Pardes News
Muslim Religious Leaders from Indonesia Join Rabbi Landes and Pardes Institute Students in Jerusalem for Shabbat Lunch
Jerusalem, Israel - January 7, 2007 - A group of Muslim religious and academic leaders were guests of Director of the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies Rabbi Daniel Landes for Shabbat lunch at his home. The clerics, who represent 70 million Muslims, are from Indonesia, a country that doesn't have diplomatic ties with Israel. The Shabbat meal, attended by Rabbi Landes’ family and Pardes faculty members and students, was a traditional festive Shabbat meal with blessings and the singing of Z’mirot - Shabbat songs.
The trip to Israel was organized by the Simon Wiesenthal Center and the LibForAll Foundation, which supports moderate and progressive Muslims in their effort to promote the culture of liberty and tolerance.
"This shows that there is great hope for an Islamic-Jewish dialogue which respects the differences and similarities of the two great faith communities, especially in forging an alliance towards the creation of a moral society, said Rabbi Landes.
Pardes student Raphael Dascalu of Sydney, Australia, said, "From the outset, it was very open, warm and relaxed, and people freely shared their ideas and impressions. In particular it was an interesting encounter between people who are usually removed from each other."
Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies The independent Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies immerses its students in the study of classic Jewish texts. Men and women of diverse backgrounds learn together in a rigorous, challenging, and open-minded environment. This learning experience nurtures a deep and personal connection to Jewish heritage, a love for the Jewish people and Israel, and a commitment to becoming leaders in the Jewish community. Founded in 1972, Pardes offers Year, Summer, Executive, Advanced and Educator learning programs for university students and graduates.