Judaism and Islam - comparing the similarities between Judaism and Islam

Five Muslim rulers that saved Jews

Judaism Islam — Sun, 25 Jan 2015 00:44:11 +0000

There is a great history of tolerance within Islam, which states that Jewish citizens of a Muslim state are a protected minority. This article demonstrates this decree of protection by naming five Muslim rulers that saved their Jewish subjects from certain death.

The Jewish tribe protected by decree of the Prophet (ﷺ)

The Banu Harith (Hebrew: Banim Chorath) are an Arabian Jewish tribe that were protected by their Muslim rulers for over 1,300 years. Ever since the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) explicitly stated they should be protected in the Constitution of Medina. In the 1930s most of the tribe lived in the Yemeni city of Najran, Saudi Arabia conquered the city in 1934 and the community began experiencing increased persecution which culminated in the local governor Amir Turki ben Mahdi giving the 600 Jews living there a single day to either flee the city or convert to Islam.

The Jews chose to leave and Saudi soldiers escorted them to the Yemeni border. They settled in the cities of Saada and Aden. The Saudi King Abdulaziz demanded their return, but Yemen’s Shia Muslim King, Ahmad bin Yahya, refused his demand as he considered them to be Yemeni and not Saudi refugees.

It is impossible to say what the fate of this Jewish tribe would have been, but it is likely to have ended tragically as Judaism is forbidden within the borders of Saudi Arabia. Today the remnants of Banu Harith live in Yemen and Israel.

While these actions were truly commendable, there are questions as to the general treatment of Jews under Adhmad bin Yahya’s rule. While stories of persecution do exist, he was also one of the few Muslim leaders that permitted his Jewish subjects to leave for Israel – which prompted nearly 50,000 Yemenite Jews to flee to the fledgling state.

Similarities between Masjid al-Haram and the Jewish Temple

Judaism Islam — Sat, 17 Jan 2015 20:30:52 +0000

There are a number of interesting similarities between the two holiest sites in Islam and Judaism. Masjid al-Haram is the Great Mosque in Mecca, while the Jewish Temple once stood in Jerusalem where the al-Aqsa complex stands today.

How the Second Jewish Temple may have looked during Hag.

Masjid al-Haram during Hajj, the building in the centre is the Kaaba.

About the Mosque and Temple

Al-Masjid al-Haram: The Sacred Mosque (Masjid al-Haram) is in the city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It is the largest mosque in the world and surrounds one of Islam’s holiest places, the Kaaba. Unlike other mosques which are segregated, men and women can worship at Al-Masjid Al-Haram together.
Beit ha-Mikdash: The Holy Temple (Beit ha-Mikdash) stood in the city of Jerusalem, Israel. Two successive Temples stood on the Temple Mount, the current site of the Dome of the Rock. It is the holiest place in the world for Jews. The complex was separated into areas where priests, leviim, women and non-Jews could all come to worship the Almighty.
Kaaba: The Kaaba is the most sacred point of the most sacred mosque in Islam. It is a square building which according to Islamic tradition, was first built by Abraham ^AS. Over time the Kaaba became a place of idolatry, until Muhammad ^SAW commanded that the idols be removed from this holy site.
Kodesh Ha-Kodashim: The Holy of Holies (Kodesh HaKodashim) was the most sacred part of the most sacred place in Judaism. It was a sanctuary within the Temple that housed the Covenant of the Ark. Only the High Priest was permitted to enter this area.
Al-Masjid al-Haram: The mosque can hold 900,000 people (currently being expanded to 2,000,000)
Beit ha-Mikdash: The Second Temple could hold 1,000,000 people (expanded to this capacity by King Herod to allow for the large numbers Jewish and non-Jewish pilgrims during chag)
Islam: Wherever a Muslim is in the world, they are obligated to face the Kaaba when praying.
Judaism: Wherever a Jew is in the world, they are obligated to face the Kodesh Ha-Kodashim when praying.
Al-Hajar Al-Aswad: The Black Stone (Al-Hajar Al-Aswad) is the eastern cornerstone of the Kaaba. It is a stone that is revered by Muslims and is said to have fallen from Heaven to show Adam and Eve where to build an altar. It was originally set intact into the Kaaba’s wall by Muhammad ^SAW.
Even Ha-Shetiya: The Foundation Stone (Even Ha-Shetiya) is the name of the rock that is believed by many to be the location of Holy of Holies. According to Jewish tradition it is the site where Abraham ^AS was commanded to sacrifice his son Isaac ^AS, it is the rock from which Earth was formed, it was close to th stone that God gathered the earth that was formed into Adam. It was on this rock that Adam, Cain, Abel, and Noah offered sacrifices to the Almighty. Underneath the Foundation Stone there is a cave. Muslim tradition teaches that Muhammad ^SAW ascended to heaven from this point. The stone currently lies under the Dome of the Rock. Five hundred years before the birth of Muhammad ^SAW, Rabbi Yishmael one of Judaism’s most important rabbis was recorded saying: “In the future, the sons of Ishmael (the Arabs) will do fifteen things in the Land of Israel … They will fence in the breaches of the walls of the Temple and construct a building on the site of the sanctuary”.

