In this powerful episode of Common Faith, Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove and Emmy Award–winning journalist Jon Frankel welcome Rabbi Michael Siegel of Anshe Emet Synagogue and Pastor Chris Harris of Bright Star Church and St. James Ministries in Chicago — two spiritual leaders who turned an unlikely friendship into a national model for faith-based partnership and healing.

Together, they trace the story of how a single lunch meeting 14 years ago blossomed into a thriving alliance between the Black and Jewish communities — one that has built playgrounds, inspired hundreds of interfaith exchanges, and even created a trauma counseling program modeled after Israel’s NATAL center.

The conversation ranges from mentorship and faith to violence, healing, and the sacred responsibility of leadership. Pastor Harris shares how visiting Israel reshaped his ministry on Chicago’s South Side, while Rabbi Siegel reflects on the power of humility, courage, and the simple idea that 'before you can help someone else’s trauma, you must face your own.'

It’s a moving portrait of faith in action — proof that when spiritual leaders listen, learn, and labor together, real change follows.

 

Pastor Chris Harris

https://www.instagram.com/pastorharris/?hl=en

https://www.facebook.com/Pastor.Chris.Harris.Sr/
https://www.brightstarchurchchicago.com/

https://www.stjamesministrieschicago.com/pastorchrisharris

 

Rabbi Michael Siegel
https://www.ansheemet.org/welcome/clergy/rabbi-michael-siegel/

 

American Friends of Natal
https://www.afnatal.org/

 

Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove:

https://www.instagram.com/elliot_cosgrove

https://x.com/RabbiCosgrove

 

Park Avenue Synagogue
https://www.pasyn.org

https://www.instagram.com/parkavenuesyn/#

 

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