Shalom Lab/Shul!
Midsummer greetings from Jerusalem with an invitation on an auspicious day, 17 Tammuz, to join us this coming fall, in NYC and online, to celebrate the new Jewish year – and to explore Everpresence.
Yes, it’s a new word. We made it up!
Why? Sometimes it’s good to start a new year, in the midst of so much global turmoil, with a big, bold, brand new concept to help us honor heritage, be ever more present, and reimagine a better future for us all.
What’s Everpresence? It’s a new translation of an ancient Hebrew concept ‘HAVAYA’ – one of the most mysterious and sacred words that attempt to name the nameless.
HAVAYA means Being, Existence – or Everpresence. This term was likely created by medieval mystics seeking new, non-gendered, non-dual and nuanced ways to hide the original Divine Name – and redefine the divine in our lives.
Last year we introduced the concept of Shiviti – the oldest Jewish teaching tool for contemplation in the presence of the infinite.
This year we continue with this journey, focusing on HAVAYA/Everpresence – a play on thethe second of four words in the Shiviti power phrase, “Shiviti YHWH L’negdi Tamid” – In the Presence of the Infinite.
You may notice that we changed the original Hebrew concept from YHWH to HAVAYA – following in the footsteps of our mystic ancestors as well as our agnostic friends – we’re exploring, lab-style, new ways to celebrate and name the mystery of life. (more about this when we all gather!)
I’m excited to explore this theme with you as we gather at the Tribeca Performing Arts Center and online, during the days that lead into the new year, on Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, in between and all year long.
This will be Lab/Shul’s official 11th season of High Holy Days and whether you plan to be in NYC or join us online – welcome to our annual pilgrimage into sacred space and time. All ages. All faiths. Everybody friendly.
Stay tuned next week for details on how to reserve your spot for High Holy Days with Lab/Shul!
And why is today an auspicious day for the launch of this sacred season?
Today, on the Jewish calendar, is the 17th of Tammuz, a minor fast day, honoring ancestral traumas, the ways in which we didn’t always get along with each other, and how words and weapons breached our walls of safety, creating suffering and sorrow.
On this day we start the three weeks of woe, leading us from our individual and collective brokenness into the healing of the year ahead, learning from the past to be more present and create a better future – together.
That’s the power of Everpresence.
May the rest of the summer offer us all refreshing vibes, recharging our souls and bodies, no matter the news.
The ongoing fight for democracy and dignity, justice and equity, all over the world including here in Jerusalem, demands that we keep showing up for each other in all the best ways we can – keep dreaming big, leaning into love, interconnected with courage and care. We’ve got this together – and we’ll reignite ourselves this coming new year.
See you soon –
Rabbi Amichai
