It took nearly five months for Schwartz to plan and carry out the adult education sessions. To accomplish that, he made contacts at an annual interfaith breakfast to secure speakers and considered topics that would be of interest to the Jewish/Muslim communities. "I didn't want it to be an explosive situation, but an informative one," said Schwartz. "One of the reasons I scheduled these sessions is so there can be more familiarity with what Judaism stands for and with what Islam stands for," he continued.
The first session, held on Feb. 26, discussed Women and Islam: Rites and Rights. Dr. Kausar Zaman, pediatrician at Winthrop and Mercy Medical Center, was the guest speaker. Roughly 100 people attended, including Muslims, Jews, congregants, and others from surrounding areas. "I didn't know really what to expect. I was surprised we had such a large turn-out," said Schwartz. "But it was a pleasure. [The session] had the right tone, and the subject matter was interesting to those who came. I hope the future ones will also be."
Schwartz plans to begin each seminar with the Jewish point of view on the topic followed by an introduction from a prominent Muslim guest speaker. After the opening speeches, a dialogue will ensue between the two. Each seminar will also include a question and answer session, where anyone can and is encouraged to participate and share their views. "You can always tell a program by the question and answer period," said Schwartz. He was pleased that at the first session many attendants were eager to make comments and ask questions, which proved to be very informative and eye-opening.
Future sessions will explore additional topics of interest to people of all faiths. The next seminar titled 'Holy days, holy food, holy occasions' will be held on Mar. 12 and it will be followed by 'Rewards and punishment, the afterlife, and the Messiah' on Apr. 2. There is no charge to attend the seminars, and anyone is welcome. The series is being held at Temple B'Nai Sholom located at 100 Hempstead Avenue in Rockville Centre. Refreshments are offered beginning at 8 p.m., and the program begins at 8:20 p.m. Schwartz hopes to hold future educational seminars between other faiths if these continue to be well received.
