Good food, good conversation, and good will—all were greatly in evidence as the Silicon Valley branch of the Pacifica Institute opened its doors to the wider community to share an iftar meal during this month of Ramadan. Ramadan is the month in the Muslim calendar during which the faithful fast from food and water from dawn until sunset. But even more importantly, they seek to renew their souls and the world around them through prayer, acts of compassion, and generosity.
The custom of inviting family, neighbors, and friends to join in breaking the fast with an iftar meal has become an opportunity for groups like the Pacifica Institute to reach out to their non-Muslim friends and neighbors. On this first of four scheduled interfaith iftars, those who arrived early had the opportunity to participate in a Skype conversation on “Paths to Peace Via Dialogue in Kenya.” Prof. Gerald Grudzen, who teaches at San Jose City College and is President of Global Ministries University, introduced Frank, Martin and Fatih, leaders in a project to develop an interfaith curriculum in Kenya. Frank, in Florida, and Martin and Fatih in Kenya, spoke about their work in teaching young people appreciation for people of other backgrounds. Fatih heads a school that was established by the Hizmet movement, inspired by the work of Fethulla Gulen, which students attend for general studies in the mornings, and then for religious studies in the afternoon. In contrast to the emphasis on separation and differences between religious groups that is sometimes a part of traditional madrasas, the school teaches respect for those of other faiths. In cooperation with the Coast Interfaith Council of Clerics (CICC) and the Global Ministries University, they have been working together to develop a training program for teachers that enables them to earn certification in interreligious studies.
Over forty people heard not only from Frank, Martin, and Fatih about their work in Africa, but about other models for interfaith education and cooperation that are taking place in our own area, like the Abrahamic Alliance, the Children’s School of Art and Science, and programs at San Jose City College. The session is available online at https://www.ustream.tv/broadcaster/20744839
Following that conversation, the group joined many more who had arrived to celebrate the end of the day’s fast. Some of those sitting around the tables had been attending similar iftars for years; others were there for the first time. Yet everyone enjoyed this opportunity to see old friends, make new ones, and to appreciate each other even more deeply. Our thanks to all those at the Pacifica Institute that make such gatherings not only meaningful, but joyful.
— Rev. D. Andrew Kille, Chair, (Silicon Valley Interreligious Council (SiVIC)
