by Jennifer Sembler
This was the first time the king of Jordan, a Muslim leader, addressed an audience of rabbis on the future of relations between Jews and Muslims. In a speech entitled "Islam and Judaism: Beyond Tolerance," the king examined that delicate relationship. The event was organized by the Center for World Religions, Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution at George Mason University, and was held with the hope that it would open up a new chapter in Jewish-Muslim relations.
Rabbi Barry Dov Schwartz of Temple B'Nai Shalom in Rockville Centre received an invitation to attend the gathering, and gladly ook the trip to Washington. Schwartz, who is actively seeking to improve relations between faiths, participates in interfaith activities whenever possible. Earlier this year he was a member of a rabbinical delegation that attended an audience with the pope. He is also the Jewish chaplain at Adelphi University, where he conducts services, counsels students and advises the Jewish student organization Hillel.
As a faith leader who is extensively involved in ecumenical and interfaith activities, Schwartz was eager to meet King Abdullah II and hear his thoughts on the relationship between Judaism and Islam. Schwartz, who met the king after his speech, described him as charismatic, charming and articulate. "He really had a touch of humility, and has a tradition of being understanding of Jews and the Jewish faith," Schwartz said. The king, according to Schwartz, is probably the friendliest Muslim leader toward Israel.
The focus of the king's speech was on uniting the faiths and working toward peace. "It's time to move from just tolerance to acceptance," Schwartz recalled the king saying. The two faiths share common ancestry, a point raised by the king, and should be able to accept each other, even their differences.
Schwartz feels that in order to improve relations, "We must begin with the education of the young." Only when the hatred of Israel and the Jewish faith is eradicated will peace occur between Muslims and Jews," he says. In light of terrorism and fundamentalism, there is widespread disappointment in Jewish-Muslim relations. When Schwartz questioned the king on this point, he responded that "Ninety-five percent of the Muslim world is peace-loving." Yet according to the rabbi, it is this 95 percent that must vehemently speak out against the 5 percent that are hindering the progress of Jewish-Muslim affairs.
Karim Kawar, Jordan's ambassador, addressed the audience of rabbis before the king's speech, and a question-and-answer session followed. Afterward, the rabbis enjoyed a kosher luncheon, supervised by the Rabbinical Council of Greater Washington. "The king went out of his way to make sure lunch was strictly kosher," said Schwartz. "He provided an opportunity for the Jewish ritual of washing hands, and provided a blessing. He displayed utmost respect."
Overall, the rabbi considered the event a very worthwhile and positive experience, and greatly enjoyed the novelty of it. He plans to convey the messages of King Abdullah II to his congregation during the upcoming holidays of Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. This year the Jewish holidays coincide with the Muslim holiday of Ramadan, a holy period with similar themes of introspection, self-judgment and fasting. "This gives us a unique opportunity for the two cultures to share together and work toward the goal of shalom," said Schwartz.
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