Ramadan

Since the Muslims like the Jews use a lunar calendar, their holy days migrate around the calendar. This year, right after the sixth anniversary of the tragedy of the Twin Towers, sundown on September 12 marks the beginning of the Muslim month of Ramadan, dedicated to prayers, fasting, charity and self-accountability. I note that observant Muslims are called to fast not only from food but to abstain especially from anger, envy, greed, lust, sarcastic retorts, backstabbing, and gossip, things they are to avoid, of course, throughout the year.

When the fast and accompanying festivities end next month, the greeting will be Kullu am wa antum bi-khair -- May you be well throughout the year.