Birmingham Progressive Synagogue welcomed guests from the Muslim, Christian, Sikh and other faiths to a ‘Friday Night Iftar’, coming together for candle lighting, kiddush and shared meal.
Rabbi Lisa Barrett led the candle lighting, followed by reflections from Bishop Esther Prior, the Bishop of Aston, who described it as “extraordinary” for an Anglican bishop to be invited to speak at an iftar hosted in a synagogue. Muslim guests performed their evening prayers in front of the lit Shabbat candles before challah was shared around.
The meal was provided by Shof, a refugee-run Syrian catering service. Attendees spoke about how meaningful it was to gather at a time when divisions between communities are increasing. One Muslim attendee said it was the first iftar he had attended outside of his family, and added that the fact it was in a synagogue “is testament to the welcome and potential to bridge the growing gulf between communities.”
Feedback from participants highlighted the warmth and openness of the evening, with one saying: “What a wonderful gathering full of people with open hearts and warm spirits. I feel uplifted and blessed.”
Another, aged nine, added: “I asked if you could do another event soon because I loved it so much. It was definitely the best.”