Download Common Rituals in Our Traditions

On December 11th, 2008 the East Bay Jewish Community Relations Council and the Islamic Networks
Group presented the second event in their Muslim-Jewish Common Ground Speakers Series at Beth
Jacob Congregation in Oakland, CA. The topic of the evening was “Common Rituals in Our Traditions.”
The speakers that evening were Rabbi Judah Dardik of Beth Jacob Congregation and Imam Faheem
Shuaibe, Resident Scholar of Waratheen Mosque and Director of the Clara Mohammad School.
Muslims, Jews, Christians, and those of other faiths were among those in attendance. The purpose of
the evening’s gathering was for Rabbi Dardik and Imam Shuaibe to explore the commonalities in day to
day religious practices of Judaism and Islam.
After a brief opening and introduction by the JCRC the two religious leaders began by assuring attendees
the location was a place of worship and not politics, and the night’s discussion was focused on how
observant Jews and Muslims can come together. Imam Shuaibe began by mentioning the PBS show, The
Jewish People: A Story of Survival http://www.pbs.org/previews/jewishpeople/ and its glimpse into the
life of Maimonides which he watched the previous night. As the gathering at Beth Jacob served as a
space for sharing, the Imam was reminded of medieval al-Andalus, Spain where people of all faiths
worshipped freely. It was a time and place where Muslims, Jews and Christians lived without
persecution. Such a setting made Imam Faheem speak of America and its similar design, as it too
provides a forum for sharing. “A country that was founded on the idea of freedom of religion offers the
rare opportunity to engage others.”
What follows is a list of topics that were briefly touched upon during a 1.5 hour presentation by the
religious leaders. The list gives a sample of topics that can be discussed at interfaith gatherings.
1. Special Pronunciation
 Judaism: When reading the torah every vowel sound matters. There are no vowels
written in a torah scroll so it is very difficult to learn how to pronounce every word
correctly. Those enrolled in courses on how to read Torah will have a teacher
accompany them as they read who is correcting them as they proceed until they have
achieved a solid knowledge of the correct pronunciations.
 Islam: Correct pronunciation of classical Arabic is also important for the reading of the
Qu’ran. Modern Arabic is not the same as classical Arabic, so most people who speak
Arabic today also must learn the correct pronunciations.
2. Monotheism
 Judaism: Twice a day, at the beginning and end, Jews recite a prayer that begins “Hear
Israel, God is One.”
 Islam:
i. Surah 12 of the Qu’ran “He is God, the one and unique, his very nature does
not allow any contribution. Never born, never given birth…” In order to become
a Muslim, an individual must say this prayer which witnesses that there is only
one God.
ii. Mohammad is not divine. He was the messenger of God, and not the only
messenger.
3. Head Cover
 Judaism: Observant Jews wear yamakas to be pious, when in the presence of God.
 Islam: Although Muslims are not obligated to wear head coverings, doing so shows
piety, in the presence of God. Modesty is the mandate. Modesty is the standard for
men and women. Self restraint is the best dress.
4. Prayer – Many Jews and Muslims carry compasses so they can always be certain what direction
to face in prayer.
 Islam:
i. Muslims are obligated to pray five times a day. Qu’ran - Surah 29v45: “Recite
what is sent of the Book by inspiration to thee, and establish regular prayer: for
prayer restrains from shameful and unjust deeds; and remembrance of Allah is
the greatest (thing in life) without doubt. And Allah knows the (deeds) that ye
do. “
ii. Prayer is the ascension of the believer, and since Muslims use prayer rugs, this is
the origin of stories about flying carpets.
iii. Muslims can only pray in clean spaces, where there are no images.
iv. Muslims always pray in the direction of Mecca.
v. The minimum number of people needed for prayer is 2. The two stand side by
side. If more people join in prayer, they line up behind the first two, and so on.
vi. The Qu’ran is only recited in the standing position. While bowing and bent over
nothing is said.
 Judaism:
i. Jews pray three times a day: morning, afternoon and evening.
ii. Prayer can be said anywhere, and alone, but preferably with 10 other Jews.
iii. Jews face Jerusalem when praying.
iv. When in prayer, Jews always stand when God’s name is read from the Torah.
Never speak the name in the bowing position.
5. Charity
 Judaism: For Jews, charity is considered to save one from death. Charity is well
structured in the religious community, so far that there is a ‘tax code’ which determines
how much one gives and how such funds should be allocated for good causes.
 Islam: For Muslims, it is expected that 2.5% above a certain level of one’s earnings and
ownership will be given to those in need. There eight categories established for the
distribution of these funds, which include “causes of freedom, to strengthen faith,’’ for
new Muslims,…”
6. Fasting
 Islam: Imam Shuaibe refered to Surah 183 which says the main object of fasting during
Ramadan is to learn self restraint. During Ramadan, everyday Muslims read 1/30th of the
Qu’ran. By the end of the month of Ramadan the entire Qu’ran has been read.

7. Food

Judaism: Rabbi Judah Dardik divided the six yearly fasts into three categories: 4 of the
fasts are sad, such as in cases of remembering the destruction of the temple; 1 fast is for
unity, which occurs in Spring in support of Esther; the last fast is a joyous fast, Yom
Kippur, which is considered the happiest day on the Jewish calendar.
Judaism: Kosher = Fit to eat. Everything else is considered not sacred. Meat becomes
kosher when the slaughter is done according to specified rules. The butcher has to be an
observant Jews and trained especially for the proper cutting of the animals. Blessings
are also recited over the slaughter. Like Muslims, Jews may also eat what is not kosher,
but only if their life is in danger.
 Islam: Quran – Surah5v99: Layouts what is forbidden and what is halal. What is
forbideen can be eaten if one’s life is in danger, but you must eat it without liking it.
8. Circumcision
 Islam: Circumcision is performed for its cleanliness and not part of worship.
 Judaism: Circumcision is a symbol of God’s covenant with humans. Jews are obligated to
circumcise their son on the 8th day after their birth. Jews are able to perform
circumcisions on Muslims boys as well, based on Abraham’s circumcision of Ishmael.
9. Burial
 Judaism: Before being buried, Jews are bathed and wrapped in simple clothe. Autopsies
are not performed on Jews. No blessings are said at the cemetery because it is unclean,
just as prayers are not said in bathrooms.
 Islam: Muslims are to be buried as soon as possible after their death. Like Jews, no
autopsy is to be performed on their bodies. They are bathed, dressed simply, and buried
without a coffin. Bodies are sacred, which is why Muslims are not supposed to have
tattoos or other markings on their bodies. The idea is to return the earth as you came
from it.
10. Holy Days
 Islam: The Hajj is a time to celebrate life and the work of Abraham. The Kaaba, a square
house in Mecca, was a place of pilgrimage before it was for Muslims. Those who make
the Hajj are obligated to dress simply, so that no distinction between men can be made.
No one is rich or poor.
 Judaism: On holidays Jews would ascend to Jerusalem. In the days of the temple, all
people would go there to celebrate and worship, not just Jews.