Message from Josh Losardo | March 22, 2024
Scotch Plains is proud to be a welcoming, inclusive community.
It is the type of town where everyone is encouraged to join in religious celebrations, no matter affiliation. And that is why we are seeing fellow residents join in the celebration of Ramadan, a holy month for Muslims worldwide. For many of us, this is an important time for deep reflection and spiritual growth.
Ramadan isn't a solitary practice. It should be celebrated every year throughout Scotch Plains – where we are eager to foster a sense of belonging and support for all residents.
Ramadan runs March 10 to April 9 this year. According to Islamic belief, Ramadan marks the month when the holy book Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad more than 1,400 years ago. The start of the month is determined by the sighting of the crescent moon, which marks the beginning of the Islamic lunar month.
Those celebrating Ramadan are asked to fast from dawn to dusk throughout the month. It can be challenging; I believe the shared experience with others who do not celebrate Ramadan can create a powerful, lasting bond between neighbors and new friends.
Pre-dawn meals (Suhoor) and nightly gatherings for breaking fast (Iftar) become great social events, offering camaraderie and easing the rigors of fasting. This shared experience – with those who celebrate, and others who don’t – fosters empathy and understanding.
I was pleased that the SP-F Interfaith Ministerium – comprising religious leaders of all faiths – joined residents last Thursday at Temple Sholom for an Iftar. Attendees included Schools Superintendent Joan Mast, representing our school district. It is important to note that schools will be closed this year on the final day of Ramadan, April 10, for Eid al-Fitr, underscoring the growing impact of this celebration in Scotch Plains.
Community understanding of the holiday amplifies the spirit of Ramadan. Area mosques become vibrant hubs where Muslims of all ages join together for prayer. Sharing knowledge through lectures and discussions, as well as Interfaith Ministerium programming, further deepens understanding of Islam and its teachings.
It is also important to note that Ramadan promote acts of charity and giving throughout Scotch Plains. Muslims are encouraged to donate to those less fortunate, no matter their faith, fostering a spirit of compassion and social responsibility. Community organizations often coordinate food drives and charitable projects, allowing fellow residents to fulfill their religious obligations together, while also benefiting others.
As mayor, I have had the opportunity to join in communal celebrations showcasing Islamic culture and traditions. Special foods like dates and savory dishes become a shared experience, connecting people like me to the Muslim heritage and fostering a greater sense of cultural pride and diversity that stretches throughout Scotch Plains.
Open Iftars invite people of other faiths, promoting understanding and interfaith dialogue within Scotch Plains among Catholics, Protestants, Jews, other organized religions and those who do not identify with any religion.
I believe that celebrating Ramadan within Scotch Plains is far more than attending Iftars. It's about belonging, support, shared experiences, and strengthening one's faith, no matter what that is. The collective spirit fosters devotion, charity, cultural pride, and a strong foundation for future generations to carry forward the traditions of this important month.
