Books & Books, and introductory remarks by The Rev. Dr. Laurinda Hafner, Senior Pastor of Coral Gables Congregational United Church, this month's speakers will include Rabbi Judith Siegal, senior rabbi at Temple Judea; Dr. Mohammad Homayounvash, Founding Director of Jaffer Institute for Interfaith Dialogue at MDC/ Lecturer at UM and FIU; and the Rev. Walter T. Richardson, PhD, Police Chaplain Coordinator/ Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office. Accompanying as moderator is Lauren Costantino, religion reporter for the Miami Herald.
About The Speakers
Dr. Mohammad Homayounvash holds a Ph.D. in International Relations from Florida International University (FIU) and is Founding Director of the Jaffer Institute for Interfaith Dialogue and Education at Miami Dade College. He also lectures in International Relations at the University of Miami and FIU. His current research explores the ethical implications of artificial intelligence, algorithmic governance, and digital sovereignty in the Global South, with an emphasis on the Muslim world.
Rabbi Judith Lazarus Siegal, originally from New Orleans, was ordained from the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in New York in May of 2006 with a Masters in Hebrew Literature. She also earned her Master’s degree of Science in Social Work from University of Texas, Austin. She worked for the URJ as a Regional Assistant Director before rabbinical school and has spent her life serving the Jewish people in a variety of capacities (URJ camps, teaching Hebrew school, leading trips to Israel, and more). She has served as a rabbi at Temple Judea in Coral Gables, FL since her ordination. Rabbi Siegal became the Senior Rabbi of Temple Judea in 2014.
Rabbi Siegal currently serves as the Past President of the Rabbinical Association of Greater Miami, the Jewish Community Relations Committee (JCRC), on the Synagogue and Federation Committee, and on the board of the South Dade Federation. She has also served as a long-time board member of the Central Conference of American Rabbis, and is currently a co-chair the Mosaic Miami Interfaith Clergy Dialogue. Rabbi Siegal has served on a variety of community and secular boards including: Planned Parenthood of South Florida, American Immigrant Justice, and many committees for the CCAR as well as URJ Camp Coleman’s Clergy committee.
Dr. Richardson was born in Miami on July 2, 1948, and attended North Dade Junior Senior High School. He earned a Bachelors and Master of Arts degree in Religion from St. Thomas University. He later attended Trinity Theological Seminary earning a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Pastoral Counseling. A fifth generation preacher, Dr. Richardson became pastor of Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church in Perrine in 1983, then a small community of faith with 125 members who met for worship twice a month. Under Dr. Richardson’s leadership, the membership blossomed, resulting in a larger sanctuary being built and the congregation growing to become a megachurch with multiple worship services each Sunday. He served for approximately 26 years as the Senior Pastor at Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church in Perrine. He retired from his Senior Pastor role in 2010 and now serves as pastor emeritus.
Dr. Richardson has served as the senior chaplain for the Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD) for over 30 years and is an accomplished author. From 1989 to 2015, he served as adjunct professor of religion at St. Thomas University where he taught world religions, which focused on beliefs such as Judaism, Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, and Buddhism. Dr. Richardson is called upon frequently to speak on the various religious expressions of faith.
About The Moderator
Lauren Costantino is a reporter for the Miami Herald where she covers religion—a complex beat that chronicles South Florida’s rich and diverse religious roots. For the past three years, Lauren has written about various religious topics, from profiling local faith leaders to stories about protest vigils at Alligator Alcatraz and covering Florida's efforts to blend church and state. Since joining the Herald in 2021, Lauren has worked as an audience engagement producer, reaching new audiences through social media, podcasts and community-focused projects. She is passionate about news accessibility and bringing quality local news to every neighborhood. Before journalism, Lauren taught high school English in Palm Beach County. Today, she lives in Miami Beach with her cocker spaniel, Oliver.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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