The Foundation Stone – Temple Mount / Dome of the Rock

The Black Stone – the cornerstone of the Kaaba

Pilgrimage – Haj / Hag

Muslims: Once a year Muslims are commanded to make a pilgrimage (Hajj) to Mecca
Jews: Three times a year Jews were commanded to make a pilgrimage (Hag – hag ha-matzot, hag ha-sukkot, hag ha-shavuot) to Jerusalem
Muslims: Only those capable of traveling to Mecca are obligated to go
Jews: Only those capable of traveling to the Temple were obligated to go
Muslims: Purify the body with water before going on Hajj
Jews: Purify the body with water before going on Hag
Muslims: Circle the Kaaba seven times (Tawaf) anti-clockwise
Jews: Circle the Temple seven times anti-clockwise
Muslims: During Hajj pilgrims are obligated to offer certain animals as a qurban (sacrifice)
Jews: As part of the Hag pilgrims were obligated to offer certain animals as a korban (sacrifice)
Muslims: If a woman is in her menses she should refrain from circling the Kaaba
Jews: If a woman is in her menses she should refrain from ascending to the Temple Mount and circling the Temple
Muslims: It is preferable to enter the al-Haram complex barefoot
Jews: It is preferable to enter the Temple complex barefoot

The Muslim heroes of the Paris terror attacks

Judaism Islam — Sat, 10 Jan 2015 18:55:40 +0000

This week witnessed one of the most brutal terror attacks France has known. From this dark chapter came the following stories about two heroic Muslims.

The Muslim that hid Jews from an Islamist terrorists

Its possible you’ve never heard the name “Lassana Bathily”, but you should have, as he is the heroic young Muslim that placed his life in grave danger hiding Jews from an Islamist terrorist that had taken a kosher supermarket hostage this week.

When the terrorist, Amedy Coulibaly, burst into the Jewish supermarket he opened fire gunning down four Jewish shoppers. He then took the remaining customers hostage and threatened to kill them if police stormed the printing shop Cherif and Said Kouachi (the terrorists who’d killed 12 people in Charlie Hebdo attack), had also held hostage.

Bathily who was at the scene during the attack was able to save the lives of Jewish customers who he shepherded away from the terrorist and down to the supermarket’s large freezer, where he hid them. He then turned off the light and freezer. “I brought them inside and I told them to stay calm here, I’m going to go out. When they got out, they thanked me.”

The siege ended when police stormed the building killing the gunman as he attempted to flee.

The Muslim policeman who was murdered during the Charlie Hebdo attack

When Islamist terrorists attacked the office of Charlie Hebdo, it was a Muslim policeman Ahmed Merabet who they “slaughtered like a dog” after he heroically tried to stop them fleeing.

While on patrol patrol in the neighbourhood Merabet was called to the scene of the attack, he arrived just in time to see the two killers fleeing the crime scene in a car.

“He was on foot, and came nose to nose with the terrorists. He pulled out his weapon. It was his job, it was his duty,” said Rocco Contento, a colleague. Video footage showed the two terrorists get out of their car after which one of them shot the policeman in the groin. As he fell to the pavement in pain, he raised his arm as though to protect himself, at which point the second gunman moved forward and asked the policeman: “Do you want to kill us?” Merabet replied: “No, it’s OK mate”. The terrorist then shot him at point blank range in the head with a kalashnikov rifle.

After the attack on Charlie Hebdo, the catchphrase “Je Suis Charlie” was shared by many in support of the victims. When Merabet’s story became known many decided to honour him by tweeting “Je Suis Ahmed”. One, @Aboujahjah, posted: “I am not Charlie, I am Ahmed the dead cop. Charlie ridiculed my faith and culture and I died defending his right to do so.”

Muslim reaction to the Charlie Hebdo massacre

Judaism Islam — Thu, 08 Jan 2015 18:23:05 +0000

This Wednesday there was a brutal terror attack on the offices of Charlie Hebdo that left 12 dead. Many in the West have asked where is the Muslim condemnation of this heinous crime? The condemnation was loud and vast, but barely mentioned in our press. We have collected just a small selection of Muslim responses to this savage act of barbarism.

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Condemnations by Muslim countries
Condemnations by Muslim institutions
Condemnations by Muslim scholars and community leaders

How Muslim countries reacted to the Charlie Hebdo massacre

The majority of Muslim nations have overwhelmingly condemned the terror attack on the offices of Charlie Hebdo. Only 7 countries with a Muslim majority over 10,000,000 failed to condemn the attack (Bangladesh, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Sudan, Uzbekistan and Yemen), every other nation was unanimous in their condemnation.

The green nations are the Muslim countries that condemned the terror attack:

Killing of defenceless people and civilians is a heinous act of terror, there is no justification for this heinous act

- Afghanistan

Albania strongly condemns terrorist attack on Charlie Hebdo

- Albania

This terrorist act committed today against a French media is condemned whatever the assailants’ motives are. Therefore, Algeria strongly condemns this terrorist attack that nothing can justify

- Algeria

Arab League chief Nabil al-Arabi strongly condemns the terrorist attack on Charlie Hebdo newspaper in Paris

- Arab League

We are deeply shocked by the news of the death and wounding of people as a result of a ruthless terrorist act in Paris. We are extremely angered by this horrific event, and strongly support the resolute struggle against all manifestations of terrorism.

- Azerbaijan

The Kingdom of Bahrain condemns the terrorist attack on Paris offices of Charlie Hebdo newspaper by gunmen claiming a number of lives and injuring others.

- Bahrain

Egypt stands by France in confronting terrorism, an international phenomenon that targets the world’s security and stability and which requires coordinated international efforts,

- Egypt

The Indonesian Government sends condolences to the government and people of France, especially the families of the victims

- Indonesia

[Iran’s Foreign Ministry] condemned Wednesdays terrorist attack in Paris and said any act of terrorism against innocent people is opposed to Islamic teachings.

- Iran

The Iraqi president, on behalf of the Iraqi people in all of their religions and ethnicities, emphasizes his strong condemnation of this crime, which reflect the degeneration of moral and human values of the extremist terrorists

- Iraq

The government condemned on Wednesday the terrorist attack against the French Charlie Hebdo newspaper in Paris in which 12 people were killed, including two policemen, and 10 others were injured. State Minister for Media Affairs and Communications Mohammad Momani said the attack on the headquarters of the French newspaper, is an aggression against France and the noble principles and values.

- Jordan

Government of the Republic of Kosovo strongly condemns this barbaric and cowardly act against the French citizens, police and journalists. In these difficult moments, we express our most sincere condolences, and assure that the people of Kosovo stand along the French people in the fight against terror, and in the defence of the values of freedom.

- Kosovo

This despicable, heinous and criminal act runs counter to the true values of noble Islam, which advocate peace and tolerance … There are taboos in Islamic teachings against killing or terrorizing innocent people … [the perpetrators of the deadly attack are] a group of misled criminal insurgents who use Islam as a pretext for justifying their cowardly acts

- Kuwait

[we offer] sympathies and full solidarity with the French government and people in their fight against terrorism

- Lebanon

the Wednesday attack does not represent the values of the moderate Islam that prohibits attacks against civilians.

