On March 15, 2026, 200 individuals and families joined together to learn about Ramadan, discuss different methods of fasting across cultures and religions, break the Ramadan fast at sundown, learn from each other, and celebrate together.
Kimberly Ishoy from Women’s Interfaith Gatherings (a Facebook Group) and the Jordan River Church Communications Council of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints facilitated the gathering.
This event was hosted by the Daybreak Diversity and Inclusion Club, Emerald Hills Institute, and Women’s Interfaith Gatherings.
Everyone sat with people they did not know and set aside the turmoil in the world to share a moment of peace together.
Kimberly opened the gathering by welcoming everyone with the words, As-Salaam-Alaikum, or Peach Be Unto You, which is a traditional greeting of peace in Islam as a deep commitment to God as the source of peace and the right of all people to peace.
In Christianity Peace be unto you is the phrase that Jesus spoke after his resurrection to bring comfort, reassurance, and reconciliation to his fearful disciples, and signifies a spiritual peace, wholeness, and the fulfillment of God’s presence.
In the Jewish faith Peace be unto you is said through the Hebrew term Shalom or Shalom Lakhem, which means complete wholeness, well-being, and harmony in all life areas.
These three religions share a common ancestor in Abraham.
After watching a video on Ramadan a panel discussion was held with different representatives across different religions:
- Pastor David Henderson of the Neighborhood Church
- Bishop Ben Durham of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
- Marlene Teter, who is Jewish and a Christian and has a daughter practicing Islam
- Jacob Wilson, who is Pagan
- Sarah Shwani, who is Muslim
Each member of the panel talked about their fasting practices, why they do it, and the blessings they receive from fasting. Everyone learned a lot. We are very grateful to each of these panelists for their time and their genuine sharing from their hearts.
At sundown everyone broke their fast by eating a date. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) made a practice of breaking long hours of fasting with a date. Dates provide a fast-acting, natural energy boost, essential electrolytes for hydration, and fiber to aid digestion.
We then participated in the call to prayer led by Asim, followed by a blessing on the food by Pastor David Henderson.
Dinner was a potluck dinner of vegetarian foods, no dairy, no gelatin, no animal products, no wine vinegars. It was delicious and there was a great variety.
It was an uplifting event for all who participated. We made new friends, shared our religious practices, and left feeling connected to all those around us.
