On Tuesday, July 8th, Pacifica OC held its Iftar dinner with local Orange County synagogues. “Turning walls into tables” was the theme of the evening, as members of Temple Beth Sholom, University Synagogue, and Congregation B’Nai Tzedek joined us in sharing a meal and observing the holy month of Ramadan.
The evening started with the Vice President Atilla Kahveci’s reading a statement from the Jewish Journal on the murder of innocents in Israel. The Muslim and Jewish community leaders state that, “We are all children of Abraham and are beloved of God.” Kahveci emphasized that we all mourn together, and do not seek vengeance.
Next, Professor Ozgur Koca gave a brief presentation on Ramadan and fasting in Islam. Observing Ramadan is an ethical transformation, during which we foster patience, charity, compassion and humility. He referenced Rumi’s analogy of the kernel and the shell. The shell of Ramadan observance consists of abstaining from food and drink, whereas the kernel involves the entire body and heart. Fasting reminds us of the fragility of our bodies, which brings us awareness of our existential thirst and hunger, which leads to a desire to attach ourselves to the One who can quench that thirst and hunger.
After hearing the ezan (call to prayer) and sharing a meal, we heard about fasting in the Jewish tradition. Rabbi Heidi Cohen of Temple Beth Sholom discussed the historical basis of fasting in Judaism. She reinforced the importance of opening our tables, sharing a meal, building community, and fostering spiritual growth. Alvin Wolf of University Synagogue explained that fasting is not an end in itself, but a way in which to learn how to be. Gerald Freshman of Congregation B’Nai Tzedek shared a personal testimony, telling us of the time he and his wife got lost in Turkey on their way to Troy, and ended up sharing a meal with a local Turkish man and his wife. It turns out the Turkish man had a brother living in the United States, not far from Freshman’s own home. Thus, this serendipitous event led to the reunion of the two brothers. His testimony illustrated the importance of sharing a meal in bringing people from across the world (and across faiths, cultures, and countries) together.
Pacifica Institute would like to thank our speakers and all of our guests, who joined us in sharing a meal and turning walls to tables. Tzom Kal (“easy fast” in Hebrew) to all!
