Ecumenical, Jewish and Muslim Resources
Ecumenical:
Honoring Our Neighbor's Faith - A book with each chapter explaining the basics of 32 different faiths.
Religions and Beliefs (BBC) - Religion can be explained as a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, especially when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Youth Ministry - The ELCA Youth Ministry page is your starting point for finding resources, individuals involved in youth ministry across the ELCA, as well as leadership development and faith formation programs and initiatives for youth.
National Council of Churches - The NCC is a community of communions called by Christ to visible unity and sent forth in the Spirit to promote God’s justice, peace, and the healing of the world. World Council of Churches - A worldwide fellowship of churches seeking unity, a common witness and Christian service. Pastor and Author of "Holy Envy: Finding God in the Faith of Others," Barbara Brown Taylor provides a curated list for Christians in engaging people of other faith traditions.
First Light, First Life: A Worldwide Creation Story by Paul Fleischman and illustrated by Julie Paschkis. A global perspective on the beginning.
Global Recipes for Kids and Families to Make Together- based on the book Let's Eat: Mealtime Around the World by Lynne Marie and Parwinder Singh.
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Muslim Resources:My Neighbor is a Muslim - A FREE resource from Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service that helps your audience learn more about what it means to be a Muslim. Jesus taught us to love our neighbor, learning about who our neighbor is and about their faith are steps in this direction.
Covid-19 Changes Muslim Celebration of Ramadan - Dr. Zahra Jamal from the Boniak Institute at Rice University delivers an approachable explanation of Ramadan amidst the pandemic. (see video below)
Salam Alaikum: A Message of Peace - by Harris J and Ward Jenkins. An excellent elementary aged resource about kindness.
Lailah's Lunchbox: A Ramadan Story by Reem Faruqi and illustrated by Lea Lyon gives a modern day illustration of the tensions of being a Muslim in a predominately secular/Christian American school. Great for discussion!
Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns: A Muslim Book of Colors by Hena Khan and illustrated by Mehrdokht Amini colorfully explains basic aspects of Islam. Without going into theology this book introduces the reader to some cultural aspects of Islam that help with mutual understanding.
Jewish Resources:
Little Red Ruthie: A Hanukkah Tale by Gloria Koster and Sue Eastland. A creative and modern way of looking at Hanukkah rituals.
Irena's Jars of Secrets by Marcia Vaughan and illustrated by Ron Mazellan. Irena Sendler, born to a Polish Catholic family, was raised to respect people of all backgrounds and to help those in need. During WWII she helped saved the lives of 2,500 Jewish children before having to hide for her life.
*Recommended TedTalk for MS and HS 
Itzik's Well - a regular podcast/blog from Rabbi Irwin Kellar that is relatable and contexual for our modern reading of scripture.
The Shema in the Mezuzah: Listening to Each Other by Rabbi Sandy Eisenberg Sasso and illustrated by Joani Keller Rothenberg excellently teaches young people the art of compromise by listening to each other. *The refrain and possibility to have a tangible Mezuzah for a take home make this a great children's sermon book.
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