When we got to Philadelphia, our first stop was at a familiar place: a Quaker Meeting House. The guide welcomed us into Arch Street Meeting House, and shared a bit of history about the meeting. After we walked to Christ Church, a pivotal historical, religious landmark in Philadelphia. Many important historical figures of the American revolution belonged to this congregation. It was cool to sit in the same seats that some of the most prominent U.S. historical figures sat in, and also we got to see their resting places outside the church. Then, we took a stroll down one of America’s oldest streets: Elfreth’s Alley. That concluded the tour of the churches and Old City. It is an area that is rich with American history and religious freedom in the United States of America.
Arch Street Meeting House.
After walking around and exploring Old City Philadelphia, we drove back to the Interfaith Center to watch a movie called Of Many. The movie was about how an Orthodox Jewish rabbi and a Muslim chaplain from NYU were able to become good friends, despite their religious differences, and that have had their families grow up together. We then had a discussion based on the movie and asked questions like, “Why would a friendship be essential in putting aside religious differences?”. It was a good way to wrap up a fun Intensive Learning week.
