Hey Lab/Shul –

Good morning from Jerusalem.

I arrived in Israel just a few hours ago for an emergency 5 day clergy trip organized by UJA-Federation of NY.  It’s an honor to be here with distinguished colleagues – religious leaders from the NY metro area. We’re here to meet with Israeli leaders and dignitaries including the president and ministers, hear from the opposition including activists, and discuss what’s going on with local experts. I’m here to be in solidarity with friends and family fighting for democracy and hope.

Protestor holding Israeli flag

Protest in Tel Aviv Last Thursday // Photo credit: Marti Zeidman.

Last night was the 10th consecutive weekend of protests. Half a million Israelis took to the streets – it’s the biggest night of protests in Israel’s history. And it’s growing.  

‘The sound you hear is the start of a huge paradigm shift’ wrote Thomas Friedman in his dramatic op-ed last week in the New York Times calling on American Jews to take a stand at this historical moment.

I don’t know what we’ll find out and what will happen but I’m feeling the moment and so glad to be here. I also get to hug my mother and briefly see some family and friends. (At 93, even she went out to protest. That’s how big this moment is. )

Want updates? Check out my facebook and instagram for ongoing posts.

I’ll also share my reflections at our Sabbath Queen on Friday March 17, fresh from the plane ride. Join us at Judson Memorial Church + online.  

Want to get better informed, more involved, lean into this major moment of history as it unfolds?

Here are some options:

  1. PROTEST!  There’s another protest today with Israeli partners for democracy and hope. Show up to show solidarity and raise your voice! Sunday March 12, 12pm @ Washington Square Park. Check out other protests all over the world.

  1. ATTEND THIS PUBLIC EVENT: Hear IDF Reservists Speak Out In Defense of Israeli Democracy at Congregation B’nai Jeshurun on the Upper West Side tonight, co-sponsored by Lab/Shul.

  1. MORE CONTEXT? HOW WE GOT HERE: Join me this Tuesday to begin the Book of Kings as part of my ongoing Below the Bible Belt journey. Kings is history in the making. Get to know an obscure biblical book and ask big questions including what does the old Bible teach us about what’s unfolding right now in Jewish history, where does the Palestinian-Israeli conflict come from, and what can help us deal and heal?

    Check out my vid from last Friday with an open letter to the Israeli President and advice from the oldest woman in the bible.

    Read more and subscribe here.

If you have more suggestions and ideas, events and publications to share – please let us know.

Thank you for the good wishes, hopes, encouragement, prayers and passion — here’s to justice, democracy, the best of our Jewish values in action, and better, safer days for all.

‘The sound you hear is the start of a huge paradigm shift.’

Roar.

Rabbi Amichai addressing protesters

Love from Jerusalem.
Rabbi Amichai