On September 21, a group of around 40 Muslim and Jewish students gathered in Kimmel for our Roundtable event. This event involved discussions on 5 major issues relevant to both religions, and each discussion was led by one Muslim and one Jewish student. During three sessions, attendees moved around the room to different discussions. The tables were: "Kosher & Halal: Food & Fashion" led by Anum Ahmed and Chelsea Garbell, "Prayer & Celebration" led by Sam Cohen & Rhonda Khalifeh, "Being Religious at a Secular University" led by Aaron Shapiro and Zara Ali, "To Touch or Not To Touch: Gender Interactions" led by Saba Gill and Ariel Ennis, and “Holy Pilgrimages" led by Daniel Iqbal and myself. The event of course included wonderful refreshments.
The discussions were definitely a success! It was both educational and fun. Daniel and I definitely enjoyed talking about pilgrimage in our religions and were interested to hear what people had to say. Our discussion was centered on the Hajj and the ancient Jewish pilgrimages, but covered all kinds of related topics. One of my favorite moments happened after Daniel and I explained that in both religions people often visit the gravesites of great religious leaders to pray. Daniel made sure to explain that in Islam, one has to be careful at the gravesite not to pray to the dead person but only to G-d Himself. Immediately one of the Jewish students exclaimed, “We warn about the same thing!”
As we led our discussion I could hear bursts of laughter and intense conversations happening at the other tables. I think I can safely say that everyone learned a lot and had a great time!
-Aviva Novick
photo credit: http://linglestownpa.blogspot.com/2012/07/gazette-roundtable-tackles-how-to-get.html
The discussions were definitely a success! It was both educational and fun. Daniel and I definitely enjoyed talking about pilgrimage in our religions and were interested to hear what people had to say. Our discussion was centered on the Hajj and the ancient Jewish pilgrimages, but covered all kinds of related topics. One of my favorite moments happened after Daniel and I explained that in both religions people often visit the gravesites of great religious leaders to pray. Daniel made sure to explain that in Islam, one has to be careful at the gravesite not to pray to the dead person but only to G-d Himself. Immediately one of the Jewish students exclaimed, “We warn about the same thing!”
As we led our discussion I could hear bursts of laughter and intense conversations happening at the other tables. I think I can safely say that everyone learned a lot and had a great time!
-Aviva Novick
photo credit: http://linglestownpa.blogspot.com/2012/07/gazette-roundtable-tackles-how-to-get.html