PANIM: About PANIM: E Pluribus Unum (EPU) Project


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	“I realized that I can make a difference. I realized that life isn’t just about school, but also the outside world. [Social] action is important too.” - Nathalie Hirsch Denver, CO

E PLURIBUS UNUM PROJECT

Out of Many, One

History:

In 1997, the E Pluribus Unum (EPU) Project was launched. Its intention was to explore religion, social justice, and the common good in an interfaith context. The brainchild of Rabbi Sid Schwarz, EPU was developed under the auspices of the PANIM: The Institute for Jewish and Values and then conducted in cooperation with the National Council of Churches of Christ, USA, and then National Catholic Federation of Youth Ministry with funding from the Lilly Endowment. In subsequent years, significant funding was received from both the Righteous Persons Foundation and the Ford Foundation.

In the summers of 1997, 1998, and 1999, on the campus of the American University, sixty pre-college Freshman were brought together to be part of a 3-week intensive and intentional spiritual learning community. The students consisted of an equal number if Catholics, Jews, and Protestants, with roughly equal representation in gender and ethnic background. Twenty-two faculty members were recruited to teach and facilitate a four-dimensional program that wove together: 1) an academic track; 2) the arts and spiritual practice; 3) volunteer service and advocacy; and 4) community life. The thematic focus concentrated on the areas of human rights, poverty, and the environment.

EPU Today:

Currently manifested in the form of the Interfaith Service House (ISH) in the Rogers Park section of Chicago, the idea of the ISH grew out of a conversation of a group of alumni from the EPU project. During this conversation, several participants decided after graduation they would live in an interfaith community and serve the needs of people on the margins of American society.

After much research and development by EPU alumni, staff and other partners, The ISH project was launched in the fall of 2001. While EPU brought together Catholic, Protestant and Jewish fellows, ISH is currently home to seven fellows representing five religious traditions from three different countries.

For more information, please contact Lori Eisenberg at (312) 629 - 2990 or Rabbi Sid Schwarz at (301) 770 - 5070 ext. 215.

Visit the Interfaith Service House website.