To see the new website of the Jewish-Islamic Dialogue Society (JIDS) of Washington, D.C., which some friends and I co-founded in February 2009, go to www.jids.org
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The Jewish-Islamic Dialogue Society (JIDS) of Washington, DC. grew out of a few undeniable principles:
1. Judaism and Islam are two closely related religions.
2. Even leaving aside their religious similarities, Jews and Muslims have a natural affinity for each other. This would be obvious to anyone who is exposed to the two cultures, and notices their shared values.
3. Despite their similarities in religion and culture, these two peoples profoundly differ in several respects. These differences make interfaith dialogue between the two groups quite fascinating. Variety truly is the spice of life!
4. At this moment in history, the Jewish and Muslim communities are tragically and unacceptably ignorant of each other's religions and cultures.
5. Anyone who cares about peace in the Middle East recognizes the desperate need for Jews and Muslims throughout the world to get together and increase their level of mutual understanding.
In 2008, I published my second novel, Moses the Heretic, which dealt at some length with the religion of Islam. Writing that book motivated me to confront the general level of ignorance about Islam among my fellow American Jews. After noticing the lack of opportunities for authentic Muslim-Jewish dialogue in the Washington, D.C. area, I began to approach local mosques to see if their leaders would support such dialogues. I was invaluably assisted in this regard by Muslim friends who shared my goals and level of commitment.
In February 2009, JIDS had its first meeting -- a gathering of roughly 50 people in a Silver Spring, Maryland home. We decided on that day to meet once a month thereafter. Initially, our dialogue society focused on the topic of God, but we plan to address a wide variety of crucial topics, including how we can work together for peace in the Middle East.
The members of our dialogue society represent a number of area synagogues and mosques. I am proud to say that my own synagogue, Shirat HaNefesh, has been extremely supportive of our efforts. Indeed, our rabbi, Gerry Serotta, addressed our group during two of our first three meetings.
If you are interested in fostering greater understanding between these two peoples and in working for peace, PLEASE join us. You may contact me at creedroom@danielspiro.com.
What follows are two recent addresses that I have delivered since JIDS was formed. One was given at a local mosque. Another was delivered at my home to a primarily Jewish audience. To both groups, I have one fundamental message: If you want to be a better Jew, study Islam and you'll find plenty with which to fall in love; if you want to be a better Muslim, study Judaism, and you too will find plenty with which to fall in love. These faiths beautifully complement each other.
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