Ramadan Mubarak and Happy Rosh Hodesh Adar: Strengthening Interfaith Alliances

Author

Jerusalem Interfaith Center
February 28, 2025

A Time for Renewal and Shared Spirituality:
A Monthly Update from OTIC and the Blickle Center for Interfaith Dialogue

كل عام وانتم بخير “May you be well with every passing year!”
(traditional Ramadan blessing)

As the holy month of Ramadan begins, we extend our warmest blessings to our Muslim friends and partners. This sacred time of fasting, reflection, and renewal is an opportunity to strengthen faith, build community, and reaffirm the values of generosity and justice, principles that resonate deeply in Jewish tradition.

Fasting in Islam and Judaism is not merely an act of restraint but a spiritual discipline that fosters gratitude, humility, and empathy. Just as Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset during Ramadan, Jews observe fast days such as Yom Kippur and Tisha B’Av, using these moments for deep introspection and connection to the Divine. Beyond fasting, Ramadan is a time of communal strength and charitable giving, values mirrored in Tzedakah, the Jewish principle of righteous giving, much like Zakat in Islam (with the semitic linguistic connection making the words even sound similar). At its core, both traditions recognize that faith must inspire action, shaping a more just and compassionate world.

This month, OTIC will take part in several interfaith Iftar (break the fast) meals with our Muslim colleagues and partners, including a special gathering with Sheikh Hassan, head of the Abrahamic Union, on March 15/16, and an evening hosted by Esh HaTorah on March 5. These shared meals are more than just breaking bread; they are moments of true connection, where people from different backgrounds come together to foster understanding, strengthen friendships, and embrace the common values that unite us. If you are interested in joining, please be in touch directly by reaching out to Rabbi Aharon at [email protected].

As Ramadan unfolds, may it be a time of renewal, peace, and unity for all. ✨

Ramadan Mubarak! 🌙 חג שמח!

Rabbi Yakov Nagen and Rabbi Aharon Lavi

Strengthening Interfaith Alliances

OTIC at the IRF Summit & Dialogue of Civilizations Conference

This past month, OTIC proudly participated in the International Religious Freedom Summit in Washington, DC, and the 2nd International Dialogue of Civilizations & Tolerance Conference in Abu Dhabi. Rabbi Yakov Nagen and Rabbi Aharon Ariel Lavi represented OTIC alongside global faith leaders, engaging in meaningful discussions on combating religious persecution, antisemitism, and building long-term interfaith partnerships.

A key highlight was Rabbi Lavi’s speech at the IRF Summit, speaking on behalf of the Rohingya people, emphasizing the moral responsibility of all faiths to stand against oppression. In a powerful show of solidarity, Rohingya activist Wai Wai Nu spoke in defense of the Jewish people, highlighting the alarming rise of antisemitism worldwide.

At the Dialogue of Civilizations Conference, among topics of coexistence, religious leaders emphasized that the youth are the cornerstone of a more tolerant world and that women’s leadership is crucial in shaping modern interfaith and societal progress. A significant moment occurred when OTIC leaders, Rabbi Nagen and Lavi presented Shaykh Abdallah Bin Bayyah with a Torah in Arabic, symbolizing the shared commitment to wisdom and dialogue across faiths.

Jewish-Muslim Fraternity Focus: Purim & Its Islamic Mirror

As we prepare for Purim, a holiday commemorating the survival of the Jewish people from persecution, it is a time to reflect on shared themes of faith, justice, and divine intervention found in both Judaism and Islam. While Purim tells the story of Esther, Mordechai, and the Jewish people's salvation from Haman’s plot, parallels exist in Islamic teachings and historical narratives that emphasize divine justice and perseverance.

Purim and Its Islamic Connection:

✔️ Women’s Leadership & Courage

Queen Esther played a pivotal role in securing justice and advocating for her people. Similarly, Islamic tradition reveres Khadijah, the wife of Prophet Muhammad, and Aisha, one of Islam’s most influential female scholars, for their courage, wisdom, and leadership. Both faiths recognize the essential role of women in shaping history and guiding moral leadership.

✔️ Fasting & Spiritual Reflection

Before taking action, Esther fasted for three days, demonstrating spiritual preparation before a moment of great significance (Esther 4:16). In Islam, fasting (Sawm) is a central act of devotion, particularly in Ramadan, symbolizing purification, humility, and the seeking of divine guidance (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:183). Some scholars also connect Esther’s fast to the fast of Ashura, observed by some Muslims as a day of atonement and gratitude for divine deliverance (Sahih Muslim 1130).

✔️ Community & Unity in the Face of Hardship 

The story of Purim is one of a community coming together, emphasizing the importance of unity, shared responsibility, and standing strong in times of crisis. In Islam, the concept of Ummah (a united community bound by faith and moral duty) mirrors the Jewish commitment to communal responsibility (Arvut Hadadit), highlighting the power of collective action and mutual support.

Though the stories differ, Purim and Islamic traditions both emphasize the importance of faith, wisdom, and communal strength in overcoming challenges. These shared values remind us of the deep moral and spiritual connections between our traditions, strengthening the bonds of understanding and dialogue between Jewish and Muslim communities.

We are excited to announce the launch of OTIC’s newly designed website, created to better serve our growing community and provide easy access to resources, events, and educational content.

🌐 What’s New?

  • Revamped resource database with videos, articles, and interfaith learning materials.

  • Event registration and podcast access in one place.

  • A dedicated section to explore key projects like the Jewish-Muslim Fraternity initiative.

Interfaith Sustainability Workshop:
A Shared Responsibility for the Future

This month, OTIC co-hosted an Interfaith Sustainability Workshop at Bar-Ilan University, bringing together faith leaders from Judaism, Islam, Christianity, Druze, Baha’i, and Sikh traditions to explore the ethical and theological dimensions of environmental responsibility.

Key Themes Discussed:

🌍 The role of faith communities in combating climate change
📖 Shared religious teachings on stewardship and responsibility
🤝 Practical steps for interfaith cooperation on sustainability

By fostering dialogue and developing collaborative action plans, we hope to create long-term interfaith contributions to environmental and social sustainability.

Upcoming Events

Iftar in the Western Negev

🍽 A shared Iftar meal for Jews and Muslims with a special delegation from Morocco
📍 Shuva, Gaza border region
📅 Saturday, March 1, 2025 (1 Adar), 7:00 PM
📞 For details and registration, contact Roi Horn: +972-50-644-0888 (Limited spots available)

Second Session in the Joint Study Series

📅 Tuesday, March 18, 2025 (18 Adar)
⏰ 8:30 PM (Zoom)
📖 Rabbi Dr. Aharon Ariel Lavi and Imam Rashad Abdul-Rahman will discuss the shared origins of humanity in the Torah and Quran. (Session in English)
🔗 Register here: https://morning-sale.page/dialog-zoom

Central Iftar in Nazareth

🍽 A major interfaith Iftar led by the Abrahamic Alliance and Sheikh Ghassan Manasra
📍 Nazareth
📅 Wednesday, March 19, 2025 (19 Adar), 4:45 PM
🔗 Register here (limited spots): https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Dr7BRwEls8untQr46MkWt9dEQ76RsWecsz8zlmFq6is/preview

We look forward to seeing you!

To learn more about our activities and to connect with us, visit our website or Facebook page:

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