Ramadan Dinners Held at Faith-houses all over New Jersey

The Peace Islands Institute - New Jersey was active throughout Ramadan, July 19 - August 18, 2012 with fast-breaking organizations at various churches and synagogues throughout NJ. Also many home dinners (neighborliness project) served where Turkish-American families hosted their non-Muslim friends at their homes. 

As PII, we believe by breaking bread together we will have a stronger dialogue and better understanding of each other’s values and ethnicity with the spirit of mutual respect and acceptance. This will set an example for our children to follow and make our and future communities a better place to live in. 

The PII-NJ contacted several churches and synagogues before Ramadan with whom we have been partnering together in interfaith journey. Volunteering families prepared home-made Turkish food to be served at the Iftars. Iftar dinners took place in various locations across NJ such as Clifton, Dumont, Morristown, North Caldwell, Tenafly, Riverton and Pemberton. 

More than 30 people attended each dinner, where typically half of the attendees were from Turkish-American community and the other half from the respective house of worship. Our generous hosts welcome PII volunteers and families in a warm and wonderful atmosphere of fellowship. All dinners were of learning and respect between brothers and sisters of different backgrounds from which a greater understanding of each other’s beliefs ensued. 

Fr. Anthony J. Randazzo, pastor at Notre Dame in North Caldwell, remembered several families from his congregation attending dinners at Turkish homes and complimented the friendly hosts, the faith-based conversations and the delicious Turkish food. “This year those gracious families arrived at the parish house with trays of homemade food and other Turkish delights,” he added. Crispy baked bread, eaten during Ramadan, was broken and shared among new friends. Pistachio baklava sweetened the learning experience about each other's respective faith traditions. Conversations at the tables engaged the inquisitive, faith-seeking minds. The opening grace in Arabic - Call to Prayer - around the kitchen's island unified all in sacred tones.

Ramadan dinners usually started with the Call to Prayer, followed by its brief translation and explanation. Sometimes, one of the PII members elaborated on the meaning of Ramadan in Muslims’ lives, either before or after the dinner. Topics at tables ranged from personal interests to questions about religious practices and experiences in the United States or Turkey. It was such an enjoyable evening that the organizers themselves had to call it to an end after late hours!

Ramadan Dinners also served as platforms not only to learn about each other but also appreciate each other’s devotion. Christians and Muslims breaking the fast together gave a deep appreciation of how food breaks down misunderstandings. Fr. Randazzo summarized very nicely the impact of the dinner: “For us Christians, the spirituality of Ramadan sounded like our Lenten season before Easter. Our fasting and abstinence works to improve our relationship with God. God's presence is waiting to be experienced intensively through the day.”

As frequently expressed by all attendees, these gatherings are important. They are opportunities of bringing together people of different faiths/beliefs – in an atmosphere of trust and friendship to worship, communicate, without any trepidation or prejudice. And, they have to continue as well put by David Iskovitz: “Most important to us was an awareness of what is possible when people meet and pray together. It is hoped that we will find future opportunities to share joyful and meaningful events together. Our congregants loved worshiping with your congregants. May we do it often”.