Ramadan Break the Fast Dinner Brings Turkish Flavor to Local Synagogue

In a blending of cultures, more than fifty Jews and Turks came together Saturday evening, August 11 at (“CBH”) in Summit to mark the end of the month-long Ramadan Holiday. Members of the Peace Islands Institute (“PII”) honored CBH members by sharing a Ramadan Break the Fast, which was hosted by CBH.

A program of prominent speakers began at 8:00 p.m. followed by discussion. PII guests spoke about Turkish culture and the meaning of Ramadan (a holy month in which Muslims around the world fast from sunrise to sunset) while CBH Rabbi Amy Small led a discussion of fasting practices in the Jewish and Islamic traditions.

Homemade Turkish cuisine prepared by PII guests was served alongside kosher chicken prepared by Rabbi Amy Small of CBH. Guests feasted on a variety of traditional vegetarian Turkish dishes. 

The event’s invitation stated that the program's intent was “too provide an interfaith understanding of respective religious practices” and “to break bread in the spirit of friendship and cultural understanding.” Rabbi Amy spearheaded the event.

PII’s mission statement is, “to bring together the different points of view and voices with the spirit of mutual respect and acceptance” in order to develop new perspectives toward achieving a peaceful coexistence, or what PII refers to as “peace islands”.

– By David Stowers