[IEA updates] Jerusalem and Surroundings Interfaith Encounter Group (EN/HE/AR)
yeh...@interfaith-encounter.org
(Hebrew & Arabic follow English- עברית וערבית אחרי אנגלית- العربيه والعبريه تتبع الانجليزيه)
Jerusalem and Surroundings Interfaith Encounter Group - February 5, 2026
The encounter began with a discussion on the topic of purity in Islam. Participants reviewed the initial stages of newborn care from the moment of birth, including basic health and hygiene practices. The discussion then moved to some of the traditions associated with newborns, such as the call to prayer (Adhan) in the child's ear, the Aqiqah (sacrifice for a newborn), and circumcision, which is considered an important ritual of purity for males in Islam.
The discussion then expanded to include the concept of purity as children grow older, such as ablution (Wudu), ritual bathing (Ghusl), and the rulings related to puberty. Emphasis was placed on how these values and practices can be gradually transmitted to children within the family and community as part of their religious and social upbringing.
Participants presented from the Jewish perspective rituals associated with birth and puberty, such as the circumcision (Brit Milah), which takes place a eight days after birth, and the celebration of the age of religious maturity (Bar/Bat Mitzvah), when a boy or girl begins to assume greater religious responsibilities.
An open dialogue took place among the participants regarding the similarities and differences between the two religions in their understanding of physical and spiritual purification. It was emphasized that these rituals are not limited to the religious aspect alone, but also carry profound cultural and social dimensions, contributing to the formation of individual identity and belonging.
This discussion deepened mutual understanding among the participants and created a space for dialogue based on respect and openness, where personal experiences and insights related to these practices were shared.
At the end of the encounter, the group added a special touch with a musical performance by Mohammed, who played a selection of beautiful pieces on the oud, lending the gathering a warm and unique atmosphere.
Reported: Abier
קבוצת המפגש הבין דתי ירושלים והסביבה - 5 בפברואר 2026
המפגש החל בדיון בנושא הטוהר באסלאם. המשתתפים סקרו את השלבים הראשוניים של טיפול ביילודים מרגע הלידה, כולל נוהלי בריאות והיגיינה בסיסיים. לאחר מכן עבר הדיון לכמה מהמסורות הקשורות ליילודים, כגון אדהאן (קריאת תפילה) באוזנו של הילד, עקיקה (הקרבה עבור יילוד) וברית מילה, הנחשבת לטקס טוהר חשוב עבור גברים באסלאם.
לאחר מכן התרחב הדיון וכלל את מושג הטוהר ככל שילדים מתבגרים, כגון רחצה (וודו), רחצה (ע'וסל) והפסיקות הקשורות לגיל ההתבגרות. דגש הושם על האופן שבו ערכים ומנהגים אלה יכולים להיות מועברים בהדרגה לילדים בתוך המשפחה והקהילה כחלק מחינוכם הדתי והחברתי.
משתתפים מנקודת מבט יהודית הציגו טקסים הקשורים ללידה ולגיל ההתבגרות, כגון טקס ברית המילה, המתקיים שמונה ימים לאחר הלידה, וחגיגת גיל הבגרות הדתית (בר/בת מצווה), כאשר ילד או ילדה מתחילים לקחת על עצמם אחריות דתית גדולה יותר.
התקיים דיאלוג פתוח בין המשתתפים בנוגע לדמיון ולשוני בין שתי הדתות בהבנתם את הטיהור הפיזי והרוחני. הודגש כי טקסים אלה אינם מוגבלים להיבט הדתי בלבד, אלא נושאים גם ממדים תרבותיים וחברתיים עמוקים, התורמים לעיצוב זהות אישית ושייכות.
דיון זה העמיק את ההבנה ההדדית בין המשתתפים ויצר מרחב לדיאלוג המבוסס על כבוד ופתיחות, שבו חולקו חוויות ותובנות אישיות הקשורות למנהגים אלה.
בסיום המפגש, הקבוצה הוסיפה נופך מיוחד עם הופעה מוזיקלית של מוחמד, שניגן מבחר יצירות יפהפיות על עוד, שהעניקו למפגש אווירה חמה וייחודית.
