Dear Friends,

Emotions are high right now as Israel and Gaza enter a second week of war.

We want to make sure you are as held and supported as possible by us – so that we can all be as helpful to our families and friends  – everywhere.  These are complex and challenging times.

Rabbi Amichai traveled to Jerusalem on Sunday where he is volunteering with grassroots support projects. These include support for bereaved families and the families of the abducted; fundraising for medical supplies and securing housing for tens of thousands of Israelis who are evacuated from their homes in the south – including 400 Bedouin families; helping build an East Jerusalem Palestinian-Israeli support task force; and communicating messaging on social media that meets the middle ground of support for both Israel and Palestinians.

Check out this link to see his reflections from his first 24 hours in Israel and how you can support other projects he is helping with. Follow Rabbi Amichai on Instagram for his ongoing reporting.

He also found time late last night to lead the first of seven sessions of “Heirlooms”. In this powerful online workshop Rabbi Amichai shared how to activate safety for our souls and bodies through the use of the old threshold amulet – the mezuzah. Register for the rest of his Heirlooms series HERE.

Tomorrow night, Wednesday 10/18, please join Rabbi Amichai and the Lab/Shul Team online at 6pm ET for another communal gathering of support, prayer and solidarity with those suffering in Israel and Gaza.

We’ll hear Rabbi Amichai’s latest reflections live from Jerusalem as we take time to ground, pray and breathe together. Once again, participants will have an opportunity to ask questions and share personal feelings and reflections. All are welcome. Learn more and register here.

The coming week will be difficult as we continue to grapple with the devastating violence gripping our friends and family in Israel and Gaza. In the face of inflamed tensions we ask ourselves to dig deep in finding nuance and helping all citizens, humans, to overcome this horror and rebuild. For suggested organizations to support, visit our website.

With Love and Prayers for Peace,

The Lab/Shul Team