May/June 2024 VOL. LI No. 3
Liberal Judaism is a constituent of the World Union for Progressive Judaism
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Synagogue Iftars bring faiths together
Iftar events at Finchley Progressive, Birmingham Progressive and Edgware and Hendon Reform Synagogues were some of many taking place
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ROGRESSIVE Jewish communities opened their doors during Ramadan for a series of Iftar meals. Birmingham Progressive Synagogue put on an interfaith ‘Friday Night Iftar’ – in partnership with a number of local mosques and community groups – to focus on bringing people together in Birmingham and welcoming asylum seekers to the city. The evening began with an inclusive candle lighting to mark the beginning of Shabbat and then, after sunset, a breaking of the Ramadan fast with the best of both religions’ culinary traditions. Speaker Tugba Saglam, who shared her perspective as a refugee, said afterwards: “Unfortunately, this year there is a lot of pain in our souls and much thinking about the current conflicts going on. But, for the first time since Ramadan started, I felt happy when we broke our fast together, all raising our hands to pray for peace and reconciliation.”
The event was part of a year-long project which aims to bring together people of all faiths to build friendships with asylum seekers in Birmingham. Helping those seeking refuge also took centre stage at Finchley Progressive Synagogue, where an Iftar marked a key moment in a day of action campaigning for free bus travel for asylum seekers, organised by Barnet Citizens. More than 125 people enjoyed a night of speeches, food, prayer, poetry and song. The evening was hosted by the FPS Home from Home Club, a weekly afterschool drop-in for asylum seekers from a local hotel, which is led by asylum seekers themselves. One hotel resident said: “It was wonderful to see people from diverse religious backgrounds coming together in unity and sharing in the spirit of Ramadan. It showed the beauty of community and the importance of understanding and friendship.”
Iftars were held at Oaks Lane Reform, Edgware and Hendon Reform and Alyth Synagogues - with Progressive clergy and leaders also attending national and mosque-run meals. The Alyth event – covered by national media including The Times and Sky News – was the synagogue’s 11th annual Iftar. A key part of the community’s calendar, this year’s event had the theme of ‘friendship across difference’ and looked at how to maintain good relations between Jewish and Muslim communities in the UK at a time of rising tensions. Speaking on Sky, Alyth’s Rabbi Hannah Kingston and local Imam Sabah Ahmedi explained that, with Islamophobia and antisemitism on the rise, the only way that we can break down barriers is by having deep meaningful conversation and building relationships. Rabbi Hannah added: “Friendships are the most important thing that we can offer one another at this time.”
AS this issue of lj today goes to press, we know that events in Israel are on people’s minds. Because of the time needed to edit, print and post out copies, it is impossible for any edition to be contemporaneous in its reporting of world events. On pages 4-5, we feature a reflection that was written six months on from the events of 7 October and in-depth reports from two trips to Israel by Progressive clergy and communal leaders. We hope you are able to find meaning in what we have included.