On March 18, Breaking Bread Together – Fast-a-Thon Interfaith Iftar brought together approximately 180 participants for an evening of reflection, dialogue, and shared values, organized under the leadership of Utah State University.
The event was organized in collaboration with Emerald Hills Institute, Heravi Peace Institute, and Logan Institute of Religion, alongside local campus and community faith groups representing Christian, Muslim, Jewish, and LDS traditions. The goal was to foster mutual understanding, build bridges across faiths, and highlight shared human values.
“Breaking Bread Together” framed fasting as a universal practice that transcends religious and cultural boundaries. Moderated by Patrick Mason, the panel included Gonca Soyer and Sidi Meyara representing Muslim perspectives, Eliza Rosenberg representing the Jewish tradition, Harrison Kleiner sharing the Catholic perspective, and Julie Delgado representing the Latter-day Saint perspective. Through fasting, participants reflected on themes of moderation, gratitude, generosity, and hospitality, while the Fast-a-Thon offered a unique space for personal reflection and meaningful interfaith dialogue.
A central moment of the evening was the communal iftar meal, which provided a natural setting for connection, conversation, and relationship-building. Overall, the event highlighted how shared spiritual practices, like fasting and breaking bread, can strengthen community bonds, deepen mutual understanding, and promote peaceful harmony. Participants left with new insights into both their own and others’ traditions, as well as a reinforced sense of civic responsibility and interfaith connection.
