The humble date (tamar / tamr) is a fruit from North Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia, and represents so much to so many: agriculture, food, sharing, sweetness and friendship. In Islam, dates symbolize hospitality and peace – they were a favored food of the Prophet Muhammad, and are mentioned more than any other fruit in the Qur’an. In Judaism, dates represent peace and righteousness – as one of the “seven species” named in the Torah, they are understood to hold special medicinal and spiritual properties, and to bring blessing and healing.
House of Dates (bayt tamar / al-tamr) is an ongoing series presented by the Center for Multi-Religious Studies at Starr King School for the Ministry, in partnership with Muslim and Jewish voices from diverse backgrounds and histories. The series offers opportunities for deep learning, multi-religious worship, and chaplaincy training, demonstrating a commitment by Jews, Muslims, and allies to counter Islamophobia and anti-Semitism and advocate for peace and justice in Palestine/Israel.
The first House of Dates program will be a multi-religious Jum’ah/Shabbat worship service in coordination with Makam Shekhina multi-religious Muslim & Jewish community on Friday, December 15, at 11 am PT / 2 pm ET. The service will be followed by a discussion on weaving multi-religious worship and community. For more information and to register, follow this link: http://makamshekhina.com/prayer
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