Dear Hevreh,

Whether in shul or in the news, there’s been a lot of talk and conversation about the antisemitism facing Jews in Europe and the challenges Israel faces in defending itself. As well, there are fears of growing anti-Israel sentiment in America, especially on college campuses, and how those sentiments are the expression of the “new” antisemitism. Underlying all of these fears, either at home or abroad are two (similar) questions that inform the way we approach these real challenges facing the Jewish community:

1. Can Jews and Muslims get along?
2. Can Judaism and Islam coexist side by side?

For many who say NO, they point to the practices of ISIS and the statements of Hamas and Khameini shouting Death to Israel, as if we’re engaged in an eternal holy wat that won’t end until one side is completely defeated.

For many who say YES, they point to the Abrahamic origins of both faiths, as if there is some link between the two peoples that will induce us to believe, perhaps naively, that our similarities can trump our differences.

Both sides have valid points and both sides at times miss the point, and we come to our conclusions based on our personal experiences and what we learn.

So here is another opportunity to learn, to help it’s fine tune and inform our opinions

Rabbi Dr. Burton Visotzky has spent a great deal of time meeting with and learning with Jewish leaders and Muslim leaders in some of the hottest spots in the globe, from Europe to the Middle East. His experience in understanding current Jewish-Muslim relations is an invaluable tool in helping us navigate the challenges we face as Jews and the larger Jewish community.

So I invite you to join me for this ONE OF A KIND opportunity to welcome Rabbi Visotzky into our community on Wednesday, April 29th at 7:30 pm (REFRESHMENTS WILL BE SERVED) to share his insights on What’s New in Jewish-Muslim Relations. Please click on the link below to RSVP

Category : Adult Education Jewish Current Events Rabbi Rabbi's Journal
Tag : adult education Burton Visotzky Jewish-Muslim rabbi rabbi's journal