Bridge Made of Music

January 23^rd, 2025

The group met on a rainy day in Jerusalem. The conversation, held in Hebrew, was characterized by warmth and in-depth discussion of the events of 2024, as well as an exchange of wishes for the New Year.  The members agreed that the year had been difficult and not easy for everyone.

Among the positive things that some members noted were progress in learning and building new relationships with others. Others expressed that they really enjoyed last year’s encounters, especially the last one held at a restaurant. 

The group members wished for peace, an end to wars and the damage and pain they cause, and the return of the hostages to their homes, families, and loved ones. They emphasized that hope always exists despite the difficulties. A new date was set for another encounter, with congratulations exchanged and Mohammed enjoying his oud playing, delighting the audience with beautiful oriental melodies.

February 6^th, 2025

The group discussed the topic of prayer in both the Jewish and Islamic faiths.

Each participant spoke about prayer in their respective faiths and their commitment to performing it. In both religions, prayer is a spiritual means of connecting with God and reinforcing religious values. In Judaism, it is known as "Tefilla" and is performed three times daily, with special prayers for the Sabbath and holidays, including religious objects such as Tefillin and Tallit. In Islam, it is the second pillar of Islam and is performed five times daily, varying between obligatory and voluntary prayers, preceded by ritual purity. 

Both religions emphasize the importance of prayer in drawing closer to God and achieving spiritual tranquility. At the end of the encounter, the participants exchanged greetings on the occasion of the approaching month of Ramadan.

April 7^th, 2025

The group gathered for an encounter focused on the Jewish holiday of Passover. The discussion centered on the religious significance of the holiday and its deep connection to the concept of freedom, particularly in the context of liberation from slavery in ancient Egypt. Some participants noted that Passover, Pesach in Hebrew, commemorates the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt under the leadership of the Prophet Moses (peace be upon him), and is celebrated as a symbol of liberation from oppression and injustice.

The conversation then shifted to whether this event is mentioned in the Qur'an. Several Muslim participants agreed that while Passover is not explicitly named in the Qur'an, the story of the Exodus is clearly mentioned in several chapters, including Al-Baqarah, Al-A’raf, and Ta-Ha. These passages recount key events such as the confrontation between Moses and Pharaoh, and the miracles that preceded the departure, most notably the parting of the sea — a central element in the Jewish Passover narrative.

At the conclusion of the encounter, attendees enjoyed a beautiful oud performance by Mohammed, whose melodies blended wonderfully with the ambiance. The gathering ended with the scheduling of the next encounter, reflecting the value placed on these cultural and religious discussions.

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