Health - Adama Interfaith Encounter Group on 27th March 2008:

The 2nd meeting of IEA's Adama (Maaleh Adumim/Abu Dis) group took place on March 27th. We welcomed a guest from France, a BBC reporter and a new Jewish member. The theme of this meeting was "Health" in our traditions. Everyone came much better prepared than our first meeting and knew what to expect for this one.

Majdi gave the Moslem perspective. He explained that the Koran guides us to be clean in everyday life. In prayer, for example, the movements that are made during prayer are exercise-like, and are considered healthy for those that pray in this manner. The Koran also instructs us to wash certain parts of the body before prayer. Regarding food, the Koran says that honey is beneficial for the body as well as black Nigella seeds, which has its use also in herbal medicine. The Koran explains that one must keep away from alcohol and pork, which are considered harmful to one 's health. The Koran offers many guidelines for a healthy community.

Luana gave the Christian perspective. In the New Testament, Jesus performed a lot of healing and miracles. Some traditions said, if you follow the Covenant, you were promised happiness, if not, evil spirits would send illnesses your way. Jesus healed those who showed faith. If people acknowledged their sins and were forgiving, they would be healed. The Gospel says there are three kinds of food that are considered to keep the body healthy – olive oil, fish and bread. Wine is also considered healthy. The Church taught that we should take care of our bodies because it is a gift from God.

Gidon gave the Jewish perspective. His source was from one of the many books Maimonides wrote in the Mishneh Torah – Hilchot Deot. Maimonides was also a famous physician in the 13th century. It is impossible to know the knowledge of the Creator while unwell. He advises that one should not eat until one's stomach is very full, only until one is 3/4 full. Overeating is the cause of many illnesses. When eating, one should always sit or recline on the left side – not ride or work – until the food is digested. Honey and wine are bad for children but good for adults, especially in the winter. One is also not allowed to live in a town without a doctor.

After the presentations, there was a lively discussion centering around the theme. Fasting during Ramadan is also considered to be healthy. Moslems and Jews also agreed with the Christians that the body is a gift from God and one should not ruin it.

After our break, we decided to meet again on May 1st, since the holiday of Passover falls during the last week of April. More ideas were added to our growing list of future themes.

Reported by Leah Lublin and Abed Eriqat – Coordinators
 

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