- Libya

Malaysia condemns in the strongest terms all acts of violence. We stand in unity with the French people. We must fight extremism with moderation

- Malaysia

It was with deep sorrow and grief that [King Mohammed of Morocco] learned the sad news of the cowardly terrorist attack against the editorial office of the Charlie Hebdo weekly in Paris … he strongly condemned the odious, cowardly terrorist attack

- Morocco

[the Secretary General] expressed his solidarity with the Government and People of France in their moment of national grief; and extended his deepest condolences to the families of the victims. He reiterated OIC’s unwavering and principled position which condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, reaffirming the need to consolidate regional and international efforts to combat and root out this phenomenon of terrorizing innocent people, threatening social fabrics and creating a gulf between cultures and religions.

- Organization of Islamic Cooperation

Pakistan condemns the brutal terrorist attack in Paris that resulted in the loss of many lives and has left several others injured … Pakistan deplores terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. We extend our condolences to the government and people of France on the loss of life.

- Pakistan

strongly condemned and deplored the heinous crime that is in contradiction of religion and morality

- Palestinian National Authority

Strong condemnation and denunciation of Wednesday’s attack … stressed that such acts against defenseless civilians contradict with all moral principles and human values.

- Qatar

[Saudi Arabia] has followed with deep sorrow the terrorist attack on Charlie Hebdo magazine in Paris. It condemns this cowardly terrorist attack which is incompatible with Islam religion and disapproved by religions and faiths, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia extends its condolences to the families of victims and to the government and people of friendly France, wishing speedy recovery for the wounded,

- Saudi Arabia

[Syria] strongly condemned the terrorist attack on Charlie Hebdo

- Syria

We condemn in the strongest terms these terrorist acts, their perpetrators, and those who support them

- Tunisia

We, as Turkey, condemn with hatred any kind of terror … We are against any form of terror regardless of where it comes from and what its motives are.

- Turkey

[UAE] strongly condemned the heinous terrorist attack at the office of the French weekly Charlie Hebdo in Paris

- United Arab Emirates

How Muslim institutions reacted to the Charlie Hebdo massacre

Muslim institutions and organisations around the world have been incredibly strong with their condemnation of this terror attack.

The French Council of the Muslim Faith and the Muslims of France condemn in the strongest terms the exceptionally violent terrorist attack on Charlie Hebdo. This barbaric act of extreme gravity is an attack against democracy and a free press.

- French Council of the Muslim Faith

We strongly condemn this brutal and cowardly attack and reiterate our repudiation of any such assault on freedom of speech, even speech that mocks faiths and religious figures

- Council on American-Islamic Relations, USA

We condemn the attack on #CharlieHebdo. Whomever the attackers are, and whatever the cause may be, nothing justifies the taking of life.

- The Muslim Council of Great Britain, UK

The UOIF condemns in the strongest terms this criminal attack, and these horrible murders. The UOIF expresses its deepest condolences to the families and all the employees of Charlie Weekly.

- Union of Islamic Organisations of France

[Al-Azhar condemns the] criminal attack … Islam denounces any violence

- Al-Azhar University, Egypt

[those who committed the attacks are] devoid of humanity and Islam is innocent of such attacks.

- Dar Al-Ifta, Egypt

The Association of British Muslims strongly condemns the horrific shooting at the offices of Charlie Hebdo magazine in Paris that has killed at least 13 people according to the news reports. Our thoughts are with the victims of this terror attack and the families affected at this difficult time.

- The Association of British Muslims, UK

We condemn this barbaric attack which was seemingly done to undermine freedom of speech. Speech, even when it is offensive to our religious traditions and sensibilities, can never be a justification to kill

- Islamic Society of North America

The Muslim Public Affairs Council strongly condemns the deplorable attack on the French satirical magazine, Charlie Hebdo, which occurred today in Paris.

