Where: New North London Synagogue, London

The Dialogue Society was invited by the Joseph Foundation to attend a seminar on the discussion of repentance & contrition as understood in the Islamic and Jewish faith. More than one hundred members of the congregation and Muslim guests attended the meeting where Andrew Dismore MP for Hendon gave the opening remarks. He emphasised the importance of interfaith co-operation as an integral part of a multifaith democratic society.

The similarities between Taubah and Teshuvah, the two major themes of Yom Kippur and Ramadan were discussed. The two terms literally meaning ‘turning away’ from the wrong which we have committed and ‘returning’ to our Creator who is Merciful and Forgiving show how closely the ethical and theological interpretations of the two terms are shared by Jews and Muslims.

The participants shared an Iftar and the ending of Shabbat together and it was agreed unanimously that a sustained programme of meetings and co-operation between the synagogue and the Muslim community will be implemented.

Tawbah and Teshuvah

Tawbah and Teshuvah