Jewish Leaders Call For Islam Teachings During Shabbat
A group of Jewish leaders have called for rabbis to teach about Islam next Shabbat.
Shabbat is the day of rest in Judaism and begins at sundown on Friday to sundown on Saturday.
Shabbat Shuvah is the Shabbat that falls between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
The ten-day period is also known as the “Days of Awe.”
Rosh Hashanah through Yom Kippur constitute the Jewish High Holy Days.
Rosh Hashanah begins at sunset on Sept. 8 through nightfall on Sept. 10, therefore the Shabbat would fall at sunset Sept. 10 through nightfall Sept. 11.
Eid al Fitr also falls on Sept. 10 in North America and lasts for three days.
The letter asks rabbis and rabbinical students to “speak out against the bigotry that has been unleashed” in light of the controversy due to the proposed Islamic center in New York City.
As Jews, we know all too well the destructive power of hate speech. We should be in the forefront of efforts to ensure that religious minorities can practice their traditions freely.
The letter also calls for Jewish leaders to stand up for religious rights and play a role in promoting a “more inclusive and just society.”
The Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association (RRA) has released an official statement expressing their support for both the proposed Islamic center and religious freedoms.