Thornwood, June 21–Members of the Upper Westchester Muslim Society warmly embraced a group of visitors from area houses of worship who joined UWMS members to honor their prayers and traditions revolving around the breaking of the near 18-hour, dawn-to-dusk fast of Ramadan.
Joining dozens of UWMS members were clergy and congregants from Temple Beth El of Northern Westchester, the First Congregational Church of Chappaqua, Briarcliff Church, among others. They participated in or observed the UWMS service and later together with UWMS members enjoyed a buffet including traditional fare such as pasta bechemel and fereek with chicken, followed by mouthwatering cheese and raisin baklavahs, and trays of dried and fresh fruit.
“Ramadan Mubarak means ‘to have a blessed Ramadan'” explained Samsiah Abdul-Majid, a member of the all volunteer-run society; Abdul-Majid also serves as a Chaplain at Westchester Medical Center. “It’s how we express our best wishes for people observing Ramadan and share with others around us. It is also a month to enhance our closeness to God, increase the relationship in good neighborliness. We are honored that kind of relationship has been built through the years with the community of Westchester.” — Grace Bennett
