“For the sake of my siblings & friends we call out: Peace for all.”
לְמַעַן אַחַי וְרֵעָי אֲדַבְּרָה נָּא שָׁלוֹם בָּךְ

September 2025

It’s unbelievable and heartbreaking – but the High Holy Days season of 2025/5786 will mark two terrible years since the horrors of October 7th – and too many days of terror and turmoil since.

These troubling times are the most difficult many of us have ever endured. The tragic violence continues, with no hostage deal, while the tragic loss of lives and infrastructure in Gaza gets worse, as attacks continue in the West Bank, more lives lost, hatred ripples across the globe, and prospects of peace are replaced by rage and despair.

We stand in solidarity with all who are suffering, mourning, and hurting. Our hearts hurt with Israelis and Palestinians, among them many of our families and friends, who face daily dangers and for whom the new normal has become a nightmare.

In the United States we are also experiencing the brutal rise of authoritarian agendas in power, with human lives in peril, civil rights under attack and democracy in grave danger.

Within our own Jewish communities, and even within families and generations, divides continue to deepen.

These challenges are intertwined and so is our deeper sense of solidarity, empathy and commitment to solution-oriented change for the sake of all our futures.

As an artist driven Jewish spiritual community, Lab/Shul acknowledges and appreciates that the fabric of our community is woven with diverse threads of perspective, belief, and experience. We are committed to our mission as a sacred space for spiritual connection, bridge-building, learning, healing and growth for all.

Our ongoing series of Courageous Conversations keep bringing people together for shared tough truths, hurts and hopes. Despite differences, we seek common ground in our shared humanity, our hopes for healing and peace, our resistance to despair, and our commitment to repairing what is broken.

HOW WE GATHER ON THIS HIGH HOLY DAYS SEASON: As we enter the High Holy Days season of 5786, we offer guidance on how we intend to be together as a community of care during this time of heightened polarization and political discord in the U.S., particularly around the ongoing conflict in Israel/Palestine and its impact on our lives here and worldwide. Please click here to read our community guidelines.

We invite you to explore the resources on this page for further learning and engagement, helping us unpack and find solace, donate and support, and show up at this critical time.

Please check this page regularly as the situation is continuously evolving and we will be updating information here frequently.

As we remember the shared humanity that unites us all and strive for peace, justice and dignity for every individual we invite you to light a candle and recite the Mother’s Prayer for Peace. We pray that the cycle of violence will end as quickly as possible, so that repair can begin to bring peace.

We pray that the cycle of violence will end as quickly as possible, so that repair can begin to bring peace.

Poem by Rabbi Dahlia Shaham

My brothers and my sisters,
You’re my brothers and my sisters
Doesn’t matter who we call our father
Isaac, Ishma’el,
Mohammad, Moses, Jesus,
We are all united by one mother
Mother Earth she is
The Promised Land
Should we all be wise and treat her kindly
In her compassion there’s a place for all.
In her womb, there’s mercy for us all.

اخواني وأخواتي انتم
اخواني وأخواتي
لا يهمني من هو أبانا
إسحاق أو إسماعيل,
محمد, عيسى, موسى
أم وحيدة لكلنا
امنة هي ارضنا بلادنا الموعودة
إذا نعرف أن نحترمها
برحمتها
يوجد مكان للكل

אַחַיי וְאַחְיוֹתַיי אַתֶּם,
אַחַיי וְאַחְיוֹתַיי
אֵין זֶה מְשַׁנֶּה מִי הוּא אָבִינוּ
יִצְחַק אוֹ יִשְׁמַעְאֵל,
מֻחַמָד אוֹ מֹשֶׁה
לְכוּלָנוּ אוֹתָהּ אִמָּא
אִמָּא אֲדָמָה הִיא
הָאָרֶץ הַמֻּבְטַחַת
אִם נֵדַע לִהְיוֹת טוֹבִים אֵלֶיהָ
בְּרַחֲמֶיהָ
יֵשׁ מָקוֹם לְכוּלָם.

News

Mother's Prayer for Peace

Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie: Fighting for our Vision of Israel

Judaism Unbound Logo

Judaism Unbound Episode 477 – Israel-Palestine – V’ahavta (and you will love)

Standing Together – One year later: From despair to hope and everything in between.

Ways to Help

Organizations to Support

This is a small selection of ways to support now. If you have organizations to suggest, please send them to [email protected]

Support grass roots soup kitchen in northern Gaza.

Learn more here >

The HOSTAGES AND MISSING FAMILIES FORUM was formed by the families of the abductees less than 24 hours after the horrific attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7th, in which more than 1300 innocent civilians were murdered and hundreds were taken hostage. The Forum is volunteer-based and laser-focused on bringing the hostages back home to their families, to us.

