Why would an interfaith environmental organization compete in a chili cook-off? Well, here are three good reasons:
1. It was a faith-based event—the 6th Annual Kosher Chili Cook-off in Austin, Texas, sponsored by Congregation Agudas Achim.
2. The team was interfaith, with members identifying as Jewish, Christian and Muslim.
3. Food is a religious and an environmental concern.
Perhaps the most compelling reason to compete in the chili cook-off, though, was just for fun. One of the things I’ve come to believe is that creative, generative acts—including the silly and completely ridiculous—help to save the world, at least a little bit.
Sadly, on the day of the cook-off, one member of our team was out, recovering from a bout with pneumonia. But the All-Star Interfaith Eco-Justice League carried on as best we could without her. Had there been a prize for best team name or concept, I’m sure we would have won it! As it was, we didn’t win anything. But that’s OK. We didn’t solve the problems of world hunger or global warming, or bring an end to international conflicts, either—but our chili was good, the locals were friendly and we laughed a lot. Oh, and did I mention the Wonder Woman tiaras and bracelets?
Even if all we did was provide a small example of how people of different religious traditions can work together in a spirit of simple and joyful ridiculousness, then that’s something worthwhile. As one of my teammates said, interfaith cooperation doesn’t always have to be formal dialogue, meetings and panel discussions. Sometimes it can just be teamwork, chili and costumes.
What a glorious gift this world is—and how fantastic that we get to live together and share it with others. Being together with food? Even better.
Peace & blessings, Amanda