Dear Lab/Shul Family,
We are entering a Shabbat unlike any that we remember – with grief, hurting and fear of what’s yet to come. Many of us are wrestling not only with loss of loved ones but also with complicated relationships with relatives, friends, colleagues and allies on all sides of the spectrum of this painful political saga so close to our hurting hearts.
As of now, three Lab/Shul partners and close friends are mourning close relatives who were killed last Saturday in Israel and several are still unsure whether loved ones are missing or dead. Many of us are holding close to our hearts the losses of so many innocent lives taken, hurt and in harm’s way. Our love and care goes out to each and every one of them – and you. Please let us know if and how you are hurting and how we can support. Email hello@labshul.org.
To hopefully help – We share with you two articles that were published today and include Lab/Shul voices, wrestling with this horrific moment.
The New York Times interviewed me, along with Sarah Sokolic and two other Lab/Shul partners in this moving and important piece on how American Jews are responding to this moment. Read NY Times article here.
The Times of Israel included my reflection on how we deal with grief and nuance. Read Times of Israel article here.
We hope these help you make some sense of this senseless and complex situation as we enter the next phase of the violent unknown.
Please check out our constantly updated webpage with all resources, how to help, videos and articles HERE.
And check out our social media HERE.
But also- TAKE A BREAK FROM SCREENS ON THIS SHABBAT! Please unplug and step away from all of it, if only for a little bit.
Check out THIS VIDEO that Shira and I created for this Shabbat inviting us all to create SANCTUARY for our souls and bodies this Shabbat.
Check out THIS VIDEO to remember that our words build worlds and reminding us to be careful with how we communicate and opt into more kindness and support, less anger and hurt.
Please read and see if you feel comfortable signing this letter by our friends from the Progressive Israel Network – this public letter to the Biden Administration demands a diplomatic rather than military response to the escalating war in Gaza.
May this shabbat bring healing and consolation, support and sanctuary to us all, to all our loved ones and to all beings on this scared and scared earth.
Shabbat Shalom, with Love,
Rabbi Amichai & the Lab/Shul Team