The forum offers families holistic medical and emotional support as well as professional assistance, and advances the ongoing efforts locally, regionally and globally, to bring the hostages and the missing back home.

Counting thousands of volunteers and supporters, the Hostage and Missing Families Forum includes family members and friends of the hostages alongside top security, law, media and diplomacy experts who are donating their time to the cause.

Donations are directed towards advancing all necessary efforts through diplomatic, medical and legal channels and towards raising public awareness to the hostage crisis by creating campaigns in Israel and abroad.

Learn more & donate here >

Established in 1998, NATAL – the Israel Trauma and Resiliency Center, is an apolitical organization providing multidisciplinary treatment and support to direct and indirect victims of trauma due to terror and war in Israel. Founded by Jude Yovel Recanati, together with the late Dr. Yossi Hadar z”l, NATAL ‘s mission is to lead the way in the field of trauma, and to advance the resiliency of Israeli society through treatment, prevention, public awareness and research. Our services are available across the country and to all Israeli citizens regardless of religion, ethnic background, color, age, gender or socio-economic status. To date, NATAL’s services have touched the lives of over 350,000 men, women and children.

Since October 7th, NATAL has been involved in the following:

  • Answered tens of thousands of calls to date to NATAL’s Helplines – over 85% of our total annual calls.
  • Provided 24/7 assistance & emotional support to survivors of the Nova Music Festival, traumatized citizens, families of the injured, Gaza hostages, and bereaved, and many others.
  • NATAL’s Clinical Unit has seen patient numbers double since the war began – including new patients, as well as existing patients experiencing an escalation in their symptoms. Thousands of therapy hours are also being provided on the ground, including in hotels housing displaced Israelis.
  • To date, we have conducted hundreds of emergency interventions to help organizations – from rescue and health organizations to The Home Front Command, government offices, social organizations and NGOs, and businesses – process and manage trauma.
  • At NATAL’s Multidisciplinary Center for Trauma Studies, we are training hundreds of trauma therapists in Israel and globally and launching specialized trauma therapy courses led by top experts in the field.
  • NATAL is actively engaging in public advocacy efforts to raise awareness and help erase the stigma around mental health, encouraging those who need support to seek help.
  • We’ve compiled resources in multiple languages.

Learn more and donate >

The NEW ISRAEL FUND (NIF) helps Israel live up to its founders’ vision of a society that ensures complete equality to all its inhabitants. Their aim is to advance liberal democracy, including freedom of speech and minority rights, and to fight the inequality, injustice and extremism that diminish Israel.

Following the atrocities that Hamas committed against Israeli communities near the Gaza border and the ensuing war, the New Israel Fund (NIF) mobilized resources and staff around the world to meet the immense needs of the moment. They mourn for the innocent lives lost in Israel and Gaza, and are continuing to work toward a better future for all. NIF is providing aid to Israelis, both Jewish and Arab, who have been affected; advocating for the release of the hostages being held captive by Hamas in Gaza; safeguarding human and civil rights in Israel and the occupied West Bank; and working to advance a shared, peaceful future for everyone in Israel.

Their ongoing emergency currently focus on:

1. Humanitarian aid and basic needs – Assisting the weakest and most vulnerable communities in Israel and providing mental health and trauma counseling to NGO staff and affected individuals. Over time, the focus of our work has shifted away from humanitarian aid, which the government and municipalities have taken a greater role in addressing, toward the latter three priorities, as well as advocating for the release of the hostages.

2. Safeguarding human and civil rights – Ensuring that freedom of speech and expression are protected, and raising awareness about escalating violence toward Palestinians and activists in the occupied West Bank. Tracking and identifying incitement online and in digital forums, especially by right-wing groups targeting Palestinian citizens of Israel and left-wing activists, and relaying it to law enforcement; monitoring fake news online.

3. Bolstering Jewish-Arab relations – Preventing escalation in shared Jewish-Arab cities and areas of potential tension; preserving the space for a shared society.

4. Providing an alternative vision for Israel’s future – Formulating policy proposals and developing new ideas and leaders that can advance a peaceful, equitable vision for the future.

Learn more and donate here.

With hundreds of thousands of civilians facing famine in Gaza, we must remember: Food is a fundamental right.

NIF is raising funds to alleviate hunger in Gaza through World Central Kitchen and International Rescue Committee—two organizations which have spent the last six months working at tremendous risk to bring aid into Gaza and feed the starving population—and they need our support.