- MPAC, USA

The US Council of Muslim Organizations … strongly denounces the attack on the offices of the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo, a severe and inexcusable infringement on freedom of speech

- US Council of Muslim Organizations, USA

The terror attack in paris was sickening and utterly wrong

- Islamic Society of Britain, UK

From our Argentina, land of peace and peaceful coexistence among all religious and secular communities, Muslims pray for peace to reign in the world, and that those who commit injustices and spread terror receive the punishment they deserve, and for those who suffer these evils and calamities receive protection and justice. God wills it.

- Islamic Center of Argentina

How Muslim clerics and community leaders reacted to the Charlie Hebdo massacre

Muslims around the world spoke out against this heinous attack, here are just a handful of their reactions.

We, scholars of the Islamic nation, strongly condemn any action that sheds the blood of innocents, spreading corruption on earth, whoever the perpetrators are and whatever their religion

- Sheikh Yusuf al-Qaradawi, Chairman of International Union of Muslim Scholars, Qatar

This is a thunderous declaration of war. The times have changed. We’re entering a new phase of this confrontation… we are horrified by the brutality and the savagery

- Dalil Boubakeur, Imam of Paris, France

Our Prophet was verbally abused and physically harrased multiple times in Makkah. Never ONCE did any of the Companions go and murder those who did such deeds. Do those who kill others in the name of the Prophet believe that they love him more than the companions? And even for those who believe that the penalty for blasphemy should be death: by unanimous consensus of ALL the scholars of Islam, this must take place after a legitimate trial, by a qualified judge, appointed by a legitimate Islamic state. Under NO circumstances does Islam allow vigilante justice, for to open this door leads to chaos, confusion and bloodshed. Muslims: get your act together!! Such acts of terror are not only haram and spill innocent blood, they will come back to harm you and your communities in the short and long run.

- Sheikh Yasir Qadhi, USA

I feel deep sorrow. I strongly condemn [the attack]. As Muslims, we can never approve acts of terrorism or violence. This attack is one that directly targeted Islam and Muslims, who belong to this supreme religion

– Mehmet Gormez, Turkey’s President of Religious Affairs, Turkey

Their barbarism has nothing to do with Islam … I am extremely angry … These are criminals, barbarians. They have sold their soul to hell. This is not freedom. This is not Islam and I hope the French will come out united at the end of this.

- Imam Hassen Chalghoumi, France

Charlie Hebdo: NO! NO! NO! Contrary to what was apparently said by the killers in the bombing of Charlie Hebdo’s headquarters, it is not the Prophet who was avenged, it is our religion, our values and Islamic principles that have been betrayed and tainted. My condemnation is absolute and my anger is profound (healthy and a thousand times justified) against this horror!!! Allow me to express my deep sympathy and sincere condolences to the families of the victims.

- Tariq Ramadan, Professor of Contemporary Islamic Studies at Oxford University, UK

As a Muslim, killing innocent people in the name of Islam is much, much more offensive to me than any cartoon can ever be. #CharlieHebdo

- Iyad El-Baghdadi, Author/Journalist/Activist, Norway

Horrifed and saddened by attack at #CharlieHebdo. Simple as that. No political rhetoric to add right now. Just sick to my stomach.

- Rabia Chaudry, Lawyer/Journalist/Activist, USA

As a Muslim, I condemn the cruel attack on #CharlieHebdo & offer condolences to the French people. The “Islam” of the murderers is not mine.

- Mustafa Akyol, Author/Journalist/Activist, Turkey

In fact, Muslim communities all over the world share the pains and sadness with the victims’ families and friends. Our hearts bleed for their loss and pains

- Dr. Wael Shihab, OnIslam.com, Egypt

Whatever opinions the newspaper advocated, they cannot be opposed by killing and criminality … Terror has no religion.

- Ali Al-Qaradaghi, Secretary-general of International Union of Muslim Scholars, Qatar

Terror is not the purpose of Islam.

– Sheikh Allahshukur Pashazade, Azerbaijan

Islam commands Muslims to act and change evil and injustice.That’s why it’s a religious duty on us help find the suspects.

- Nihad Awad, National Executive Director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, USA

Terrorists behind Paris #CharlieHebdo attack have nothing to do with Islam nor can their actions ever be justified.

- Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri, Founder Minhaj-ul-Quran International, Pakistan

Good job, you sick, thick murderers in Paris. Now you’ve got the whole world looking at those caricatures of the Prophet. Well done (!)

- Mehdi Hassan, Huffington Post UK’s political director, UK

Those who perpetrate killings in the name of jihad and Allah in Syria, Yemen, Iraq, Egypt, Libya and today Paris, do more to harm Islam than the adversaries of Islam could have ever done.

- Habib Ali Al-Jifri, Founder of the Tabah Foundation, UAE

Muslim can’t be terrorist, and terrorist can’t be Muslim. I deplore and strongly condemn the inhuman attack against #CharlieHebdo

- Dr. Ihsan Yilmaz, Journalist, Turkey

There can be no excuse whatsoever for this barbarism. Attackers must be found and brought to justice. Disgraceful! #JeSuisCharlieHebdo today

- Mustafa Edib Yilmaz, Journalist, Turkey

We condemn the attack in #Paris and pray for soonest recovery for the injured and patience to families & people of France. #CharlieHebdo

- Harun Yahya, Author, Turkey

A Jewish cartoonist and a Muslim policeman of the dead in Paris. Extremism impacts us ALL. Let’s unite. The terrorists want us divided.

- Linda Sarsour, Activist, USA

Shockingly repugnant terrorist attack today in Paris.

- Dr. H. A. Hellyer, Nonresident Fellow in MENA, Brookings Institution and Harvard, UK

In the aftermath of the heinous attack in Paris, and the equally heinous “operations” occurring elsewhere, my immediate response is re-posting my “Peace Plea.” When will we learn that senseless violence only begets more senseless violence. Be an ambassador of mercy and peace. Do your part to end the escalating cycles of violence and hate, -before it is too late.

- Imam Zaid Shakir, Chairman and co-founder of Zaytuna College, USA

‪#‎ParisShooting‬ What is more insulting to the Prophet (peace be upon him) than satirical cartoons are those who murder innocent people in his name. “And We have sent you not (Oh Muhammad) but as a mercy to all the worlds” [Quran 21:107]

- Sheikh Omar Suleiman, Bayyinah Institute, USA

There is no religious justification for the horrible murders that took place in Paris yesterday. Just because a person appears on television and writes op-eds, does not mean he is proficient in navigating the deeper sciences of theology. I and a large number of “trained” Imams, unconditionally denounce these acts of treachery and we extend our prayers to those who lost loved ones and the people of France.

- Imam Suhaib Webb, Islamic Society of Boston Cultural Center, USA

Our hearts go out to the innocent victims of violence@#Paris #ParisShooting #parisattack& ALL victims of violence evrywhere.PLZ PRAY 4 PEACE

- Sheikh Dr. Muhammad bin Yahya al-Ninowy, USA

11 Striking images of Jewish and Muslim weddings

Judaism Islam — Wed, 07 Jan 2015 15:50:38 +0000

A collection of striking, beautiful and sometimes controversial photographs of Jewish and Muslim weddings from around the world.

Part of a Kyrgyz marriage ceremony. In the largely Muslim country of Kyrgyzstan it is not uncommon for brides to be kidnapped by their husband and married against their will. This is against the teachings of Islam where legal consent is required from both parties (ijab-o-qubul). A marriage without this consent or performed under coercion is considered void and may be annulled on those grounds.

Aitilek, 18, stands in front of her husband, Baktiyaf, who kidnapped her the day after they met in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan.

The wedding of the grandson of the grand rabbi of the Viznitz hasidic dynasty in Israel.

Here the Viznitz grand rabbi dances in front of his hasidim. Such large weddings are not uncommon in Israel where tens of thousands of hasidim will flock to the weddings of distinguished families. Orthodox weddings are strictly segregated with women and men seated separately.

A Muslim bride and groom offering dua on their wedding day.

Sheikh Ibrahim Abu El-Hawa embraces Rabbi Menachem Froman at the wedding of the rabbi’s grandson. Both men were best friends and incredible peacemakers. The late Rabbi Froman (may his memory be a blessing) fought in the Israeli military and was the rabbi of an Israeli settlement, so it would probably surprise you to hear he campaigned his entire life for peace and had many Palestinian friends, even Yasser Arafat described Rabbi Froman as his brother.

A Yemenite Jewish bride in traditional bridal wear.

A Pomak Muslim bride from Bulgaria dressed in the centuries old tradition of her village. The brides face is painted white and decorated with sequins and coloured paint. The pious locals consider themselves more Muslim than Bulgarian.

From the bride’s birth her family will laboriously pile up her dowry – mostly handmade knit-work, quilts, coverlets, sheets, aprons, socks, carpets and rugs. While the money pinned to her dress is a gift from the wedding guests.

This photograph from 1952 is of an orthodox Jewish wedding in Israel. The young couple stands beneath a traditional wedding canopy (chupah). Unusually the canopy is held aloft by a pitchfork and a rifle, tools that were emblematic of the fledgling country’s struggle for survival.

In the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco, these two Berber brides are dressed for a traditional mass wedding that includes four days of ceremonial rituals.

Hasidic chic is the new black (and white)

Yosef — Mon, 05 Jan 2015 22:52:58 +0000

The fashion world sure is unpredictable, in a bizarre twist orthodox Jews are suddenly finding themselves on trend. Some of the most reputable designers are now turning to the Hasidic community for inspiration. While we doubt any serious “chusid” would dress in most of these outfits, they still make really interesting viewing.

Ricardo Seco – “Alive” – 2013 Collection

Jean Paul Gaultier – “Chic Rabbis” – 1993 Collection

Viva! Moda’s – 2012 High Fashion Editorial

St Bessarion – 2011 Collection

Alexandre Herchcovitch – 2012 Collection

Gunhyo Kim – “Hot Hasidim” – 2008 Collection

L’Officiel – 2012 Editorial

The Harpers Bazaar – “Black Code” – 2013 Editorial

Hipster, Muslim or Jew? Look at the beard for the clue!

Yosef — Sun, 04 Jan 2015 12:55:16 +0000

Recently something bizarre happened – the fashion world finally caught up with the Abrahamic faiths and we’ve got some great news guys… beards are back! For the first time in decades, perhaps even centuries, Jewish and Muslim men are now the envy of the fashion world. Don’t believe us? See if you can work out the faith of these men by looking at their beards.

Please don’t take this post too seriously, its just a little fun.

Can you guess her religion from her hair covering?

Yosef — Tue, 30 Dec 2014 14:26:00 +0000

The western media often brands the hijab a symbol of oppression, yet religious women of many faiths wear head coverings. We created a quiz to highlight how the hijab has been unfairly labelled oppressive when it is found in so many faiths. Take this quiz and see if you can spot a pious Muslim from a pious Jew.

Rabbi Hanan Schlesinger: Journey Towards the Other

Rabbi Hanan Schlesinger — Mon, 29 Dec 2014 23:12:00 +0000

Rabbi Schlesinger examining damage done by Jewish extremists to a local Palestinian olive grove

Nine months ago I opened the front door of my apartment in Alon Shvut and took a 20-minute walk that began to change my life. My wife asked me to reconsider – it might be dangerous, she said – but I went anyway. My heart beat just a little bit faster than usual as I walked through the Arab fields and vineyards that surround my home in the Judean Hills.

Just a few days earlier I had sat in my living room with a Protestant pastor from the US who had come to the Holy Land in order to meet Palestinians, meet Israeli settlers, and then introduce them to each other. He listened to my story of biblical Zionism and of passionate connection to the rebuilding of Jewish life in the biblical heartland. He heard of my identification with our forefather Abraham, with Isaac and Jacob and with the whole panorama of Jewish history – and then he invited me to a little gathering on a Palestinian farm plot at where Palestinians and Israeli settlers might be able to begin to get to know each other.

Never before had I met a Palestinian as an equal, never before had I socialized with one or broken bread with one. I knew nothing about them. We live so close to each other, and yet we are so far apart.

For us the Palestinians are the consummate other. The other that you ignore, that you never see. The other that you would never give a ride to, the other that you would never invite into your home. The other from whom you are completely distant, the other of whom you are thoroughly suspicious.

