WINSTON WEEKLY©^[1]

April 20, 2025

Vol. 3, No. 16

CULTIVATING THROUGH CULTURE[2]

Learning other cultural traditions can cultivate empathy. From Christians celebrating the resurrection of Jesus at Easter to Jewish communities commemorating the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in ancient Egypt to Muslims celebrating Ramadan, early spring traditions involve central themes of hope and renewal.

The Islamic holy month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, ended a few weeks ago. Although “Happy Ramadan” has become more widely used, more traditional greetings are “Ramadan Mubarak” which means Blessed Ramadan, or “Ramadan Kareem” which means Generous Ramadan. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn until sunset as a form of spiritual discipline and a means to empathize with those less fortunate. Some families rise before dawn to have a modest breakfast called suhur, followed by prayers. At the end of each day, the daily fast is broken with a festive meal known as iftar, often accompanied by or followed by visits with family and friends. Last month, many mosques hosted community dinners for Muslims to come together to break their fast.

Jewish Passover began at sundown on April 12 and ends at sundown today. During the week-long holiday, Jews retell the story of the exodus from Egypt through a book of stories and prayers known as the Haggadah. The first and last days of Passover are holy days involving special prayers and abstention from work. Central to Passover is Seder, a festive celebration involving reading, singing, drinking wine, and eating symbolic foods. Symbolic foods include Batei, a roasted egg representing the Pesach sacrifice and the cycle of life; Kaproset, a paste made of apples, nuts, and wine resembling the mortar and bricks Jews were forced to make during enslavement; Maror, a bitter herb representing the bitterness of slavery; and Karpas, a leafy green dipped in saltwater representing the tears of Israelites in slavery.

THIS WEEK’S ACTIVITY

Regardless of your spiritual leanings or preferences, consider similarities and differences between traditional spring celebrations. Whether exploring a diverse collection of books at your local library or engaging in cultural programming offered through libraries or community centers, there are multiple opportunities to explore, learn, and cultivate.

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[1] A Sunday newsletter and blog by Alysen Bayles to be shared with the appropriate attribute.

[2] Resources: Brandeis University, Center for Spiritual Life, www.brandeis.edu/ramadan; Rabbi David Forhman, The Exodus You Almost Passed Over, Maggid, 2021; Naomi Nachman, Perfect for Pesach-Passover Recipes; Sara Khan, My First Book About Ramadan, Kube Publishing Ltd., 2021.