Jews host iftar dinner for Muslims

chika ebuzor

July 1, 2015 8:23 PM

The spirituality of eating with people across religious divides goes much further than is normally offered at interfaith gatherings.

Synagogue hosts Iftar dinner for Muslims.

The oldest Jewish Synagogue in Canada-Holy Blossom Temple was the venue of an Iftar dinner organised in Honour of Muslims in Toronto.

According to Rabbi Michael Satz, Holy Blossom’s Associate Rabbi, “I believe that true inter-religious dialogue happens when people study together and, of course, eat together.”

Reports say Rabbi Michael Satz and his Muslim counterpart, Muneeb Nasir, Executive Director of the Cordoba Centre for Civic Engagement and Leadership, taught about fasting as it relates to both religions.

Nasir also said 'This Iftar brings us together tonight for greater understanding and spiritual awareness, and to build relationships.'

He added that 'The primary purpose of fasting in Islam is to achieve greater consciousness of God, prioritising God in one’s life to achieve greater spiritual awareness.'

Also speaking on the dinner, Rabbi Dow Marmur said 'The spirituality of eating with people across religious divides goes much further than is normally offered at interfaith gatherings.'

Adding that 'As what we eat and how we eat reflects both culture and religion, the Inter-cultural Dialogue Institute seems well suited to show us the way.'

The Iftar dinner was co-sponsored by the Inter-cultural Dialogue Institute, a non-profit organisation which aims to promote enduring interfaith and inter-cultural cooperation, tolerance and dialogue.

chika ebuzor