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Eloquent Conversationalist
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Posted: Mon Oct 01, 2007 4:37 pm
The Orthodox that I know live in their sukkot, weather permitting; I pretty much just take meals in friends' sukkot or the community sukkah, because I don't have a yard (I live in a high-rise) so I can't erect my own sukkah. Most of the Conservative that I know also live in their sukkot, or at least take a majority of their meals in a sukkah, weather permitting. The Reform folks that I know might go to one community event in a community sukkah, unless they've got a yard and don't think it's a hassle to put up their own sukkah. Most of those tend to host big parties in their sukkot for their friends from shul, and those are awfully fun to attend.
That said, for the last several years, it's rained pitchforks and babies during most or all of Sukkot, or has been unbearably cold, so it isn't possible to truly live in the sukkah. At most, until this year, I've been able to go have one or maybe two meals in a community sukkah, and even then, my fingers froze off. This year it's been so nice that I've gone to loads of meals and parties, and the community sukkah. This year, my synagogue is hosting an "Iftar in the Sukkah" party for the Jews and Muslims of the area. Iftar is a Muslim thang, and so we're getting together to do stuff with them in the hope of fostering some good community feeling.
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Posted: Mon Oct 01, 2007 9:19 pm
That's a pretty good idea. Togetherness is so important right now, especially with the issues in the middle east. We have a decent Muslim community here, maybe that could be another "Guild Project". We could try to convince our shul's and what not to do something like that.
*High fives Divash's community for being so clever*
I'm going off topic, because I normally do, but I went to this church gathering with my friend the other day, just to keep her company because she doesn't like going alone, and the whole time they kept talking about how Christians need to come together for their love of Christ and yadda yadda.
I kept thinking, Here's a novel concept. How about Christians, Jews, Muslims and any other religion come together for our common love of the Earth (and frankly G-d!) I think we can all agree we like living here. I think we can agree that if we don't make peace now, we're putting everyone at a risk.
It might seem trivial, but if one Muslim person says to another who says to another,"You know, those Jews really know how to throw a party" or one Jew says to another Jew,"Christians can be really great to converse with" we can get closer to relating to eachother not by religion or race, but as human beings. I think that is something truly beautiful. The more people you treat as you would like yourself to be treated, the easier it is for people to except you. We really have been too focused on division...
I think my hippy is showing. redface Does anyone know what I mean?
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Posted: Mon Oct 01, 2007 9:34 pm
kingpinsqeezels That's a pretty good idea. Togetherness is so important right now, especially with the issues in the middle east. We have a decent Muslim community here, maybe that could be another "Guild Project". We could try to convince our shul's and what not to do something like that. *High fives Divash's community for being so clever* I'm going off topic, because I normally do, but I went to this church gathering with my friend the other day, just to keep her company because she doesn't like going alone, and the whole time they kept talking about how Christians need to come together for their love of Christ and yadda yadda. I kept thinking, Here's a novel concept. How about Christians, Jews, Muslims and any other religion come together for our common love of the Earth (and frankly G-d!) I think we can all agree we like living here. I think we can agree that if we don't make peace now, we're putting everyone at a risk. It might seem trivial, but if one Muslim person says to another who says to another,"You know, those Jews really know how to throw a party" or one Jew says to another Jew,"Christians can be really great to converse with" we can get closer to relating to eachother not by religion or race, but as human beings. I think that is something truly beautiful. The more people you treat as you would like yourself to be treated, the easier it is for people to except you. We really have been too focused on division... I think my hippy is showing. redface Does anyone know what I mean? All of that would make for an interesting project. wink
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Posted: Tue Oct 02, 2007 6:18 am
I think it's a great idea. If you look up the dates for next year's Sukkot and Ramadan, they won't coincide, but perhaps there are other Muslim holidays that will coincide with some Jewish holidays, and give you ideas.
Be sure to plan WELL in advance so that there can be provisions made for food that's both kosher and halal, and ask your rabbi and at least one imam (the Muslim equivalent of a rabbi) for advice and assistance in deciding which holiday(s) or events to celebrate together. Some holidays aren't appropriate for non-Jews to participate, and some Muslim holidays aren't appropriate for non-Muslims to share. You're less likely to run into problems if you plan all the details. Don't forget that most public spaces have a user's fee, too, so meeting in a park or picnic area will usually come with a nominal fee (say, under $100) that should be covered by donations or by people bringing $10 for food and fees, or something like that.
You might also focus on things that will deal primarily with people of your own age. If you're in junior high, a volunteer project or a trip to a museum or amusement park would be great for other junior high students in the communities. High school, a volunteer project or a pizza party or barbecue with other high schoolers. Adults, a volunteer project and a meal or discussion panel with other adults. In other words, make the event something YOU can attend!
Special note: Don't make cookies for Muslims unless your cookie recipe doesn't involve the use of any extracts such as vanilla extract, almond extract, or lemon extract. Extracts are made with alcohol, which is strictly forbidden to Muslims even in the tiniest amounts. Also, I wouldn't suggest organizing a dance, since Muslims aren't permitted to dance with members of the opposite sex (nor are Jews, according to halachah) -- unless you plan a dance for girls only or boys only, in which case, hey, get your groove on. Just make sure the song list doesn't include lyrics with overt sexual suggestions, because those will make observant Muslims and Jews uncomfortable.
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Eloquent Conversationalist
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