Imam: You Can Call Me “Rabbi”

Let’s change it up and look at a positive story about Muslim-Jewish dialogue.
Julia Houlihan profiles Imam Yahya Hendi in The Georgetown Independent. The Palestinian became the first full-time Muslim chaplain at an American university in 1999.

At this year’s Yom Kippur services, Rabbi Harold White invited Hendi to address his congregation. Calm and confident, Hendi immediately commanded the attention of those gathered as he spoke of his children and personal history, imploring everyone to join in his desire for peace that could only come through unity. And he won; at least for the moment there was Muslim-Jewish understanding and appreciation. Upon conclusion, Imam Hendi received a standing ovation that resounded amidst the Catholic iconography that adorns Gaston Hall. The significance is staggering-a Palestinian Muslim had captivated a Jewish audience within the confines of a Catholic University.
[…]
In a recent phone conversation, rushed in typical Hendi-style, I caught Hendi in his car and experienced what I believe to be quintessentially Yahya Hendi. After insisting that this was in fact the perfect time to talk, Hendi discussed the Muslim Prayer Room, how he responds to criticism and finally his overwhelmingly positive relationship with Rabbi White. I scribbled furiously, my thoughts chasing, trying to keep up with the pace of the conversation. I tried to recollect myself and press him to describe how he and Rabbi White interact in the classroom, when I slipped and committed quite the faux pas. “Rabbi Hen… Oh I’m so sorry, I mean…”
“Oh no, please, call me ‘rabbi.’” Hendi went on to say that last year while in Sydney Australia, which he recommended as a destination, he was dialoguing with a local rabbi. They got along quite well, and shared similar ideals. Upon departure, the rabbi said to Hendi “I can give you the title of ‘rabbi.’” Hendi rejoiced in this anecdote and explained that, after all, it’s the same God.

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