A season to put spirituality first

[Keith]

A season to put spirituality first

Fasting is part of holidays for Jews, Muslims and Christians

Cicero A. Estrella, Chronicle Staff Writer

Wednesday, October 5, 2005

A rare convergence of holy days has Jewish, Muslim and Christian congregations celebrating in different ways almost simultaneously -- and all with periods of fasting.

With the Jewish High Holy Days and the month-long Muslim celebration of Ramadan beginning within days of each other this week, millions of people around the world will forgo food and drink in a bid for spiritual growth. In addition, Eastern Orthodox Christians will fast starting Nov. 15 to celebrate Advent, the 40 days leading to Christmas.

"There's a deeply felt human instinct that uses fasting as a universal language with God," said Rev. Tom Ryan, a Catholic priest from New York whose recent book, "The Sacred Art of Fasting: Preparing to Practice," covered the topic. "Food and drink represent life and growth. One who voluntarily gives up food and drink basically is communicating to the Divine that he is more important than life itself."

"With 1 billion Muslims, 16 million Jews and (millions) of Orthodox Christians, that's a lot of people fasting around the world," said Ryan, who added that people of other faiths, including Hindus and Buddhists, also fasted for spiritual cleansing.

The Jewish New Year and Ramadan are based on different lunar calendars and rarely coincide. This year's unusual confluence prompted faith leaders from the South Bay to plan an event called "Fasting and Feasting Together," which is set for 6 p.m. Thursday at 170 S. Market St. in San Jose.

The interfaith event -- which will also celebrate the Catholic Feast of St. Francis of Assisi (Oct. 4) and Protestant World Communion Sunday (Oct. 2) -- will bring Jews, Muslims and Christians together to break a fast with prayers and a meal.

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