Visit to synagogue helps peace building
filed in Event on 24 Mar 2015
A visit to a Jewish synagogue was well supported by HFOF members on 18th March. Hounslow Synagogue closed a few years ago, so limiting the opportunity for making contacts and sharing knowledge of the local Jewish community.
The members of the orthodox synagogue in nearby Ealing met that need and their hospitality was much appreciated. Visitors saw the refurbished hall and were shown the scrolls of the Torah which are read through regularly throughout the year. Differences between wording and practices of Jewish communities from different parts of Europe were explained.
The Torah is known to Christians as the first five books of the Old Testament. Similarities were also noted to aspects of Islam, in the language, the concept and the message.
Yasmin, who is Muslim, commented ‘I was touched by the beginning message in the Torah – again the language is so similar to Arabic. I hope and pray that we can work together to build bridges and to work towards peace building.’