Searching the Sacred

10 Women, 3 Traditions | Miriam / Miriam / Musa’s Sister

Searching the Sacred | 10 Women, 3 Traditions Step into the lives of ten remarkable women who appear in the Quran, Hebrew Scriptures, and Christian Bible, and discover the threads that connect us across faiths. In each episode, faith leaders from the Jewish, Muslim, and Christian traditions come together to explore these stories through personal reflection, insight, and curiosity. Our conversations are not about finding the “right” interpretation but about listening, wondering, and sometimes experiencing a little “holy envy” for the beauty and depth in another tradition’s story. Join us as we illuminate the women who shaped sacred narratives—and perhaps see faith, each other, and ourselves in new ways.   Guests on Today's Episode: Maria Khani: Maria Khani is a Syrian educator, lecturer, and author based in Southern California. She is a proud mother of three children—two sons and one daughter with whom she cofounded A Country Called Syria in 2012, a nonprofit traveling museum and set of art events showcasing the history and culture of their homeland.  For 15 years, Khani served as the Senior Muslim Chaplain in the Los Angeles and Orange County jails, providing educational and spiritual services to incarcerated Muslim men and women. She also works as a public speaker, lecturing on Islam and Muslims at educational, community, interfaith, and governmental institutions, as well as an educator on analytical Quran studies.   Rabbi Tamar Magill-Grimm: Rabbi Tamar Magill-Grimm brings a love for ongoing, serious, deep Jewish learning and spiritual growth to her role as Senior Rabbi at Beth Jacob Congregation. Over the course of the last 10 years, she has served in various roles at Beth Jacob, including Rabbi-Educator and Assistant Rabbi. Prior to working at Beth Jacob, she was the rabbi at Congregation Beth Israel in Rock Island, IL. Rabbi Tamar received her Rabbinic Ordination and Masters in Jewish Studies from Hebrew College Rabbinical School in Boston and graduated from Brandeis University with a B.A. in Anthropology and Sociology, and a certificate in Women’s Studies. She lives in St. Paul, MN, with her spouse and two daughters. Together they enjoy cross-country skiing, watching women’s basketball and eating pizza.  beth-jacob.org [https://searchingthesacred.podbean.com/e/10-women-3-traditions-eve-chavah-hawa/beth-jacob.org]   Rachel Pieh Jones: Rachel Pieh Jones has written about life at the crossroads of faith and culture for the New York Times, Runners World, and more. Her work is influenced by living in the Horn of Africa, raising Third Culture Kids, and adventurous exploration of the natural world. Originally from Minnesota, she lived in Somaliland and Djibouti for over twenty years. She holds two Masters degrees, is a current PhD student in Intercultural Studies, and works as a ghostwriter and developmental editor. Rachel is the award-winning author of six books including Pillars: How Muslim Friends Led Me Closer to Jesus." www.rachelpiehjones.com [https://searchingthesacred.podbean.com/e/10-women-3-traditions-queen-of-sheba-malkat-shva-bilqis/www.rachelpiehjones.com]   ____ This is a 40 Orchards podcast. At 40 Orchards, our mission is to create circles for all people to wrestle through biblical texts, so that— together— we can expand each other’s experience of what is sacred, whole, and good. We search through the lens of sacred possibility; assuming there is more to be discovered, questioned, and applied as we listen for how God is still speaking.  You can learn more about 40 Orchards and sign-up for a study by going to 40Orchards.org [https://40orchards.org/]   Our opening music is by LesFM Our closing music is by NCR Music Vibes Additional music is by Three Music and Scott Holmes Music ____

