A Shared Struggle: Muslim and Jewish fasters break it together
Brooklyn’s Jewish and Muslim communities have used a common fasting day to build stronger bonds between them.
Last Tuesday, July 16, Jews observed Tisha B’Av, the saddest day of the Hebrew calendar which commemorates the destruction of the First and Second Temples and is a strict fast day. Meanwhile, until Aug. 7, Muslims are observing the holy month of Ramadan, during which they believe the prophet Mohammed received revelations from God, which are recorded in the Qu’ran. Both fasts end at sundown, and the timing inspired Congregation Beth Elohim in Park Slope, the Turkish Cultural Center and the Kings Bay YMHA to hold a joint break-the-fast meal. Muslims call this meal the Iftar, and hospitality is a central part of this tradition.
The large Reform temple in Park Slope had already enjoyed an ongoing friendship with the Kings Bay Y and is starting a new relationship with the Turkish Cultural Center. Helping bring them together was the Peace Islands Institute, a non-profit organization that is experienced in this very work.