By Jennifer Mauro | Associate Editor

Swapping the traditional turkey dinner for falafels, hummus and spiced lamb, chicken and rice, 350 people of different faiths spent the Sunday before Thanksgiving breaking bread and discussing their religious differences, but more importantly, their similarities.

“Spending time together allows us to learn about our commonalities, first as individuals and then as communities,” said Sajid Syed, board of trustees member and director of media relations for the Institute of Islamic Studies, which organized the Interfaith Thanksgiving Luncheon that was held Nov. 20 in St. David the King Parish, Princeton Junction.

“When we stop viewing someone as the ‘other’ and realize that each of us shares the same concerns – which usually center around family and a brighter future for our children – we realize that we all have to work together toward this common goal,” he said.

The Institute of Islamic Studies, East Windsor, has been holding the luncheon for 11 years as a way to celebrate Thanksgiving and share ideas and information with other faith communities. The institute, which was formed more than 20 years ago, is currently constructing a new mosque and youth center in West Windsor with a mission to create a place of worship that fosters spirituality and facilitates interreligious dialogue.

“We are part of a very diverse community in West Windsor,” said Father Timothy Capewell, St. David the King pastor. “All the religions involved in this event [luncheon] believe in God. It is important that we cultivate an understanding of our commonalities as people of faith and learn about our differences. By doing so, we lift the veil of misunderstanding and start to work together in friendship and with respect.”

Those who attended the luncheon Nov. 20 were greeted at the door with name tags to encourage self-introductions and table assignments that seated people of different faiths together. Each table had a leader who guided discussion on mercy, compassion and faith traditions.

“All faith teaches us the importance of humanity and serving mankind,” Syed said. “We come to realize that so many of our stories are the same – from Adam to Noah to Jacob to Jonah to Abraham as well as Jesus, Moses and Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon them.” 

The hum of dialogue slowly faded as the luncheon officially began with guest speakers, including a prayer by Father Capewell, a reading of the Quran by Imam Sohaib Sultan, Muslim Life coordinator and chaplain in Princeton University, and his wife, who translated in English; keynote speaker Tarek El-Messidi, founder of CelebrateMercy, which aims to educate Muslims and non-Muslims about the Prophet Muhammad; Institute of Islamic Studies chairman Tahir Zafar, and closing prayers by Rabbi Eric B. Wisnia of Congregation Beth Chaim, Princeton Junction, and the Rev. Dr. Ken Smith, pastor of Princeton Meadow Church. 

Among the awards given out at the luncheon was the Friendship Award, presented by the Institute of Islamic Studies to Father Capewell and St. David the King Parish “in appreciation of the spirit of brotherhood and community.”

Syed said interreligious initiatives such as the luncheon hold a great potential to truly serve the community.

 “In turbulent times, it is important to come together as members of a shared community and unite around our common values,” he said. “It is far too easy for assumptions and stereotypes to go unchallenged, and the hope of events such as these is to enter into dialogue with those around us to and better appreciate our diversity.”

Father Capewell agreed, saying he hopes anyone in the Catholic faith can learn that “we have more things in common than differences. Many are not familiar with Islam, the Jewish faith or even the different Protestant denominations. We have also learned that those faiths have misconceptions about our Catholic Faith, and this is an excellent opportunity for us to share.”