Lab/Shul and Judson Memorial Church Present Freedom’s Feast: Our third bi-annual ecumenical Passover Seder led by Jewish, Christian, Muslim and Zen faith leaders, along with artists, elected officials, activists, and musicians, inspired by our ancient narratives and shared commitment to justice, liberation, and human dignity.
In response to hate crimes in houses of worship and public places worldwide, we come together to affirm our commitment to each other’s faith, to celebrate our shared sacred legacies, and to rise together for justice and dignity – for all.
What:
On April 20 2019, Lab/Shul and Judson Church, together with a diverse group of partners representing the beautiful diversity that is what NYC is all about, invites you to join us for a unique celebration of Passover, Easter, and Earth Day. In the spirit of our traditions, we dedicate this year to opening our doors and hearts to the other – and in particular to refugees, immigrants, and asylum seekers worldwide. As Emma Lazarus wrote – “Until we are all free we are none of us free.”
Freedom’s Feast features highlights from the Passover ritual feast (Seder) – interactive ancient and modern storytelling, live music and prayer – together with contemplation, conversation, gourmet catering, and calls to action for unity in New York City and around the world.
Why:
The state of the world and that of our nation calls on all of us to lean into our partnerships, expand our circles of solidarity, and rise together for the common good. We are focusing our theme on the urgent call to welcome refugees, immigrant, and asylum seekers into our homes and hearts. On this sacred night we will raise our hopes and rise together to demand the safety and dignity of our extended family worldwide and provide a cleaner world for future generations. From the ancient story of Passover – the original Jewish refugee story until now – the fate of Jews and immigrants of all faiths are historically bound up together.
Who:
Co-Producers:
Lab/Shul, Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie, Founding Ritual Leader, Naomi Less, Rabbi Emily Cohen
Judson Memorial Church, Rev. Micah Bucey, Associate Minister
Partners: (in formation)
Auburn Theological Seminary
Drew Union Theological School, Rev. Kimberleigh Jordan, Chapel Director, Dean’s Office
HIAS, Rabbi Rachel Grant Meyer, Rabbi-in-Residence
Immigration Equality, Daniel Levin, Asylum Paralegal
The 14th St Y / LABA: A Laboratory for Jewish Culture / Downtown Jewish Life, Ronit Muszkatblit – Artistic Director
Middle Collegiate Church, Rev. Jacqui Lewis, Senior Minister
Muslim-Jewish Solidarity Committee, Michelle Koch, Executive Director
Muslim Community Network, Kujegi Camara, Community Education & Interfaith Program Coordinator, Aniqa Nawabi, Executive Director, and Debbie Almontaser, President
New Sanctuary Coalition
NY Zen Center for Contemplative Care, Senseis Koshin Paley Ellison and Robert Chodo Campbell, Co-Founders
Performer Adam Kantor from Broadway’s The Band’s Visit, Fiddler on the Roof 2015 revival, Rent
Reboot, Francine Hermelin, Creative Director
St. James Presbyterian Church, Rev. Dr. Derrick McQueen, Pastor
United Palace of Spiritual Arts, Rev. Arda Itez, Spiritual Arts Program Designer
Union Theological Seminary, Jonathan Soto, Associate Vice President of Strategic Initiatives
Where:
Judson Memorial Church
55 Washington Square S, New York, New York 10012
When:
Saturday, April 20, 2019 at 6:30-10:00 PM
Live tweet the event:
#SitToRise
About Lab/Shul:
Lab/Shul is an everybody friendly, artist-driven, God-optional, experimental community for sacred Jewish gatherings based in NYC, reaching the world. The Lab/Shul community is dedicated to exploring, creating and celebrating innovative opportunities for contemplation, life cycle rituals, the arts, life-long learning and social justice. Building on Storahtelling’s vision and practice, Lab/Shul seeks to redefine the role of sacred gatherings that nourish our thirst for meaning, connection, spirituality and community.
About Judson Memorial Church:
Judson is an active and vibrant space and congregation, offering worship services every Sunday at 11am, continuing a rich history of providing inclusive and uncensored space to seekers, artists, activists, and curiously and constantly seeking the creative connection between the sacred and the secular.
