Iftar at Sinai Synagogue

Last Saturday night, 11 May, the Leeds communities of Sinai Synagogue and the Baab-ul-Ilm Islamic Centre, came together for an iftar (breaking the fast during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan), hosted by Sinai.

Rasool Bhamani, President of Baab-Ul-Ilm spoke of the meeting, fourteen years ago, between himself and Rabbi Ian Morris, Rabbi Emeritus of Sinai Synagogue, when Rabbi Morris expressed the wish that one day, Jews, Muslims and Christians, could pray together under one roof.

That wish came to fruition on Saturday when, following their prayers at Sinai at the end of that day’s fast, men, women and children from the Baab joined with visitors from All Hallows’ Church to participate in Sinai’s havdallah service marking the end of Shabbat, led by Ariella Glatherine and Liora Zucker representing Sinai’s b’nei mitzvah class and teaching assistant Joe Wallis.

Following this, over 100 people from all three faiths enjoyed a beautiful meal prepared by Sinai’s catering team. The Baab-ul-Ilm hosts an interfaith iftar annually; this was the first hosted by Sinai and was so successful that it will become another of Sinai’s annual events.

Pippa Brook, one of the organisers, said: “It was a joy to be able to welcome all our guests. We are very happy to reciprocate the hospitality extended by the Baab. As can be seen from the photos, the iftar was enjoyed by all who attended”.