דיווחה: עביר
اللقاء بين الديانات ومجموعة القدس وما حولها- 5 شباط 2026
بدأ اللقاء بنقاش حول موضوع الطهارة في الإسلام، حيث استعرض المشاركون المراحل الأولى المرتبطة بالعناية بالمولود منذ لحظة ولادته، بما في ذلك الجوانب الصحية والنظافة الأساسية. ثم انتقل الحديث إلى بعض السنن المرتبطة بالمولود، مثل الأذان في أذنه، والعقيقة، والختان، الذي يُعدّ من طقوس الطهارة المهمة لدى الذكور في الإسلام.
بعد ذلك، توسّع النقاش ليشمل مفهوم الطهارة مع تقدّم الأطفال في العمر، مثل الوضوء، والاغتسال، وأحكام البلوغ، مع التركيز على كيفية نقل هذه القيم والممارسات بشكل تدريجي للأطفال داخل الأسرة والمجتمع، كجزء من التربية الدينية والاجتماعية.
في المقابل، عرض المشاركون من الجانب اليهودي الطقوس المرتبطة بالولادة والبلوغ، مثل طقس الختان (البريت ميلاه) الذي يتم بعد أيام من الولادة، وكذلك الاحتفال بسنّ البلوغ الديني (بار/بات متسفا)، حيث يبدأ الفتى أو الفتاة بتحمّل مسؤوليات دينية أكبر.
ودار حوار مفتوح بين المشاركين حول أوجه التشابه والاختلاف بين الديانتين في فهم الطهارة الجسدية والروحية، حيث تم التأكيد على أن هذه الطقوس لا تقتصر على الجانب الديني فقط، بل تحمل أيضًا أبعادًا ثقافية واجتماعية عميقة، وتُسهم في تشكيل الهوية والانتماء لدى الأفراد.
ساهم هذا النقاش في تعميق الفهم المتبادل بين المشاركين، وخلق مساحة حوارية قائمة على الاحترام والانفتاح، حيث تم تبادل التجارب الشخصية المرتبطة بهذه الممارسات.
وفي ختام اللقاء، أضافت المجموعة أجواءً مميزة من خلال عزف موسيقي قدّمه محمد على آلة العود، حيث عزف مجموعة من المقطوعات الجميلة التي أضفت على اللقاء طابعًا دافئًا ومميزًا.
تقرير: عبير
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Please help us keep this group active!
$100 will pay for transportation and food costs for one encounter,
$1500 will sponsor the group for a year,
$3000 will cover the costs of an intensive weekend retreat.
Please go to: Donate now (securely through Pay Pal or other options)
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The Interfaith Encounter Association
P.O. Box 3814, Jerusalem 91037, Israel
Phone: +972-2-6510520
Fax: +972-2-6510557
Website: www.interfaith-encounter.org
Board:
Rabbi Bob Carroll
Ibrahim Mustafa
Moatasem Hassuneh
Jared Goldfarb
Dr. Yehuda Stolov, Executive Director
E-mail: yeh...@interfaith-encounter.org
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Our Partners: Alpert Music Center; Al-Qasemi School; Amit Bar Ilan School; Austrian Hospice; Bar Ilan University; Beit Hagefen; Big Shopping Centers; Church of Sweden; Ecome; FELM Center; Foundation For Ethnic Understanding; Hartman Boys School; Hebrew University; International Association for religious Freedom; Roots; Sts. Tarkmanchartz School; Swedish Theological Institute.
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Groups abroad:
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We are looking to continue to expand our Groups, both in the Holy Land and Abroad - so if you are interested- contact yeh...@interfaith-encounter.org
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Please help us keep this group active!
$100 will pay for transportation and food costs for one encounter,
$1500 will sponsor the group for a year,
$3000 will cover the costs of an intensive weekend retreat.
Please go to: Donate now (securely through Pay Pal or other options)
For Mobile-friendly donation form CLICK HERE
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The Interfaith Encounter Association
P.O. Box 3814, Jerusalem 91037, Israel
Phone: +972-2-6510520
Fax: +972-2-6510557
Website: www.interfaith-encounter.org
Board: