Today, in Jerusalem, I am standing in solidarity with all human suffering, observing the Jewish fast day of the Tenth of Tevet that remembers the ravages of war. I am joining an interfaith vigil to mourn all innocent civilians killed on and since 10/7, and lighting candles to honor all souls, welcome the Sabbath, and pray for peace to prevail.

I’m fasting today, as has been done on this day for 2,600 years,  to keep processing that ancient and lingering trauma, to hold space for the immense pain of the current crisis, and to make space for the healing of our the people living on the holy land, bound up with each other’s histories, hurts and hopes.

WATCH: Today’s video includes words on why this fast matters more this year, an invitation to be part of a unique online interfaith grief vigil held online today and additional reflections on this day in history, including how the Mourners Kaddish has its roots in the prophetic visions of  the Ezekiel – eyewitness to horrific history who refused to give up on hope in a broken world.

About the vigil: Created by my friend and teacher, Rabbi Regina Sandler-Phillips, founder of ‘Ways of Peace’ this interfaith vigil is being held to honor the dead and bear witness to the suffering of the living, please see more info HERE. Rabbi Regina writes, “Grounded in ancient Jewish practice, vigil-keeping allows us to bear witness to the current crisis — each in our own personal ways — as part of a collective support effort.  This year, the Day of General Kaddish on the Tenth of Tevet offers an opportunity to honor and mourn the thousands of innocent civilians whose bodies remain unidentified / unrecovered through the attacks of October 7th and the subsequent weeks of war. Whether the dead are Jewish or not, accompanying them — the named and the unnamed, Israelis and Palestinians and Asian migrant workers and African agricultural students and asylum seekers and beyond — is an ethical imperative that reflects millennia of Jewish teachings.”

I also invite you to watch a special version of my weekly video wrapping up this week’s @belowthebiblebelt929 journey with the prophet Ezekiel.

Ahead of Christmas, into Shabbat, while this cruel war continues to devastate so many lives and sow sorrow – may we find comfort, be each others’ healing, celebrate each sacred moment of life, raise sparks of joy, demand peace and lift up hope.

As 2023 comes to a close – we are very grateful to the generosity of many of you who have already sent in your year-end donations, helping us meet our 1:1 match. It’s not too late to support us in 2023! Please watch the recent video that Sarah Sokolic and I just posted and see more details on how to support Lab/Shul HERE and below.

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Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie
Co-Founder & Senior Spiritual Leader