Jews and Muslims Clash in…oh, never mind.

Here’s a nice little story in which religious people of different persuasions stick it to the man. No, even that part isn’t antagonistic — although, come to think of it, “freedom of religion” doesn’t always have to mean “freedom from religion.”

Let me explain: Dinar Enggar Puspita, a 17-year-old Muslim girl from Indonesia who’s spending the year in Riverdale, NY, and attending a public high school there, prays five times a day. Forbidden from praying in school, though, her host mother asked around, and found that the rabbi of her synagogue, the Riverdale Jewish Center — which is just across the street from Ms. Puspita’s school — would welcome her and her prayer mat.

“A lot [is] different, but I enjoy it,” Ms. Puspita said. “I mean, I can learn from the differences, right?”

When asked for an example on that fall afternoon, one quickly sprang to mind. In Indonesia, she said, “There are only two seasons: dry and rainy.”

There are more differences than just that, I’m sure. But it’s good to know that sometimes the difference can be welcomed.

Discover More

Who’s Better for the Jews?

It’s primary day in New Hampshire, and it seems the whole country is (and rightfully should be) talking about who ...

Anorexia in the Orthodox World

The Yeshiva University Observer — actually the official newspaper of Stern College, the women’s school — is a great snapshot ...

Isaac Bashevis Singer Bashes Barbra Streisand

I don’t know why I thought that I.B. Singer died before the 20th century. Maybe I was mixing up the ...