Become a Member
Opinion

Why mitzvahs are for Muslims, too

November 5, 2015 13:24
Linked: A teacher, adjusts the skull cap of one of her students during reading hour at the Hand in Hand Arab Jewish bilingual school in Jerusalem
4 min read

Last month, I sat down for Shabbat dinner with Rabbi Dr Harvey Belovski of Golders Green Synagogue. We talked about many things. Our conversations ranged from politics to family to football to the legitimacy of eating locusts.

What I remember feeling was warmth and belonging but what made me appreciate the moment more was when a guest turned our way and said: "I never thought I would be sitting on the same table as a Muslim imam for Shabbat and having these kinds of conversations. Let's carry them forward."

The truth is that, despite the turbulent political situation in the Middle East, the past two years have seen a betterment of Jewish/Muslim relations in Europe. Real friendships have developed. People of both faiths are open to putting Middle Eastern politics to one side, to explore the common ground.

Whether it be the support rabbis and imams offered one another following the attacks in France, joint defences of kosher and halal meat, or the combined grassroots social action planned for this year's Mitzvah Day, our two faiths are working side by side and, more importantly, learning how to trust again.