Hey  Lab/Shul,

Can we meet in the messy middle? Because this is where our healing happens. I don’t mean fake gestures of unity  – but rather our brave commitment to stand together in the breach, despite differences,  and find some common ground. Can we try and overcome the dangerous definitive definitions of who we are and what we stand for, beyond binaries, so we can forge a more fluid shared path into our better futures?
I believe that we can, we will, and we must. That is what I’ve learned from 20+ years of hanging out with the Sabbath Queen. 

This is a big weekend for the Sabbath Queen – and for all of us! I am honored, humbled and very excited that the Sabbath Queen documentary film about my life’s work is finally coming out…and our community is part of this big celebration season:

  • Tribeca Film Festival: This coming week there will be three screenings: Sunday 6/9, Monday 6/10 and Friday June 14 (with more soon)!
  • Spring Gala: On June 18th we invite you to help us honor Sandi DuBowski – distinguished storyteller and filmmaker – along with award recipients, Maryam Chishti, Rima DuBowski and Libby Lenkinski. There will a behind-the-scenes look + exclusive talkback of the film, followed by our open-to-all After Party Bowling Bash at Brooklyn Bowl. If you are not able to attend — support us HERE.

The message of the Sabbath Queen film distills the narrative that I’ve been working on all these years — and continue to develop. It is all about how we meet each other in the messy middle, about my choices to focus on and/both attitudes to Judaism and to life, fusing the ancient and modern in ways that lift us up, proud and loud. The timing could not be more auspicious – in the middle of this terrible enduring war, as political tensions rise, and as so many of us long for loving ways of reconciliation and responsible repair. I am hopeful that this film will help many of us feel good about the best parts of our traditions and how we can each – not just be part of the systemic problems that we feel so helpless about but – be part of the bigger solution…one step at a time, sometimes in high heels!

People keep asking me how I feel about this film finally coming out.
Well, I’ve got four words that many of you know already:
Thanks. Wow. Oops. Please.

Check out this short video to find out how these four words help me make sense of this milestone and what I hope will be helpful as more of you watch this film and may have questions, thoughts and feelings.

Want to learn more about the messy middle? Join me and my fellow spiritual leaders:

  • On June 11, join me for Shavuot Across Brooklyn, as I’ll be teaching together with Rabbi Rachel Timoner about the ‘Power of And’ as well as about the history of hostages and the origin of Tikkun Olam. The Lab/Shul Ritual Team will co-lead the opening ritual and teach throughout this night of Revelation.
  • On June 12, join us in Manhattan and online for our seasonal Kaddish ritual: ReCollect. The Kaddish Club along with Co-Founder, Associate Director & Ritual Leader – Naomi Less – invites you to acknowledge and lift up the memories of loved ones who are no longer with us.

I also invite you to listen to this new podcast episode that was just published by Martini Judaism with my friend and teacher Rabbi Jeff Salkin.

I’m so grateful to so many people who are part of this incredible series of events and programs, celebrating this film, this pride month and Lab/Shul’s tireless commitment to what helps us all deal, heal, meet and rise from the middle, onwards.

Sabbath Queen Says: Pause for Peace! 
Wishing us all kinder days of healing and hope, everywhere.

Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie
Co-Founder, Senior Clergy and Spiritual Leader