Interview and Three Encounters of the Jerusalem WIE in December 2007 through February 2008:

December 4th, 2007 - WIE Monthly Meeting at the STI

Despite the cold and rainy weather Jewish and Muslim members of our group gathered that evening around a warm cup of tea and talked about the different winter holidays, Hannuka, Christmas and Id El Adha, while munching on Sufganiot (Hannnuka doughnuts) and other snacks. It was a great opportunity to learn the various customs related to the celebration of Hannuka and Id El Adha.


January 15th, 2008 - WIE Monthly Meeting at the STI

Quite few members braved the unusually cold and wintery weather to come to the STI. Actually only Jewish women were present, our dear Muslim Coordinator Saheer Siam was unfortunately sick with flu. Consequently the theme of the evening was the upcoming holiday of Tu B'Shvat - traditionally the Trees and Vegetation's New Year, where it's customary to eat different kinds of fresh and dry fruits.


February 5th, 2008 - WIE Monthly Meeting at the STI followed by a lecture about women celebrating the new month Adar Aleph at the "Mevakshei Derekh" Congregation

Responding to the kind invitation from the women from the "Mevakshei Derekh" Jewish community, our members gathered at the STI as usually then continued to the "Mevakshei Derekh" Community Center. There they could share the joyful atmosphere, the songs, the partaking of snacks and sweets at the monthly women's meeting in that community. Adar is traditionally a joyous month in the Jewish calendar. It has to be noted that this year there is an addition of an extra month - therefore we have Adar Aleph and Adar Bet.

The weekly Torah reading and the age-old poem "Eshet Hail", celebrating the "Woman of Valor" was read and discussed in English and in Hebrew. It was of particular interest to evaluate its relevance for the modern woman in today's world - whether Jewish or Muslim. Many thanks to Iris, the Congregation's Director and to our member Felicie who coordinated the event.

On-going Course on Jerusalem's Religions under the auspices of the IEA and the "Mevakshei Derekh" Congregation

During these last months we were fortunate to listen to interesting lectures about Sunni Islam, the Bahai Faith, the Traditions and Customs of Ethiopian Judaism, The Reform Christianity (Protestantism) and the Traditions and Customs of the Karaites. The lecturers were mostly very knowledgeable in their respective fields and gracefully answered the many questions from the public, which included among others university professors, academics, educators and clergymen.

Reported by Evelyne Savir
Group's Coordinators: Evelyne Savir & Saheer Siam
 

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