It is heartbreaking to witness celebration turn to tragedy, as passionate pilgrims become helpless victims of a fatal stampede. The tragedy on Mount Meron at last night’s Lag Ba’Omer gathering leaves many families bereaved, many people maimed and hurting, and many questions waiting for another time. Today we focus on what binds us, not separates us – as Jodi Rudoren writes in The Forward today.
As the sabbath enters here in New York, the Lab/Shul community stands in solidarity with our siblings in Israel, with those mourning and those injured. We add our voice to the chorus of global prayers, wishing for consolation, healing and support – for all impacted by this tragedy, and for so many worldwide who are struggling today with disease and difficult realities.
Today, the Lab/Shul team is busy and excited as we prepare for our version of this sacred holiday – our first in-person gathering tomorrow – Fearless Fire at the City Winery in Hudson Valley. Our version of Lag Ba’Omer gathering does not focus on the tomb of a saint or the offering of prayers to the fire, but we do plan to gather, in person and online, safely and according to protocols, to lift up the sacred gift of life, honor our tireless essential workers who continue to save lives, and celebrate the power of community that helps us all rise.
We hope to keep on rising together, raising up each other, celebrating ancient holy days and nights in ways that honor and welcome all, connecting souls and bodies in sacred dignity, safety and love.
It’s not too late to join us (online only! the in-person gathering is now sold out) to celebrate the fearless fires of our ancestry, present moment, and healing days to come.
Shabbat Shalom,
The Lab/Shul Team
