THOUGHT
FOR THE WEEK
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I have been asked to reprint my remarks delivered at the farewell dinner in honor of
Imam Mohammad Jamal Daoudi on October 18th.
My High Holiday sermons will begin appearing next week (we hope!)
"A Tribute to the Imam"
Governor and Mrs. Manchin, Governor Wise,
Honored Guests and Friends,
It is with mixed emotions that I stand before you today.
I am deeply honored to say a few words
about my dear brother and friend, Imam Daoudi,
but I am terribly saddened that we are saying farewell to this good man.
Since his arrival in our community, the Imam has done more than just honorably
represent our Moslem brethren; he has been more than just a wise teacher
and ambassador for a beautiful faith and faith community.
The Imam has done what is called in the Jewish religion -
?Kiddush Hashem?, magnifying and glorifying the name of G-d.
He has helped make the name of Allah, most merciful and compassionate G-d,
loved and endeared in our community. The Imam and I have sat next to each other
at many religious gatherings, dialogues, programs and prayer services.
His gentle voice, his hand always extended in friendship and his willingness
to speak honestly and with great respect wherever he goes, has elevated the name of G-d.
He, indeed, glorifies G-d in the eyes of humanity.
I am honored to have called him my colleague;
more so, I feel blessed to call him, my friend.
The Imam has been a patient teacher to countless souls,
explaining the pillars of Islam concisely and with deep knowledge.
His willingness to dialogue, his openness, his calm and
soft spoken nature has not only created a positive understanding of Islam,
but has made the name of Allah rejoiced and celebrated.
?Kiddush Hashem.? He glorifies the Almighty Father of us all.
For me, the Imam has opened a door of friendship that I thought
could never be unlocked and I will be forever grateful to him.
He has shown us that Christian, Jews, and Moslems share so much
as the western faiths. We are brethren not just in common ancestry
and history but also in theology and faith.
Sadly, geopolitics and land disputes have created such bitterness.
As a result, it has made it difficult for us to be together as brothers and sisters of faith,
not without anger. My dear friend and cousin, however, has worked tirelessly to show us
a different way. He speaks with the still soft voice of peace.
He tries to gently explain, he kindly asks to be heard and
opens his ears to listen.
He doesnt compromise on what Islam teaches,
nor does he demand capitulation to move forward.
Like Abraham (Ibrahim), of blessed memory, he keeps the door of his tent open
and welcomes all. And he never gives up on the hope that words and conversation
are healthy, that dialogue is always better than conflict and that our differences
are not as great as the similarities.
My dear brother, I will never forget you.
From being at my daughter?s Bat Mitzvah, to the kindness you and your community
have extended to me at the mosque, you will always be in my heart.
Ramadan ended this past weekend.
In your talk at last Friday?s service, you spoke of how Ramadan is more
than just about fasting, but about teaching individuals that we are capable
of changing our nature and truly fashioning ourselves into vessels of G-d.
You challenged those of us there to take the lessons of the Prophet
and carry it beyond Ramadan.
Insh?Allah (With G-d's Help).
You, my friend, have shown me and countless people in this valley
that we, too, are capable of extending a hand of friendship despite differences,
that we can, should and must temper our words and deeds, that we share
so much and can be good to one another, that we can love
even when we disagree.
Because that is the way of G-d, that is the way of Allah
and all his prophets, peace be upon them all.
May we, in your honor, continue to create bridges of peace
as you have shown us and continue to make the name of G-d blessed,
elevated, and celebrated by all peoples in this community.
?Izhab Ela Asham, Fe Aman Wa Salam!
I?hy Been Alkiram. Anta Tabqa Al Imam, Khuz Ha Min Al Ha Kham!?
Shalom, my friend! Salaam!
Translation of the Arabic:?Go to Syria, In peace and security!
Live amongst the dignified!
You will always be Imam,Take it from this Rabbi!?
(I wish to gratefully thank my friend, Abdul Qutub, for helping me
with the Arabic and for composing this poem in honor of the Imam.)
Shabbat Shalom
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