As we enter the High Holy Days season of 5786, we offer guidance on how we intend to be together as a community of care during this time of heightened polarization and political discord in the U.S., particularly around the ongoing conflict in Israel/Palestine and its impact on our lives here and worldwide. As we gather with our Lab/Shul community to begin a new year, we come to co-create sacred space for transformative soul work. Despite differences, we seek common ground in our shared humanity, our hopes for healing and peace, our resistance to despair, and our commitment to repairing what is broken.

In line with this commitment to bridge-building, our theme for this season and the year ahead is TIKKUN: Return to Repair. This ancient Jewish concept calls us to mend what is broken, hold the fragments with care, and commit to compassionate course correction. At this painful time, we accept this invitation, challenging ourselves to nurture trust and hope, to work for peace and justice, and to plant seeds of healing for generations to come.

As every year, we will lift up peacemakers and agents of change in Israel and Palestine. Guest artists and ritualists will join us throughout the season, modeling dialogue and engagement.

We ask you to bring your full, authentic self to Lab/Shul—contributing to the richness of the moment while helping to sustain a mindful, introspective environment. To that end:

• Our liturgical setlists, Storahtelling scripts, and educational lesson plans will not directly address the conflict, but some of our framing of prayers and sermons will include perspectives intended as invitations to further conversation and learning. We will also acknowledge overarching themes that connect us in shared pain and healing. If another community member engages you on these issues, we invite you to meet the moment with deep listening, openness, and care. Please remember that we share in common is often much more than what we disagree on.
• As always, we welcome you to dress in a way that reflects your unique identity and expression. At the same time, our ritual team will refrain from wearing flags, symbols, signs, or slogans on stage. We ask you to consider how your own choices may impact the collective gathering, and to use your best judgment for these High and Holy Days together.

This is guidance, not policy. We will not patrol choices. We simply invite you to hold trust: if you see someone wearing something you would not choose, consider that they, too, have gone through a discernment process. We rely on your wisdom in helping us create sacred, safe space for all.

If you wish to speak further about this, please contact Melissa Shaw, our Director of Social Action at melissa@labshul.org.