Who lives in our neighborhood? What do they believe? How does this affect me? Have you ever pondered these questions?

Especially driving up Deer Park Avenue from the Long Island Expressway, there is a wealth of religious and spiritual diversity on this "religion row."  

Traveling north one can see Christian churches of diverse denominations, a Hindu ashram, an Islamic mosque and a Jewish synagogue. There are also Bahai's, Buddhists, Jains, Sikhs and even Wiccan or Earth-based faith practioners.

All this diversity culminated at the northern-most point of Deer Park Avenue almost 15 years ago where a Multifaith Spiritual Fellowship began in the basement of Tall Pines Chiropractic Center.

Long Island is said to be the third most diverse suburb in the country and Dix Hills truly reflects these statistics.

In this column, we will keep abreast of the spiritual and faith-filled happenings of our neighbors in order to foster understanding and gain insight into the rich traditions that are around us.

How different or similar are we? Were you able to identify the different faith traditions mentioned? Are you curious?

The United States has coined a phrase popular in the Christian tradition called "the Golden Rule." Let's explore a few sacred texts:

• And if thine eyes be turned towards justice, choose thou for thy neighbor that which thou choosest for thyself. Bahai Lawh'I 'ibni' Dhib, "Epistle to the Son of the Wolf" 30
• Hurt not others in ways you yourself would find hurtful. Buddhism, Udana-Varga, 5:18
• In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets. Christianity, Matthew 7:12
• This is the sum of duty: do naught unto others which would cause you pain if done to you. Hinduism, The Mahabharata, 5:1517
• Not one of you is a believer until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself. Islam, Fortieth Hadith of an-Nabawi, 13
• A man should wander about treating all creatures as he himself would be treated. Jainism, Sutrakritanga, 1.11.33
• What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor: that is the whole of the Torah; all the rest of it is commentary. Judaism, Talmud, Shabbat, 31a
• Respect for all life is the foundation. Native American, The Great Law of Peace
• Treat others as thou wouldst be treated thyself. Sikhism, Adi Granth

Starting with this universal '"Golden Rule," the similarities can begin to foster comfort in each other. Join with me as each week we embark on a journey through the calendar of the world's religions, our neighbor's faiths and see how we can be enlightened and inspired.