The 17th Annual Ramadan Interfaith Iftar Dinner, held on March 8 in observance of International Women’s Day, brought together members of diverse faith communities in Berkeley for an evening of dialogue, reflection, and shared experience.
Hosted at Congregation Netivot Shalom, the event centered on the theme “Women Shaping Faith: Stories from Our Traditions,” emphasizing the vital contributions of women within religious life and community leadership.
The event was organized collaboratively by Congregation Netivot Shalom, Pacifica Institute, Congregation Beth El, and BAYCC, reflecting a strong spirit of partnership and interfaith engagement.
The evening began with Middle Eastern music performed by John Erlich and Reb. Tzvi Bar-David, setting a welcoming and reflective tone. Opening remarks followed, including a welcome by Serena Heaslip of Congregation Netivot Shalom, greetings from Andrea Bernal, Community & Business Relations Coordinator for the City of Berkeley, and a welcome address by Ahmet Erdogan, Alameda County Coordinator at Pacifica Institute.
During his remarks, Ahmet Erdogan honored the memory of the late Fatih Ates, recognizing his role as a catalyst in establishing and sustaining this longstanding annual interfaith iftar. He offered a prayer in remembrance of Fatih Ates, reflecting on his lasting contributions to interfaith dialogue and community building.
A central highlight of the program was the interfaith panel featuring Emel Ficici, Pastor Dani Kilgore, and Rabbi Dorothy Richman. Each speaker offered reflections on the role of women in their respective faith traditions, drawing from sacred texts and lived experiences. The discussion then evolved into an interactive dialogue, with panelists engaging one another’s perspectives and inviting broader reflection.
Following the panel, Rabbi Dorothy Richman led a communal sing-along, further fostering a sense of unity among participants. Attendees then gathered in small discussion groups to share reflections on women who played important roles in their childhood, fostering deeper connection and meaningful dialogue.
The program continued with a Ramadan-themed video, followed by the Muslim call to prayer, marking the time to break the fast. Participants shared dates and water, and Muslim prayers were observed, offering a moment of spiritual reflection for the community.
The dinner that followed was prepared by dedicated volunteers from the organizing communities, reflecting a spirit of service and collaboration. The meal was served family-style, intentionally bringing together participants from different backgrounds to encourage conversation and relationship-building.
Organizers noted that the annual gathering continues to serve as a powerful platform for interfaith engagement, demonstrating how shared experiences, dialogue, and reflection can strengthen community bonds. By focusing on women’s stories and contributions, the event highlighted common values across traditions while fostering mutual understanding and respect.
