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MOSQUE AND SYNAGOGUE INITIATIVE

First Mosque and Synagogue to Complete the ISNA/URJ Initiative
By Sufia Alnoor
IOICA Intern

The Islamic Association of Carrollton (IAC) and the Temple Shalom are the first mosque and synagogue in the country to complete a dialogue curriculum that was started two years ago in partnership by the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) and the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ). The curriculum, entitled "Children of Abraham: Jews and Muslims in Conversation", is meant to increase dialogue between Muslims and Jews.

The two groups started to meet in March of 2007. They met twice a month alternating locations between the Islamic Association of Carrollton (IAC) and the Temple Shalom. According to Azhar Azeez, President of the IAC, both parties were a little skeptical in the beginning because they had not had this type of interaction in the past, but they remained persistent and completed the curriculum in 18 months. There were six representatives from each faith who were led by Azhar Azeez and Rabbi Jeremy Schneider of Temple Shalom.
 
In November of 2008 the two congregations took part in a “Weekend of Twinning”. The Temple Shalom invited Azhar Azeez to come and speak to their congregation. The event was picked up by area media outlets in the area because it was the first of its kind. This November, the IAC is planning on inviting Rabbi Jeremy to come speak to their members.
 
Azhar Azeez commented on the success of the completion of the initiative, "Alhamdullilah we have reached this point. We got to the point where we were inviting each other to our homes and our functions. Both the mosque and the temple showed immense support." Rabbi Schneider also graciously opened his home to the entire group and the Muslim community reciprocated by inviting the group to an iftar dinner last Ramadan.

The course was completed with a dinner where the two groups agreed to keep close ties. They will continue to meet informally once a month to keep an open line of communication.