On June 7th, 2009, Pacifica Institute-Silicon Valley Branch had a joint picnic with Congregation Netivot Shalom, a consevative synagogue in Berkeley. The program was unusual in the sense that it brought together Muslim and Jewish communities. About forty people came together for fun, conversation and outdoor games at San Leandro Marina Park. Despite firece wind, the crowd hang around for several hours, finding much to share across cultural and religious borders. Follow-up programs are planned for Ramadan (aug-Sep 2009), a month of fasting and contemplation for Muslims. This year, Ramadan finishes about a week before Yom Kippur, one of the two major fasting days of Jewish community. Hence, it is a good opportunity to explore common ground.
