Toronto has witnessed a remarkable event at the Metropolitan United Church. Dedicated to the International Peace Day, an interfaith symposium and concert were organized, inspired by the ideas of three medieval era mystics of the three Abrahamic faith traditions; Maimonides, Rumi and Aquinas. The Symposium involved two sessions with a total of 6 speakers:
Panel 1. “Sources of Religious Conflict in the Middle Ages”
Prof. Mark Meyerson, University of Toronto Prof. Zeki Saritoprak, John Carroll University Prof. Darren Dias, St. Michael’s College, University of Toronto.
Panel 2. “Discourse on Peace in the Middle Ages: Moses Maimonides, Thomas Aquinas & Jalaladdin Rumi” Rabbi Dow Marmur, Rabbi Emeritus at Holy Blossom Temple.
Prof. John Dadosky, Regis College, University of Toronto Prof. Liyakat Takim, McMaster University Attendees also enjoyed a supper, where a specially selected medieval menu was served. The menu was comprised of Keshkek, an old Ottoman dish made with barley, chicken and chick peas; boiled vegetables, as was the tradition in medieval Europe; and halva with honey, a Seljuki dessert.
The concert touched the hearts of the audience with tunes from Christianity, Judaism and Sufi Islam. Attendees enjoyed the wonderful melodies of Metropolitan United Church Choir, Lachan Jewish Choir, and Jerrahi Sufi Assembly. The event was organized by Intercultural Dialogue Institute, Holy Blossom Temple, Metropolitan United Church, and Peace & Social Justice Foundation.
