Jerusalem Young Adults Interfaith Encounter group
The group met at a café and engaged in a conversation about winter. The discussion was lively and meaningful, as winter holds significant importance for both Muslims and Jews.
The Muslim participants shared their perspective on winter, describing it as a season full of blessings. It is seen as a time to increase acts of worship, such as night prayers and fasting, which are facilitated by the long nights and short days. Winter also serves as an opportunity for reflection and drawing closer to God. In times when rain does not fall, Muslims are encouraged to turn to God with prayers, seeking forgiveness and mercy. One of the key practices in such circumstances is the Salat al-Istisqa (Rain Prayer), a confirmed Sunnah performed collectively. During this prayer, Muslims sincerely supplicate to God for rain. Additionally, they are urged to give more charity and work on reconciling disputes, as sins and wrongdoings are believed to have the potential to withhold rain.
The Jewish participants explained that rain in winter is considered a blessing from God, especially in the Land of Israel, where agriculture and irrigation heavily depend on rainfall. According to Jewish teachings, the arrival of rain signifies God’s favour. When rain is delayed or absent, Jews turn to prayer and fasting. One of the most prominent prayers is the Amidah prayer, which includes specific requests for rain during the appropriate season. A special plea called “Veten Tal U’Matar” is added to weekday prayers during this period. Additionally, communal fasting may be observed as an act of devotion to seek God’s mercy. Alongside prayer and fasting, there is an emphasis on performing good deeds and increasing adherence to the Torah as a way of drawing closer to God. It was impressive to notice how both Jewish and Muslims traditions relate to rain and to the relationship between humans, nature and spirituality
