Spring Break
Hillel hosts meal for Muslim students
Tiffany Gibson
Issue date: 10/1/07 Section: News
On Thursday, Sept. 27, The Jewish Association, also known as Hillel, provided a meal for the Muslim students on behalf of their daytime fasting break.
The meal took place on the Keathley University Center knoll at 7 p.m. and was catered by Gyro Café and Mezza Cuisine, who prepared the meal according to dietary restrictions of both religions.
During the dinner students from different religions were able to talk and discuss the particulars of the two separate holidays.
"Traditionally, Jews supplied Muslims with a meal after their fasting daytime break as a way of sharing. Jews did this without any expectations but knowing they had done an act of kindness," said Lon Nuel, professor of art and advisor to the Jewish Association.
By fasting, Muslim students celebrate their holiday, known as Ramadan. Ramadan is a holy month, which usually lasts 29 or 30 days.
Ramadan takes place during the 9th month of the lunar calendar and requires Muslims to fast as a way of cleansing their bodies and avoiding all earthly pleasures.
Every day during the month of Ramadan, Muslims are required to perform the fajr prayer at dawn as the first of five prayers that will be recited throughout the day.
"Ramadan is a religious holiday where we fast as a way to prove to god our appreciation of essential things such as food or water," said Dr. Saleh Sbenaty, professor of electrical engineer, instrumentation/electronics and advisor to the Muslim Students Association.
While Muslims celebrate appreciation and righteousness, Jewish students celebrate harvest and the history of the Israelites wandering in the desert for forty years. This holiday is know as Sukkot and is one of the major Jewish Holidays.
Sukkot is a seven-day holiday where Jews are encouraged to take four species of plants to shake them to the winds.
Jews do this ritual called Lulav throughout Sukkot as a daily prayer. Jews are also required to build a Sukkah to rest in, to entertain guests and to eat their meals in.
The meal took place on the Keathley University Center knoll at 7 p.m. and was catered by Gyro Café and Mezza Cuisine, who prepared the meal according to dietary restrictions of both religions.
During the dinner students from different religions were able to talk and discuss the particulars of the two separate holidays.
"Traditionally, Jews supplied Muslims with a meal after their fasting daytime break as a way of sharing. Jews did this without any expectations but knowing they had done an act of kindness," said Lon Nuel, professor of art and advisor to the Jewish Association.
By fasting, Muslim students celebrate their holiday, known as Ramadan. Ramadan is a holy month, which usually lasts 29 or 30 days.
Ramadan takes place during the 9th month of the lunar calendar and requires Muslims to fast as a way of cleansing their bodies and avoiding all earthly pleasures.
Every day during the month of Ramadan, Muslims are required to perform the fajr prayer at dawn as the first of five prayers that will be recited throughout the day.
"Ramadan is a religious holiday where we fast as a way to prove to god our appreciation of essential things such as food or water," said Dr. Saleh Sbenaty, professor of electrical engineer, instrumentation/electronics and advisor to the Muslim Students Association.
While Muslims celebrate appreciation and righteousness, Jewish students celebrate harvest and the history of the Israelites wandering in the desert for forty years. This holiday is know as Sukkot and is one of the major Jewish Holidays.
Sukkot is a seven-day holiday where Jews are encouraged to take four species of plants to shake them to the winds.
Jews do this ritual called Lulav throughout Sukkot as a daily prayer. Jews are also required to build a Sukkah to rest in, to entertain guests and to eat their meals in.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 4
Chris Josey
posted 10/01/07 @ 7:04 AM CST
Wonderful! I'm counting on the young people of today to lead us into a more peaceful tomorrow. You have set a terrific example here. Keep it up, others will follow. (Continued…)
Sarosh
posted 10/01/07 @ 7:48 AM CST
Another conscientious and successful effort made by both the Jewish and Muslim Student Association to bring the two communities together. Every religion promotes Peace. (Continued…)
Matthew
posted 10/02/07 @ 8:07 AM CST
A full video of the event can be found at www.FBI.gov or www.NSA.gov. I hope you enjoy it!!!
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