"The only way to understand people is to join them," said Alejandro, who is not a Muslim.

Alejandro was a guest at the seventh annual Shura Council of Southern California Annual Ramadan Dinner Iftar at the Westin Hotel here on Sept. 23.

Alejandro, like many other interfaith members, first met Muslims through work. "When I worked in Saudi, everyone referred to each other as Muslim brother," he recalled fondly. Others, too, felt a kindred spirit as several speakers addressed the common theme of fasting in their own religions.

Keynote speaker Rabbi Mark Diamond not only discussed the Jewish tradition of fasting on Yom Kippur, but also the lessons that the faithful should draw from it. "The grandeur and majesty of the Yom Kippur liturgy is the all-inclusive, communal nature of the penitential and confessional prayers," he said. "We are all guilty. We are all in need of Divine forgiveness."

Among other points, the rabbi drew appreciation from the Muslim and Jewish audience when he said, "We are guilty of not doing enough to advocate for a just and lasting solution in the Middle East — a democratic state of Palestine and the democratic state of Israel living side by side in peace and security."

The rabbi also called upon more meaningful interfaith dialogue, especially between the Muslim and Jewish communities. "I especially call upon Jews and Muslims to sit together, break bread together, study and pray together, labor together for social justice — in order to understand and appreciate what divides us and what unites us."

Bishop Steve Gilliand from the Mormon faith described the Mormon tradition of fasting once a month and contributing the money that would have been spent on food on charity.

Other speakers at the event included Dr. Muzammil Siddiqui, chairman of the Shura Council; L.A. Sheriff Leroy Baca and Dr. Maher Hathout, senior advisor to the Muslim Public Affairs Council.

At the end of the ceremony, Siddiqi presented gifts to the speakers.