Donate here >

Through New Jewish Narrative’s Action Network, you can take meaningful steps to advance peace, security, and justice. We focus on educating communities and impacting key institutions ­­– local, state and federal elected officials, Jewish organizations, and international bodies ­– to support actions that further an end to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

New Jewish Narrative mobilizes grass-roots support.

We demonstrate.
We march.
We work in broad-based coalitions.
We command attention.

By joining our Action Network, you’ll be part of the new narrative, one that stands for dignity, self-determination, and security for all peoples. Be a part of the movement dedicated to ending the occupation and building a future where two states can thrive in peace and security. And take your place in helping to forge an even stronger community of progressive Jews that advocates for these shared values amplifying our narrative in the United States and Israel.

Learn more >

The Parents Circle – Families Forum (PCFF) is a joint Israeli-Palestinian organization of over 600 families, all of whom have lost an immediate family member to the ongoing conflict. Moreover, the PCFF has concluded that the process of reconciliation between nations is a prerequisite to achieving a sustainable peace. The organization thus utilizes all resources available in education, public meetings and the media, to spread these ideas.

Learn more and donate >

PRJECT HOPE is doing everything we can to help the children and families facing catastrophic violence, deadly hunger and mass displacement in Gaza. Please help provide health care, supplies and other relief for Gaza and communities enduring health crises around the world today.

Our teams are on the ground now caring for people at clinics and medical tents in Deir al Balah and Rafah, risking their own lives to help their communities. We’ve delivered nine tons of medical relief, including essential medicines, medical devices and supplies into Gaza. With our partners, we’re providing mental health and trauma support to children and families.

Your gifts ensure we can respond to the most devastating humanitarian emergencies like this one — while supporting health workers and rebuilding health care infrastructure in the long-term for communities around the world.

Donate here >

In response to the catastrophic hunger crisis in Gaza, REBUILDING ALLIANCE, in partnership with the World Food Program (WFP), is currently serving over 40,000 hot meals in multiple locations in Gaza through our Non-Governmental Org. partners and local community-based cooking teams. WFP is covering 3/4 of the costs of the program. We need your help to continue this vital program. Help us meet our commitment and provide hot meals to displaced families in Gaza.

Learn more and give >

The Rossing Center for Education and Dialogue is an interreligious organization based in Jerusalem which promotes an inclusive society for all religious, ethnic and national groups. Through education, encounter, research and consulting, the Rossing Center promotes better relations between Jews, Christians and Muslims in the Holy Land.

In these distressing and difficult days, full of fear and mourning, civil society has taken the lead on assisting those who are in desperate need of care and support. In East Jerusalem many families are left without minimal food security: livelihood sources are scarcer than ever; many are afraid to leave the neighborhood or travel to work; the supply chain to the neighborhoods has been interrupted; stores are running out of goods; and prices are skyrocketing. The immediate necessity is to provide food and basic supplies to families in need.

As a civil society initiative the Rossing Center is therefore organizing to provide initial assistance to families in need in East Jerusalem. We provide basic food supplies and other essential products, distributed through local social centers in various neighborhoods in East Jerusalem. Needs are high, and expected to grow. The initiative is based entirely on volunteer work, and we need funding assistance to purchase basic food items.

Donate here >

STANDING TOGETHER is a grassroots movement mobilizing Jewish and Palestinian citizens of Israel in pursuit of peace, equality, and social and climate justice. While the minority who benefit from the status quo of occupation and economic inequality seek to keep us divided, we know that we — the majority — have far more in common than that which sets us apart. When we stand together, we are strong enough to fundamentally alter the existing socio-political reality. The future that we want — peace and independence for Israelis and Palestinians, full equality for all citizens, and true social, economic, and environmental justice — is possible. Because where there is struggle, there is hope.

Donate Here >

The “Sulha Peace Project” is a grassroots Israeli-Palestinian organization actively bringing together people who believe in face to face dialogue to safeguard and keep alive the humanity of all who live in and share this land.

Donate Here

Ongoing Sulha gatherings focus on training people to become peacemakers, to listen, feel with our hearts and support each other– critical for any future solution to this conflict.

During these terrible days of war between Israel and Gaza, while we are heartbroken by the violence and losses, we are inspired by generous and courageous civic voluntary efforts in Israeli society to offer support and relief. Many of us have joined and are active in these initiatives, supporting many critical needs. And yet there is an urgent need today to offer humanitarian aid to those among us who need support, most often overlooked.

The Sulha Peace Project asks you today to help us to provide more opportunities, now and in the days that follow these difficult days, for more dialogue and deep listening that will help us repair this rupture and build bridges for compassion, care and human dignity. Every gift goes directly to support our peacemaking efforts.

We particularly need your help today to help those among us who need critical relief, among the weakest in the Palestinian population, mostly single mothers and families left without a provider because of the restrictions of the war.

We are collecting funds for basic food packages which we will distribute in our communities. Each package costs $100 dollars and lasts a family for a week.

Please help us help those in need, now and in the days ahead.

Watch this video

Direct link to tax-free donations:
Donate Here

Founded in 2016, TZEDEK CENTERS operate with an eye towards Israel’s long-term democratic future through a combination of deep, grassroots work and shorter term, high impact initiatives.

As caring and dedicated citizens who aspire to see a better society here, the challenges posed by inequality, social polarization, and a lack of trust in the government impact our future.

At Tzedek Centers, we firmly believe that local civic organizing is the key to addressing and transforming this situation.

At Tzedek Centers, we bring together city residents to participate in training programs for social change. Through these programs, we provide them with tools, connect them with partners, and together build a shared vision. Graduates of the courses establish groups to improve city policies, lead local campaigns and social initiatives, assume leadership positions, and collectively nurture a local community of changemakers, building across cities a broad national movement.

This national grassroots movement, composed of organized communities in cities across Israel, works to build a vibrant democracy we can be proud of.

Learn more and donate >

Support World Central Kitchen’s efforts towards the humanitarian crisis in Gaza:

In Gaza, there is a critical humanitarian crisis facing families across the territory. Relentless shelling and a ground offensive have killed tens of thousands of civilians and forced more than a million Palestinians from their homes. The conflict has exacerbated an already dire humanitarian crisis caused by a years-long blockade. People are struggling to access water, food, and the means to cook for their families. Despite restrictions on humanitarian aid entering the territory, our teams have been able to establish a Field Kitchen in Rafah, create a network of community kitchens across Gaza, and send hundreds of aid trucks to communities in desperate need of food.

In Israel, WCK teams partnered with local restaurants across the country, serving meals to people who were displaced from their homes as a result of the October attack and ensuing shelling along the border. As Israeli hostages returned home, we delivered fresh, nourishing meals to the hospitals where they received checkups and were reunited with their families. While our response has wound down in Israel since acute food needs have abated, we have a large network of restaurants and local partners who are ready to support families should there be a need again.

WCK continues to innovate and adapt our ongoing response in Gaza and Lebanon. Our teams are preparing tens of thousands of daily meals and working alongside local partners to ensure we reach all pockets of need.

Learn more and donate >

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labshul

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@labshul stands in the “messy middle” holding the full spectrum of narratives around Israel/Palestine, grounded in the belief that peace begins with recognizing everyone’s pain.

➡️Enter the next cohort of Courageous Conversations: a 4-week, in-person experience designed to strengthen the skills this moment demands, including open-hearted listening, honest reflection, and compassionate curiosity.

And don’t just take this from us—hear it from those who have stepped into this work with us before. Here, @richard.tuschman shares what is possible when we stay, listen, and engage.

Courageous Conversations

May 2026
Tuesdays (5/5, 5/12, 5/26, 6/2)
6-9pm ET
Tribeca, NYC

#labshul #jewishcommunity #experimentaljudaism #godoptional #courageousconversations
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Lab/Shul
Seder
NYC
Spirituality
Community
Becoming
Experimental Jewish Community
Reimagining Judaism
Artist-driven
God-optional
Modern Jewish life

Open post by labshul with ID 17912954640180811
@labshul stands in the “messy middle” holding the full spectrum of narratives around Israel/Palestine, grounded in the belief that peace begins with recognizing everyone’s pain. ➡️Enter the next cohort of Courageous Conversations: a 4-week, in-person experience designed to strengthen the skills this moment demands, including open-hearted listening, honest reflection, and compassionate curiosity. And don’t just take this from us—hear it from those who have stepped into this work with us before. Here, @richard.tuschman shares what is possible when we stay, listen, and engage. Courageous Conversations May 2026 Tuesdays (5/5, 5/12, 5/26, 6/2) 6-9pm ET Tribeca, NYC #labshul #jewishcommunity #experimentaljudaism #godoptional #courageousconversations . . . . . Lab/Shul Seder NYC Spirituality Community Becoming Experimental Jewish Community Reimagining Judaism Artist-driven God-optional Modern Jewish life

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We invite you to join our partners on 4/20 for a Yom HaZikaron Joint Memorial Ceremony…

April 20, 2026
8:30pm Jerusalem | 1:30pm NYC | 10:30am LA
In Person + Online

Now in its 21st year, the Joint Memorial Ceremony organized by @combatantsforpeace_english and the @theparentscircle is a beacon of hope in the darkness. Through testimonies from bereaved Israeli and Palestinian families, musical performances, and messages of peace from human rights leaders, we will prove that even in the face of unimaginable loss, we can still choose humanity over hatred and hope over despair.
Join us in solidarity to bear witness and refuse to accept that war is our destiny.