For 3 hours or more I chatted with them and ate with them. I looked into their faces from up close, and saw – despite my prejudices – human faces. And I heard stories that were so different from my stories, stories that created strange unfamiliar narratives from the same building blocks as my own narrative, but which I could not reject out of hand. The stories I heard – of deep connection to the land, of exile, of suffering, of humiliation, of loved one lost in the conflict – were authentic and they were real. Never before had I heard such stories. And they affected me deeply.

One Palestinian man – who turned out to be a very close neighbor, except that a very high chain link fence separates between our homes – told me of the fear evoked in the hearts of his children when they saw a settler with a big kipa and long beard like mine. I didn’t get it, until he explained that the kipa and beard were often accompanied by a rifle. And then I began to understand. I blurted out to him, “You say that you are afraid of us? No, we are afraid of you!”

As it began to get dark and there were about 25 or 30 of us left, we sat around in a circle and heard the life story of Ali Abu Awwad, former militant turned nonviolent peace activist. He spoke of nocturnal raids by the Israeli military, of rights denied, of prison. And I knew it was true. I had suppressed my memories of participating in those raids and guarding those prisoners decades ago as a young soldier – and it all came back to me, flooding my consciousness.

Ali’s reality made its way into my heart … and I will never be the same. His truth has not made mine any less true, rather it has shown my truth to be only part of the complex web of the reality in which we live. My life has become so much more complicated as I hold within my consciousness two conflicting truths that are both valid. Loose ends are dangling within me. I have become much more fragmented yet much more whole. As I embrace more and more partial truths, my horizons expand in the direction of the Infinite One, within Whom all truths find their proper place.

These days leading up to Rosh haShana are days of teshuva – soul searching and penitence. May my teshuva this year– the most intense and the most paradigm-shattering I have ever experienced – be acceptable before God.

This piece was composed in September of 2014.

About the author

Rabbi Hanan Schlesinger
Rabbi Hanan Schlesinger is one of the founders of the Roots Project. He serves as the Director of Memnosyne Israel, promoting interfaith, bridge building projects betweens Israeli settlers and local Palestinians. As the Executive Director and Community Rabbinic Scholar of the Jewish Studies Initiative of North Texas, he also flies to Dallas, Texas once a month to teach adult education classes within the Jewish community and to spearhead interfaith dialogue.

The Roots Project
The Roots project is a grassroots peace initiative that looks to draw Israelis and Palestinians together. Since its founding in February 2014 the activities they’ve launched include monthly meetings between Israeli and Palestinian families, a women’s group, work with school children, engaging local leaders, a summer camp, language learning, and cultural exchanges.

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5 examples of Muslims responding to terrorism

Yosef — Thu, 25 Dec 2014 18:35:30 +0000

Since the 9/11 terror attack Islam has been placed under a spotlight and it isn’t uncommon for people to think that Islam and terrorism are synonymous. How do Muslims actually react to terrorism and what does the religion say? We have highlighted five incredibly Islamic responses to terrorism.

5. The Muslims that gave blood to honour victims of terror

Following al-Qaeda’s devastating attack on the twin towers, images of Palestinians celebrating were published in the media. This lead many in the West to mistakenly believe the Muslim world was rejoicing the massacre of 2,996 Americans.

What you probably didn’t hear about was a huge drive by Muslims around the world to donate their blood to honour the victims of 9/11. Clerics usually hostile to America like Yusuf al-Qaradawi described the terror attacks as “heinous crime” and urged Muslims to donate blood to the victims. In Kuwait Muslims formed queues to donate at the Red Cross and Crescent centres. While in America CAIR broadcast the following message, “Muslim relief agencies should contact their counterparts to offer support in the recovery efforts. Individual Muslims should donate blood by contacting the local office of the Red Cross… They should also send donations to those relief agencies that are on the scene of the attacks”. The Ahmadiyya Community went on to setup “Muslims For Life” a blood donation initiative for Americans, that has to date saved 36,000 people.

While most Muslims loudly proclaim that murder and terrorism are not Islam, for these Muslims a declaration was not enough. Through their actions they personified the Islamic teaching of:

Whoever takes a life, it is like he has killed all of mankind; and whoever saves a life, it is like he has saved all of mankind

– Quran 5:32

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