Short Hills Women Seek To Strengthen Local Jewish, Muslim Relations

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — A group seeking to build strong relationships between Muslim and Jewish women “based on trust and respect” is seeking to expand its Essex County presence and help to bridge gaps between local religions.

According to a news release, the Essex County chapter of Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom - a movement that has grown to 150 chapters throughout North America – is taking off on a local level and now counts several women in the area among its members, including Cyndy Wyatt and Robbie Weissenberg of Short Hills.

Learn more about the Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom here.

The women, members of the South Orange-based Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel (TSTI), spoke at a panel at Congregation Beth-El about the organization, which aims to “build strong relationships between Muslim and Jewish women based on trust and respect” and “end anti-Muslim and anti-Jewish sentiment.”

Wyatt, who is also on the board of the Interfaith Food Pantry of the Oranges, said that of the 150 women who attended, “they all wanted to join a chapter.”

Wyatt and her Muslim counterpart, Hadiyah Finney of North Brunswick, co-lead the Essex County chapter, which was founded two years ago. According to Wyatt, interest has grown so much that plans are underway to open two more chapters in Essex County.

“The Jewish women are there and ready… we’re seeking Muslim sisters to join us on this amazing journey,” Wyatt said.

Weissenberg, who has served as treasurer of the TSTI Women’s Connection group and participates on the synagogue’s Caring Community committee, said that she joined the group to deepen her understanding of other people’s backgrounds and beliefs.

“I’ve met these wonderful women—both Muslim and Jewish—whom I would not have met otherwise, with new relationships forming all the time,” Weissenberg said. “The Sisterhood is such a pleasant way to learn about a religion and culture I knew nothing about, and I hope it continues to expand.”

Citing recent anti-Semitic incidents that have occurred in the area, Weissenberg said that the group’s members are finding common ground and standing up for each other.

“The support goes both ways,” she said. “After all, we’re now sisters.”

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Photo: Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel