Shalom/Salaam: A Story of a Mystical Fraternity is a groundbreaking study introducing To The popular reader, The story of respectful and loving interfaith relations between Sufis (Islamic mystics) and Jewish spiritual thinkers for nearly one thousand years. From the inception of Islam, To the Golden Age (8th-12th centuries) Jewish-Sufis of Arabia, North Africa and Spain, through the Kabbalists in Spain And The Holy Land, and then into 18th century European Hasidism, Islamic and Jewish ideas commingled to influence both paths, As well as strongly influencing the Jewish mystical system. This story is important to understanding contemporary Jewish-Muslim relations. As Egyptian Ambassador Sallama Shaker notes: "Block's narrative is an eye-opener for peace activists and politicians who are in search for genuine peace built on mutual respect – This is a 'must read book'." Many medieval Jews interacted with and were influenced by the Sufi way. Moses Maimonides, considered the pre-eminent Jewish medieval thinker, Solomon ibn Gabirol, whose "piyyut" are still sung during the Sabbath liturgy the world over, Judah Halevi, whose work, according To The chief Rabbi of Palestine in the early 20th century, contains that which is most precious about the Jewish soul and hundreds of other seminal Jewish thinkers often read Sufi treatises in Arabic, wrote Islamic-inspired mystical odes and sometimes even based their interpretations of Jewish tradition on Sufi thought and practice.

When they meet on the first day of school, three girls realize they are different from each other - Molly is Christian, Savera is Muslim, and Hannah is Jewish. As the seasons pass, the girls' friendship blossoms through a planting project in Peace Park. Written by three women authors from the same faith traditions as the girls in the story, this book brings more kindness and understanding into the world. PEACE, SALAAM, SHALOM.

Salaam/Shalom is the true story of a Jewish woman's experiences as a teacher in an Islamic school as she embraces a beautiful awakening and learns to focus on likenesses rather than differences. Janet Goldman relies on extensive research and her own personal experiences during her two years of teaching at the Islamic school to offer a compelling glimpse into the many similarities between Islam and Judaism. Through comparing religious and cultural practices, ranging from prayer traditions to food, Goldman hopes to help bridge religious barriers and encourage a peaceful world. "In this book, the lucid descriptions of both Jewish and Muslim traditions and our respective communities will help bring about understanding and hopefully, more peace through knowledge." Rabbi Alan Katz, Temple Sinai, Rochester, NY "Janet's book is not only a self-reflection but also for many, a raising of the curtain." Yasmin Kabir, Principal, Westfall Academy

Bibliography: p.120.

Text and photos present the lives of two boys, one Jewish and one Arab, who attend school in a unique community near Jerusalem where Jews and Arabs live together in peace.

"Grover leaves Sesame Street for a sightseeing adventure in Israel"--