On February 5, 2005, 180 people gathered at URI’s second Circles of Light dinner to honor Rita R. Semel, chair of the Global Council, for her long-time service and leadership in the interfaith community in San Francisco and around the world. The evening’s inspiring setting, high above the lights of San Francisco, was beautiful with glowing candles surrounding fragrant wreathes of bay laurel and gardenias.

In an opening invocation that communicated the spirit of URI, interfaith leaders lit candles and offered prayers that peace prevail on Earth. Accompanying these words, photos of URI members from around the world flashed on a large screen bringing the beauty of Earth’s diverse humanity into that beautiful setting.

Rita’s many contributions to the interfaith community were recognized by the four speakers who honored her. Her daughter, Elisabeth Semel, spoke movingly of her family’s commitment to social justice; Jim Donahue, President of the Graduate Theological Union, spoke of Rita’s commitment to partnership and education; Rabbi Stephen Pearce of Congregation Emanu El highlighted Rita’s warm spirit and joyful presence; and Bishop William Swing, President of URI, told the guests of Rita’s leadership in bringing the URI into existence. Bishop Swing also presented Rita with a hand stitched prayer shawl, a beautiful crystal paperweight from URI Korea, and a memory book filled with stories, good wishes, and photos from URI members around the world.

It was a magical night! The Circles of Light dinner reflected the circles of light shining around the world through Cooperation Circles, and raised $47,000 in support of URI global activities.