We are overjoyed to welcome Sam Hipschman, our new Director of Community Organizing & Engagement to the Lab/Shul team. Read on for Sam’s lovely introduction, and ways to #GOTV and get activated this election.

 

I first attended Sabbath Queen at Martha Graham Dance Studio in December 2015. It was the start of my reentry into Jewish community, and I was terrified. I went by myself and was afraid of being judged, of feeling out of place, of not seeing anyone I knew. I stood awkwardly off to the side, and before I knew it, a woman visiting from Hungary walked over to me. She had heard about Lab/Shul and didn’t know anyone there, either. Before long, two other new friends walked in. I was so moved by services that night and have been a regular ever since.

Lab/Shul’s artist-driven, everybody friendly opportunities for spiritual connection are so special and so needed. For me, though, what keeps me connected to Lab/Shul is the incredible community of people who show up, volunteer, lead services, and make sure things run smoothly behind the scenes. These are the people who I stand with when we march for justice, who I learn with, who supported me and celebrated with me when I came out as trans.

It is with so much joy, then, that I reintroduce myself to you as Lab/Shul’s Director of Community Organizing and Engagement. I am honored to support this community as we continue to figure out how to show up for one another and rise for justice. Whether you found Lab/Shul this Shuvu season or you’ve been with us since the Storahtelling days, I would love to connect with you and hear about how you help shape this community.

For the next three weeks, we are focusing our energy on making sure that every eligible voter has their vote counted on Tuesday, November 3.

  • Join us as we phone bank to voters from communities of color in voter suppression states with Reclaim Our Vote.
  • Call or text climate conscious voters in key states with Chutzpah 2020.
  • No matter how you’re working to Get Out The Vote, join us for Together Tuesdays to debrief about your experiences and keep your motivation up.

Aleinu, it’s on us – let’s do our part to make sure every vote is counted.

Love,
Sam Hipschman