By Michael S. Simon, Beth Israel Congregation
The Ann Arbor Jewish (A2J) Climate Circle is holding our fifth community combined climate-themed Shabbat services and potluck dinner on Friday, November 13, at 6 pm.
The theme of this climate Shabbat will be “A Climate Shabbat of Thanksgiving”. The event will begin as we join Rav Nadav and Beth Israel Congregation in their weekly Kabbalat Shabbat service. Directly after services, our vegetarian/vegan potluck dinner will begin around 7 pm in the Beth Israel community center building at 2010 Washtenaw.
This event is for anyone interested in coming together for Tikkun Olam and rising together in the movement against climate change. As always, we are stronger together, and periodic gatherings help strengthen our community and resolve.
Our potluck dinner is open to all community members regardless of which synagogue you belong to and to those who are unaffiliated.
Everyone is asked to sign up at www.bethisrael-aa.org/event/climate-circle-pot-luck-dinner.html and to indicate what you can bring.
The inspiration behind the “Climate Shabbat of Thanksgiving” is to look ahead to the warmth and love inherent in the American Thanksgiving holiday, just a few weeks away, and to look back at our own Fall harvest festival of Sukkot. Between these two holidays, we can have a celebratory
We all know that our work as stewards of the climate can be difficult. One only needs to look at the newspaper or the newsfeed to hear about dismal, frightening air quality reports from fires in Canada and local contaminants, and the unresponsiveness of our Federal Government to what is likely a pending disaster. There is also room for hope, and a real need to heal ourselves so we have the strength to move on together with our work.
While our tradition stretches back over 5000 years, Judaism is also a forward-looking religion, connected to the seasons, the cycles of the moon, the days of the week, and to our ongoing weekly Torah readings.
In addition, the Washtenaw Jewish community, as well as the city of Ann Arbor and the State of Michigan, have made tremendous strides towards making sustainability a reality in our lifetimes. It is therefore imperative that our community remains resilient, hopeful, and optimistic and, at the same time, continue taking realistic steps towards a more sustainable future for ourselves and our children. At the “Climate Shabbat of Thanksgiving” we will use the power of poetry and music to inspire us and help sustain ourselves for the important work ahead.
Please join us on November 13th. All are welcome.
6 pm: Services in the main sanctuary
7 pm: Vegetarian potluck dinner (2010 Washtenaw next door)
Details & What to Bring:
- Open to All: Everyone in our community is welcome, regardless of affiliation. Feel free to join us for services, the potluck, or both!
- Potluck Dish: Please bring a vegetarian dish to share (Note: Please label any common allergens like nuts/gluten).
- Eco-Friendly: While BIC uses compostable plates, cups, napkins, and utensils, help us keep this event green by bringing your own reusable place settings if possible.
Potluck Signup at https://www.bethisrael-aa.org/event/climate-circle-pot-luck-dinner.html
