The spirit of the Kaufman Interfaith Institute is represented in the cooperative programs held in the community to enlighten, inform, and promote inclusivity.

These events bring together diverse voices and faith traditions to find a common ground while still honoring individual experiences.

Whether it is working with others in the community to host a civilized discussion about polarizing issues or organizing a celebration that welcomes all and encourages learning through differences, the institute has found great success carrying out its mission through these community collaborations.

"Through interfaith dialogue and service, we promote a vibrant and diverse community for all generations. Beyond tolerance, we value hospitality, understanding, respect, and acceptance." 

Kaufman's Weekly Interfaith Insight

"Can self-interest include a return to a we-centered culture?" by Director Doug Kindschi

“The principle of self-interest rightly understood appears to me the best suited of all philosophical theories to the wants of the men of our time. … Each American knows when to sacrifice some of his private interests to save the rest.”

So wrote French aristocrat Alexis de Tocqueville, who in the 1830s spent considerable time in America seeking to understand its character.  His reflections were published in his book “Democracy in America.”

Self-interest is important. If we were not interested in our own well-being, we would probably perish.  Without self-interest, would we build shelters, plant crops, build companies, save for the future?  Without self-interest we would die.  But self-interest can become selfishness, obsession with self, and hurtful to others. Tocqueville’s “principle of self-interest rightly understood” acknowledges both the importance of self-interest as well as the limits of only considering the self.  Unbridled self-interest will, in fact, lead to destruction that undermines and destroys others, community, and then even the self.   

Read the entire article here