September PoWR Member Spotlight: Rabbi David Lazar

Rabbi David Lazar is an active PoWR Member; he is a Jewish, American-Israeli rabbi focusing on interfaith dialogue. He is the Rabbi for Or Hamidbar, an organization about creating progressive Jewish spirituality in the desert. Or Hamidbar meets all seekers —Jewish or not, believer or skeptic, student or scholar, just trying it out or tried and true —wherever they are in their spiritual journey. From Orthodox settler in the Gaza Strip to progressive Rabbi living and working in the Californian desert, Rabbi Lazar focuses on interfaith dialogue. He also is an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.

Rabbi David Lazar is a new Member of the Parliament of the World’s Religions, joining as a PoWR Member in 2023. The 2023 Convening in Chicago was his first Convening.

What does being a member of the Parliament of the World’s Religions mean to you?

“A chance to find others with similar interests in interfaith dialogue and action, to be inspired by their work, and create meaningful relationships toward the future.”

Why is interfaith work important to you?

“Confronting the world’s challenges, is for me, tied to understanding the spiritual backgrounds, practices and beliefs, of others. Ongoing interfaith study, prayer and social justice cooperation is essential to healthier future.”

How do you try to advance the Parliament’s mission: of interfaith cooperation and creating a more just, peaceful, and sustainable world?

“My community, Or Hamidbar, is in constant contact with local churches and other faith organizations, in the realms of study, prayer and social action.”

What would you consider to be a best practice, resource, or knowledge you would like to share?

“Joint Christian-Jewish study of sacred texts.”