10 Women, 3 Traditions | Lot's Wife / Ado / Waliha

Searching the Sacred | 10 Women, 3 Traditions Step into the lives of ten remarkable women who appear in the Quran, Hebrew Scriptures, and Christian Bible, and discover the threads that connect us across faiths. In each episode, faith leaders from the Jewish, Muslim, and Christian traditions come together to explore these stories through personal reflection, insight, and curiosity. Our conversations are not about finding the “right” interpretation but about listening, wondering, and sometimes experiencing a little “holy envy” for the beauty and depth in another tradition’s story. Join us as we illuminate the women who shaped sacred narratives—and perhaps see faith, each other, and ourselves in new ways.   Guests on Today's Episode: Mariam Mohamed: Mariam Mohamed came to the USA in 1984 from Somalia for post-graduate studies in hydrology. She also holds Master's degrees; in Plant Science and in Sampling and Multivariate Analysis. She worked as a Research Analyst in Molecular Biology at Harvard University, then moved to Minnesota in 2000, where she became a Program Director for Workforce Development, Inc. She is particularly proud of her work as Executive Director of the Somali Parent Teacher Association (SPTA), successfully transitioning a concept to a vibrant community organization dedicated to the service of refugees and student immigrants. For the next five years, Mariam dedicated herself to improving conditions for Minnesota families and children in her role as Program Officer of the Children & Families Program at The McKnight Foundation.   Since 2010, Mariam has worked as an independent consultant and program facilitator for clients such as the Minnesota Department of Human Services, St. David’s Center for Child & Family Development, the Governor’s Early Learning Council and UCare. At UCare, she has led various initiatives including Circles of Health to educate and empower women – mostly in the Somali community – to lead healthier lifestyles, heal from historical trauma, support their children’s success and make informed health decisions.  She formerly served on the boards of Think Small, Prepare & Prosper, CAPI and World without Genocide. Mariam is currently on the board of UCare and St.David.   Mariam also is an entrepreneur and she is the co-founder of Hoyo Sambusa, a social benefit company that provides jobs for refugee and immigrant communities in Minnesota.   Rabbi Tamar Magill-Grimm: Rabbi Tamar Magill-Grimm brings a love for ongoing, serious, deep Jewish learning and spiritual growth to her role as Senior Rabbi at Beth Jacob Congregation. Over the course of the last 10 years, she has served in various roles at Beth Jacob, including Rabbi-Educator and Assistant Rabbi. Prior to working at Beth Jacob, she was the rabbi at Congregation Beth Israel in Rock Island, IL. Rabbi Tamar received her Rabbinic Ordination and Masters in Jewish Studies from Hebrew College Rabbinical School in Boston and graduated from Brandeis University with a B.A. in Anthropology and Sociology, and a certificate in Women’s Studies. She lives in St. Paul, MN, with her spouse and two daughters. Together they enjoy cross-country skiing, watching women’s basketball and eating pizza.  beth-jacob.org [https://searchingthesacred.podbean.com/e/10-women-3-traditions-eve-chavah-hawa/beth-jacob.org]   Rachel Pieh Jones: Rachel Pieh Jones has written about life at the crossroads of faith and culture for the New York Times, Runners World, and more. Her work is influenced by living in the Horn of Africa, raising Third Culture Kids, and adventurous exploration of the natural world. Originally from Minnesota, she lived in Somaliland and Djibouti for over twenty years. She holds two Masters degrees, is a current PhD student in Intercultural Studies, and works as a ghostwriter and developmental editor. Rachel is the award-winning author of six books including Pillars: How Muslim Friends Led Me Closer to Jesus." www.rachelpiehjones.com [https://searchingthesacred.podbean.com/e/10-women-3-traditions-queen-of-sheba-malkat-shva-bilqis/www.rachelpiehjones.com]   ____ This is a 40 Orchards podcast. At 40 Orchards, our mission is to create circles for all people to wrestle through biblical texts, so that— together— we can expand each other’s experience of what is sacred, whole, and good. We search through the lens of sacred possibility; assuming there is more to be discovered, questioned, and applied as we listen for how God is still speaking.  You can learn more about 40 Orchards and sign-up for a study by going to 40Orchards.org [https://40orchards.org/]   Our opening music is by LesFM Our closing music is by NCR Music Vibes Additional music is by Three Music and Scott Holmes Music ____

