Source: detroitnews.com

Muslim American Youth Academy students circle the Kaaba shrine Tuesday during a re-enactment of hajj at the Islamic Center of America in Dearborn. The festival and ceremonies are part of a worldwide pilgrimage to Mecca.

For thousands of Muslims and Jews across Metro Detroit, two holidays converging this weekend allow followers of both faiths to find ways to help others while observing long-held traditions.

Many Muslims on Saturday celebrate Eid al-Adha, which memorializes how the Prophet Abraham was willing to sacrifice his son to God. The holiday also coincides with hajj, the yearly pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, birthplace of Muhammad, who Muslims believe is the last prophet of Islam. Devotees celebrate with prayers, gifts, gatherings and charitable giving.

Steve Fisher makes a donation at Adat Shalom Synagogue in Farmington Hills on Friday. Congregants gave food and donations for the annual Yad Ezra Yom Kippur food drive.(Photo: Mark Bialek, Special to The Detroit News)

Those events coincide this weekend with Yom Kippur, considered the holiest day for Jews. It began Friday evening, lasts through sunset Saturday and ends the Days of Awe that launched Sept. 24 with Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year. Families fast, pray and attend special services in synagogues.

The observances come as extremist militants continue their attacks in the Middle East and press for territory, which some Muslims fear has influenced public perceptions here.

Jews’ prayers for peace this year are …read more at detroitnews.com