I am me because of you and you are you because of me! Let’s put our hands together, and shape our destiny, like the branches are connected, someday we will be! There is room for everyone, underneath the Banyan Tree
Lyrics composed by Cordoba House and East End Temple teens
After two productive months of honest exchanges on identity, spirituality, and life, the teen students from Cordoba House and East End Temple performed their original song entitled, “The Banyan Tree”during an Interfaith Shabbat/Iftar Program on Friday, May 17th.
The culmination of their hard work was the result of the students collaborating together with renowned composer, Michael Hunter Ochs, to draft an original song with lyrics taken from key concepts within their discussions. Students conversed about establishing an authentic voice to express their identities. The congregation joined the students in singing, “The Banyan Tree.” (click this link for the full lyrics).
The synagogue echoed with the voices from the audience as Music Director of Cordoba House, Mustafa Ulmer and the teens led the congregation in singing a second song, Yusuf Islam’s “Peace Train” .
The event was followed by Maghrib prayer and fast break where the Executive Director of Cordoba House, Naz Ahmed Georgas, spoke on the powerful inner dimensions of Salah, the Muslim prayers, as an act of witnessing God and explained that, “God brings human souls out of darkness into His light through the performance of the ritual prayers”
Cordoba House Sunday School Teen Instructor, Shaun Persaud demonstrated the prayer positions for the Maghrib Salah to the interfaith guests. He related the story of the night of Miraj, where the Prophet (peace be upon him), ascended into the seven heavens witnessing the angels in prayer and encountered Prophet Moses (peace be upon him).
The gathering then engaged in a spirited question and answer session as new friendships were formed.
We look forward to evolving these friendships and inviting others to join our conversations. We plan to start a new cohort for interfaith conversations and programs with our Youth, women and lay leaders this Fall. For more information on each of these or to participate, please email Naz at naz@cordobahouse.com.
