"Stories Build Links of Faith," a Commentary by Adah Hetko

March 17, 2007

Author: ADAH HETKO

Source: The Times Union

http://timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=572858&category=ALBANY&BCCode=&newsdate=3/18/2007

Once upon a time, not very long ago, there lived an 11-year-old girl named Adah. One day, she went with her mom to an interfaith women's dinner. They happened to sit next to the leader of an Interfaith Story Circle, who invited them to their next meeting.

They went, but it was mostly older people, and Adah felt out of place. Even so, she was enchanted by the stories and when the meeting was closing, she didn't want the magic to end. She told two stories that she had heard at Hebrew school. She was nervous at first but really liked it when everyone laughed at the funny parts. This new world of storytelling brought Adah back to the story circle again and again. Adah has been telling stories very happily ever after.

Now I, Adah, am 15 years old and committed to the mission of the Interfaith Story Circle, which is to spiritually connect with people of all faiths and cultures. This group has been meeting for over 10 years, sharing stories and personal tales from a variety of religious traditions. For four years, I have been the only young performer at the annual Winter Lights Telling.