Abraham and Isaac — or, as some would have it, Ibrahim and Ishmael — took center stage when some of Americas most prominent Modern Orthodox rabbis and Muslim imams discussed their respective legal systems and foundational texts, and their implications for Jewish-Muslim relations today.

The October 30 seminar Ancient Texting brought together 15 rabbis expert in Halacha, or traditional Jewish law, and 15 imams steeped in shariah, traditional Muslim law, for a recent daylong seminar at Manhattans historic Temple Emanu-El, a Reform congregation. While much of the days discussion was theoretical and textual in nature, conversations often revolved around issues concerning both communities. The speakers also touched on areas of conflict between them, such as differing positions regarding Israel, and problematic texts in the tradition of each faith.

Open gallery view New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg (R) shakes hands with Imam Abdelali Mamoun, as Rabbi Marc Schneier (L), President of The Foundation For Ethnic Understanding look on, July 2009 Credit: AP

It seemed to me that with all of this hullabaloo about the state of shariah and American law, it was a very propitious moment to think about the commonalities and differences between shariah and Halacha, said Marshall Breger, a professor of international law at Washingtons Catholic University of America, the Jewish co-organizer of the conference, which was sponsored by the Center for Inter-Religious Studies. A threat to one minority is a threat to others.

Breger, an Orthodox Jew who served as a senior appointee in the administrations of Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush, has recently directed his efforts toward Jewish-Muslim dialogue. A group of imams he organized and guided on a tour through Auschwitz last year issued a statement condemning anti-Semitism and Holocaust denial after their visit. Many of them also participated in the Temple Emanu-El gathering.

Read more on the Forward.