Together, we will show that even in the darkest times, humanity and hope can prevail. 

Learn more & register via CALENDAR LINK in bio

Lab/Shul is proud to sponsor th Israeli-Palestinian Memorial Ceremony.

#labshul #jewishcommunity #yomhazikaron #ritual #godoptional
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Lab/Shul
Seder
NYC
Spirituality
Community
Becoming
Experimental Jewish Community
Reimagining Judaism
Artist-driven
God-optional
Modern Jewish life

Open post by labshul with ID 18028066178808146
We invite you to join our partners on 4/20 for a Yom HaZikaron Joint Memorial Ceremony… April 20, 2026 8:30pm Jerusalem | 1:30pm NYC | 10:30am LA In Person + Online Now in its 21st year, the Joint Memorial Ceremony organized by @combatantsforpeace_english and the @theparentscircle is a beacon of hope in the darkness. Through testimonies from bereaved Israeli and Palestinian families, musical performances, and messages of peace from human rights leaders, we will prove that even in the face of unimaginable loss, we can still choose humanity over hatred and hope over despair. Join us in solidarity to bear witness and refuse to accept that war is our destiny. Together, we will show that even in the darkest times, humanity and hope can prevail.  Learn more & register via CALENDAR LINK in bio Lab/Shul is proud to sponsor th Israeli-Palestinian Memorial Ceremony. #labshul #jewishcommunity #yomhazikaron #ritual #godoptional . . . . . . Lab/Shul Seder NYC Spirituality Community Becoming Experimental Jewish Community Reimagining Judaism Artist-driven God-optional Modern Jewish life

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Today we honor the lives lost and remember the enduring resilience of the human spirit. 🕯️

For Yom HaShoah, we lift up this reflection inspired by the writings of Etty Hillesum, whose voice continues to offer humanity, compassion, and hope. Hillesum, a Jewish Dutch writer who died in Auschwitz at age 29, left behind diaries filled with extraordinary spiritual courage and tenderness.

This image & message come from a card set created by Dina and Emma, Palestinian and Israeli artists and peace activists, who have led a shared Yom HaShoah ritual for the past 18 years. Their work invites us into remembrance rooted in connection and shared humanity. 🤍

#labshul #yomhashoah #wovenweekofinterdependence #interdependence #holocaustremembrance

Open post by labshul with ID 18179934622383461
Today we honor the lives lost and remember the enduring resilience of the human spirit. 🕯️ For Yom HaShoah, we lift up this reflection inspired by the writings of Etty Hillesum, whose voice continues to offer humanity, compassion, and hope. Hillesum, a Jewish Dutch writer who died in Auschwitz at age 29, left behind diaries filled with extraordinary spiritual courage and tenderness. This image & message come from a card set created by Dina and Emma, Palestinian and Israeli artists and peace activists, who have led a shared Yom HaShoah ritual for the past 18 years. Their work invites us into remembrance rooted in connection and shared humanity. 🤍 #labshul #yomhashoah #wovenweekofinterdependence #interdependence #holocaustremembrance

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In the lead-up to Passover, Lab/Shul is here for you….
Sharing this powerful question from Sunday’s SAYDER peogram with Rabbi @amichailaulavie , sharing his abbreviated seder; one that honors the Passover Haggadah while making space for four NEW questions and real conversation.
▶️ Watch the full video: https://www.youtube.com/@labshul/videos
In a year like this, it’s an invitation to gather with intention, honesty, connection, and a little more hope at the table.

#labshul #passover #passover5786 #pesach

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.
.
Lab/Shul
Seder
NYC
Spirituality
Community
Becoming
Experimental Jewish Community
Reimagining Judaism
Artist-driven
God-optional
Modern Jewish life

Open post by labshul with ID 18004115957857287
In the lead-up to Passover, Lab/Shul is here for you…. Sharing this powerful question from Sunday’s SAYDER peogram with Rabbi @amichailaulavie , sharing his abbreviated seder; one that honors the Passover Haggadah while making space for four NEW questions and real conversation. ▶️ Watch the full video: https://www.youtube.com/@labshul/videos In a year like this, it’s an invitation to gather with intention, honesty, connection, and a little more hope at the table. #labshul #passover #passover5786 #pesach . . . . Lab/Shul Seder NYC Spirituality Community Becoming Experimental Jewish Community Reimagining Judaism Artist-driven God-optional Modern Jewish life

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