Photo by Jennifer Lee Photography
“We contain the other, hopelessly and forever.”
– James Baldwin
Dear Lab/Shul,
What does “containing the other” look like this new year, especially on complicated days like this one?
The painfully challenging proceedings of the last few days have unfolded not just in DC, but in each one of our homes and hearts. We all need tools for dealing, for healing, for growing, and for not losing faith in what’s good, sacred, worth celebrating, and worth fighting for.
With the High Holy season almost done, we’ve got three tools for you today: how to channel anger into vision, how to co-create safe space for truth and healing, and how to walk our talk of values:
1. Ever whack a willow? This coming Sunday we’ll open our scroll wide and reactivate an ancient Jewish custom that is meant to rouse rain and release rage. Perfect timing. THIS SUN 9/30 UNSCROLLED + Open Heart Conversation @ United Palace of Spiritual Arts. (FREE / ALL AGES)
2. Need soul sanctuary? Our monthly SoulSpa series begins next week. I’ll be kicking us off with a new Storahtelling on the Tower of Babble + introducing our new Lab/Jr. Artist in Residence. NEXT SAT 10/6 Saturday SoulSpa @ JCC Harlem (FREE / ALL AGES)
(Bonus: on Friday 10/19 we kick off the season of Sabbath Queen.)
3. Yearning for a safe space to process and heal? Rabbi Emily has offered to convene a healing circle in the next two weeks for women, trans, and GNC* people. Light a candle, breathe, support, connect. Want to take part? Email emily@labshul.org.
4. Who’s on the ballot? Nov. 6 is only six weeks away. How will each of us walk our talk of values and virtues, manifesting our best intentions for the new year and making sure the democratic process prevails over prejudice and apathy? Email sarah@labshul.org for info about our Justice Team, and find out everything you need to know about NYC elections at www.whosontheballot.org.
Contain the other, channel frustration into redemption, believe each other’s pain, support each other’s courage: It’s On Us.
Shabbat Shalom,
– Amichai
P.S. Your voice matters! Please take 10 mins to complete this SHORT HIGH HOLY DAYS SURVEY. Consider this a meditative experience, an exercise in wrapping up the season. We take these very seriously and are deeply grateful for each loving praise, constructive comment, and helpful suggestion.
