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Dear Friends,
On Saturday May 11, 2019, the dynamic Parent Association of Cordoba House Sunday School organized a
memorable multigenerational iftar event with an inspiring adult program, unique activities for children and teens, and a silent auction and
bazaar with calligraphy, jewelry, Islamic books and unique Islamic toys.
The Executive Director, Naz Ahmed Georgas, opened the evening by inviting the audience to reflect upon the
true meaning of success from a Quranic point of view. She shared that while a majority of people define a successful life in terms of material well-being and social status, in the Quran,
Allah defines success not in material but in spiritual terms, citing the verse,
"successful are the ones who purifies themselves." The goal of the education at Cordoba House Sunday School is to find innovative and experiential methods to encourage students to find
spiritual purpose and the responsibilities of leading a God-centered life. Naz attributed the success of the school to the devoted parent community for their active role throughout the year in building the program.
Asim Rehman, President of the Cordoba House Parent Association, underscored the point by stating,
"the school is more than just a school, it is a community and a place for all to play a role." He also commented on the
unique, inclusive nature of the program which was reflected during the iftar designed with a special focus on children and families.
Sherafghan Mehboob, a parent and officer of the school's finance committee, presented the multicultural and pluralistic vision of the program and invited all new families to join the school and to be part of the community and the
building of the institution.
Hoda Atut, co-chair of the event planning committee, addressed the audience and shared that what attracted their family to the Cordoba House Sunday School was,
"the unique and professionally managed program, its diverse community, and its socially relevant curriculum."
While the adults were engaged in the program, children took part in a dry ice science experiment with a visiting scientist! They also created and decorated colorful paper lanterns, made their own unique tasbeehs composed of beads and patterns of their own choosing, and created beautiful Mother's Day cards.
After iftar, the Bazaar opened to all guests who experienced a snapshot of local businesses.
Demerara Delights, a local Guyanese bakery, shared homemade fudge and pineapple tarts, and
Whymsical Wijabz shared their hijab line decorated with art inspired from the Surahs of the Quran and designed especially for young girls.
Reina Scheiber Loeis, a Cordoba House Sunday School mother, also displayed her beautiful handmade Eid cards and money envelopes and water color calligraphy of the 99 names of Allah. The Bazaar even contained a silent auction where guests could bid on different Islamic Art pieces and Moroccan home decor!
The evening ended with
an array of amazing selections of international desserts prepared by parents representing the diversity of the families in Sunday School. The desserts included
Chendol from Indonesia, date and walnut gourmet ice cream, and the centerpiece of the dessert table, a
hand baked star and moon shaped cake by Rabiha Sami, a parent, cake artist and baker in NYC!
I would like to extend a special thank you to all of our guests for joining us in this warm and wonderful iftar and a thank you to all of our amazing parents, particularly
Rosalia Golan and Suraya Khan, for making the evening as successful as it was!
We wish everyone a meaningful and prayerful last few days of Ramadan!
With Warm Salams,
Naz Ahmed Georgas,
Executive Director of Cordoba House
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