10 Women, 3 Traditions | Hagar / Hagar / Hajar

Searching the Sacred | 10 Women, 3 Traditions Step into the lives of ten remarkable women who appear in the Quran, Hebrew Scriptures, and Christian Bible, and discover the threads that connect us across faiths. In each episode, faith leaders from the Jewish, Muslim, and Christian traditions come together to explore these stories through personal reflection, insight, and curiosity. Our conversations are not about finding the “right” interpretation but about listening, wondering, and sometimes experiencing a little “holy envy” for the beauty and depth in another tradition’s story. Join us as we illuminate the women who shaped sacred narratives—and perhaps see faith, each other, and ourselves in new ways.   Guests on Today's Episode: Fozia Bashir:  Anse Fozia Bashir is a Ribaat Graduate (Class of 2024), Rabateen teacher, and women’s learning circle leader in Austin, Texas. She’s passionate about creating women-led spaces for learning and spiritual growth. A devoted mom and a GIS analyst, she brings a global background and a love for homeschooling, fitness, and the outdoors to everything she does.  https://www.rabata.org [https://www.rabata.org/]   Rabbi Tamar Magill-Grimm: Rabbi Tamar Magill-Grimm brings a love for ongoing, serious, deep Jewish learning and spiritual growth to her role as Senior Rabbi at Beth Jacob Congregation. Over the course of the last 10 years, she has served in various roles at Beth Jacob, including Rabbi-Educator and Assistant Rabbi. Prior to working at Beth Jacob, she was the rabbi at Congregation Beth Israel in Rock Island, IL. Rabbi Tamar received her Rabbinic Ordination and Masters in Jewish Studies from Hebrew College Rabbinical School in Boston and graduated from Brandeis University with a B.A. in Anthropology and Sociology, and a certificate in Women’s Studies. She lives in St. Paul, MN, with her spouse and two daughters. Together they enjoy cross-country skiing, watching women’s basketball and eating pizza.  beth-jacob.org [https://searchingthesacred.podbean.com/e/10-women-3-traditions-eve-chavah-hawa/beth-jacob.org]   Rachel Pieh Jones: Rachel Pieh Jones has written about life at the crossroads of faith and culture for the New York Times, Runners World, and more. Her work is influenced by living in the Horn of Africa, raising Third Culture Kids, and adventurous exploration of the natural world. Originally from Minnesota, she lived in Somaliland and Djibouti for over twenty years. She holds two Masters degrees, is a current PhD student in Intercultural Studies, and works as a ghostwriter and developmental editor. Rachel is the award-winning author of six books including Pillars: How Muslim Friends Led Me Closer to Jesus." www.rachelpiehjones.com [https://searchingthesacred.podbean.com/e/10-women-3-traditions-queen-of-sheba-malkat-shva-bilqis/www.rachelpiehjones.com]   ____ This is a 40 Orchards podcast. At 40 Orchards, our mission is to create circles for all people to wrestle through biblical texts, so that— together— we can expand each other’s experience of what is sacred, whole, and good. We search through the lens of sacred possibility; assuming there is more to be discovered, questioned, and applied as we listen for how God is still speaking.  You can learn more about 40 Orchards and sign-up for a study by going to 40Orchards.org [https://40orchards.org/]   Our opening music is by LesFM Our closing music is by NCR Music Vibes Additional music is by Three Music and Scott Holmes Music ____

10 Women, 3 Traditions | Eve / Chavah / Hawa

Searching the Sacred | 10 Women, 3 Traditions Step into the lives of ten remarkable women who appear in the Quran, Hebrew Scriptures, and Christian Bible, and discover the threads that connect us across faiths. In each episode, faith leaders from the Jewish, Muslim, and Christian traditions come together to explore these stories through personal reflection, insight, and curiosity. Our conversations are not about finding the “right” interpretation but about listening, wondering, and sometimes experiencing a little “holy envy” for the beauty and depth in another tradition’s story. Join us as we illuminate the women who shaped sacred narratives—and perhaps see faith, each other, and ourselves in new ways.   Guests on Today's Episode: Fozia Bashir:  Anse Fozia Bashir is a Ribaat Graduate (Class of 2024), Rabateen teacher, and women’s learning circle leader in Austin, Texas. She’s passionate about creating women-led spaces for learning and spiritual growth. A devoted mom and a GIS analyst, she brings a global background and a love for homeschooling, fitness, and the outdoors to everything she does.  https://www.rabata.org [https://www.rabata.org]   Rabbi Tamar Magill-Grimm: Rabbi Tamar Magill-Grimm brings a love for ongoing, serious, deep Jewish learning and spiritual growth to her role as Senior Rabbi at Beth Jacob Congregation. Over the course of the last 10 years, she has served in various roles at Beth Jacob, including Rabbi-Educator and Assistant Rabbi. Prior to working at Beth Jacob, she was the rabbi at Congregation Beth Israel in Rock Island, IL. Rabbi Tamar received her Rabbinic Ordination and Masters in Jewish Studies from Hebrew College Rabbinical School in Boston and graduated from Brandeis University with a B.A. in Anthropology and Sociology, and a certificate in Women’s Studies. She lives in St. Paul, MN, with her spouse and two daughters. Together they enjoy cross-country skiing, watching women’s basketball and eating pizza.  beth-jacob.org [beth-jacob.org]   Rachel Pieh Jones: Rachel Pieh Jones has written about life at the crossroads of faith and culture for the New York Times, Runners World, and more. Her work is influenced by living in the Horn of Africa, raising Third Culture Kids, and adventurous exploration of the natural world. Originally from Minnesota, she lived in Somaliland and Djibouti for over twenty years. She holds two Masters degrees, is a current PhD student in Intercultural Studies, and works as a ghostwriter and developmental editor. Rachel is the award-winning author of six books including Pillars: How Muslim Friends Led Me Closer to Jesus." www.rachelpiehjones.com [https://searchingthesacred.podbean.com/e/10-women-3-traditions-queen-of-sheba-malkat-shva-bilqis/www.rachelpiehjones.com]   ____ This is a 40 Orchards podcast. At 40 Orchards, our mission is to create circles for all people to wrestle through biblical texts, so that— together— we can expand each other’s experience of what is sacred, whole, and good. We search through the lens of sacred possibility; assuming there is more to be discovered, questioned, and applied as we listen for how God is still speaking.  You can learn more about 40 Orchards and sign-up for a study by going to 40Orchards.org [https://40orchards.org/]   Our opening music is by LesFM Our closing music is by NCR Music Vibes Additional music is by Three Music and Scott Holmes Music ____

