Dear Lab/Shul,

This past Friday night we welcomed the New Year with arms linked together at the conclusion of Rabbi Amichai’s sermon, singing “the most important thing is not to fear our fear.” We sang in solidarity with the pro-Democracy protesters in Israel and around the world, with resolve to face our fears – to be better at being brave. Check out “Barbie, Bibi, and How to Cross our Bridge of Fears” here.

In just 4 more days we culminate our annual 40 days of reflection and renewal with Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, when we let go of last year’s baggage and strive to begin the new year with a fresh perspective. Joining us this year are musical legends, faith leaders and activists, including the world’s leading authority on mycelium. Whether you are looking for soaring musical ritual, provocative conversation, loving community, or a gourmet break fast at City Vineyard, we’ve got you!

Planning to join us? We have limited seats still available! As a reminder, if you are planning to join us for Yom Kippur, we encourage you to reserve your seat now, as we are expecting to sell out.

Check out some highlights for Yom Kippur below:

  • Kol Nidrei – Release and let go your vows. Featuring a musical performance by David Broza, marking 50 years since the Yom Kippur War.

  • LIFE IN 4D: Democracy, Divinity, Drugs and Death Over Dinner – Join us on the Eve of Atonement for a communal conversation, led by creative experts, exploring strategies for engaging in difficult debates about some of the critical issues we are facing at this time. How can reflection on death and democracy, the use of psychedelic drugs and the pursuit of divinity help us to lead more meaningful and helpful lives? A conversation moderated by Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie featuring Michael Hebb (Founder, Life over Dinner), Daniel Bernard Roumain (Composer, Violinist, Educator), Libby Lenkinski (VP for Public Engagement, New Israel Fund), and special guest Paul Stamets (Mycologist-Scientist). Learn more here.

  • Storahtelling – Join Associate Clergy Ben Freeman and longtime Lab/Shul educator Kohenet Serakh/Steve Guedalia, under the direction of guest artist Mark Armstrong, in a Storahtelling ritual theater experience. We’ll journey into the Holy of Holies together in order to ask: How do we re-enter the sacred in a spiritual reality where access is denied? In a world where the old passwords don’t work for many of us, how do we support each other to name the sacred on our own terms?

  • Yizkor / ReCollect – Whether experiencing a recent loss, remembering a loved one who passed away long ago, or showing up in support of community, we acknowledge feelings of loss that can be particularly painful as we anticipate an empty chair at our tables. This year we are offering 2 remembrance rituals – both in NYC and online. We invite you to join us in our main Yom Kippur ritual at 12pm on Monday for a communal Yizkor ritual of commemoration. We will also be holding a more intimate Kaddish/remembrance gathering, ReCollect at 3:30pm. Please pre-register for ReCollect here.

  • “The Visual Language of God” – “In the beginning God created heaven and earth” articulates a dramatic experience in our mind. The word “in” by itself conjures the void which we are sucked into. What does it look like? Join artist-in-residence, Raanan Gabriel for a presentation exploring 22 of his interconnected, yet discreet, visual works, showing the story of the beginning. Learn more here.

  • All Faith Ritual Prayer for Healing 2023 – Join Lab/Shul’s ritual team along with siblings of faith to sing, meditate and practice spiritual tools for grounding and contemplation in times of challenge and uncertainty. In a time where our religious freedoms are being challenged as is democracy itself, we must use our voices across faith traditions together to ensure our freedoms. This year’s all-faith ritual for healing will be led by faith leaders across Yoruba, Christian, Zen Buddhist, Muslim and Jewish traditions. Learn more here.

  • Community Break Fast – Elevate your spirit and feast on joy! The lavish Lab/Shul Communal Break Fast is back, this year at CITY VINEYARD. Enjoy an elevated menu of traditional break fast cuisine, reimagined with contemporary flavors and unlimited select wines.  There’ll be live music, time to share highlights, and a celebration of community & Everpresence. Learn more here and reserve your seat.

And so many more!

Scroll down to view the entire Yom Kippur schedule below or visit our website here.

We invite you to join us in any way that brings you joy or meaning – pop in for a session in NYC or online or join us for the full day of ritual and programming!

Reserve your seat here.

Have questions? Visit our High Holy Day FAQs.

Love,
The Lab/Shul Team

P.S. Can’t get enough of Rosh Hashanah? You can watch the full live stream here!