10 Women, 3 Traditions | Mary / Miriam / Musa's Sister

Searching the Sacred | 10 Women, 3 Traditions Step into the lives of ten remarkable women who appear in the Quran, Hebrew Scriptures, and Christian Bible, and discover the threads that connect us across faiths. In each episode, faith leaders from the Jewish, Muslim, and Christian traditions come together to explore these stories through personal reflection, insight, and curiosity. Our conversations are not about finding the “right” interpretation but about listening, wondering, and sometimes experiencing a little “holy envy” for the beauty and depth in another tradition’s story. Join us as we illuminate the women who shaped sacred narratives—and perhaps see faith, each other, and ourselves in new ways.   Guests on Today's Episode: Talath Aalia Siddiqui: “Honor your emotions to become the person you are meant to be!” This is the gist of what Coach Aalia is all about. With over fifteen years of experience as a business consultant and executive, she brings her knowledge and expertise to educate, coach, and lead towards collective betterment. Aalia is a certified Life Coach in Social-Emotional Leadership and heads a consulting company providing non-profit management and coaching focused on unleashing human potential. Her affiliations include Baithak School Society, Muslimah Connection, Mohammed Webb Foundation, Sisterhood of Salam Shalom, and various Islamic Centers in US. She holds a master’s degree in Leadership and Coaching, and a bachelor’s in business management. She has an Islamic Teachers Certification from Ribaat Academy and is currently enrolled in 2nd year of Al-Madinah Institute Suhba Seminary with Shaykh Mokhtar Maghraoui. Aalia is an avid student of knowledge, and enjoys organizing events, arts & crafts, nature walks, and traveling. Aalia is working on her upcoming book Becoming More ME: Building a Self-Concept as a Pakistani, American, Muslim, Woman©. https://www.coachaalia.com/ [https://www.coachaalia.com/]   Rabbi Willemina Davidson: Rabbi Willemina Davidson (they/them) is a queer and lefty Jewish educator currently living in the lovely college town of Kent, OH. They can often be found studying a variety of Jewish texts, procrastinating their Hindi homework and teaching a range of Jewish subjects. They love good questions without good answers. www.publicuniversalrabbi.com [https://searchingthesacred.podbean.com/e/10-women-3-traditions-queen-of-sheba-malkat-shva-bilqis/www.publicuniversalrabbi.com]   Rachel Pieh Jones: Rachel Pieh Jones has written about life at the crossroads of faith and culture for the New York Times, Runners World, and more. Her work is influenced by living in the Horn of Africa, raising Third Culture Kids, and adventurous exploration of the natural world. Originally from Minnesota, she lived in Somaliland and Djibouti for over twenty years. She holds two Masters degrees, is a current PhD student in Intercultural Studies, and works as a ghostwriter and developmental editor. Rachel is the award-winning author of six books including Pillars: How Muslim Friends Led Me Closer to Jesus." www.rachelpiehjones.com [https://searchingthesacred.podbean.com/e/10-women-3-traditions-queen-of-sheba-malkat-shva-bilqis/www.rachelpiehjones.com]   ____ This is a 40 Orchards podcast. At 40 Orchards, our mission is to create circles for all people to wrestle through biblical texts, so that— together— we can expand each other’s experience of what is sacred, whole, and good. We search through the lens of sacred possibility; assuming there is more to be discovered, questioned, and applied as we listen for how God is still speaking.  You can learn more about 40 Orchards and sign-up for a study by going to 40Orchards.org [https://40orchards.org/]   Our opening music is by LesFM Our closing music is by NCR Music Vibes Additional music is by Three Music and Scott Holmes Music ____