The Purim story serves as a metaphor for coming out, rising up and living courageously in times of crisis and fear.
The tradition of making noise when Haman’s name is mentioned during the chanting of the Book of Esther is a custom that was developed by our sages over time. The origins of this practice are rooted in the broader Jewish tradition of expressing disdain for Amalek – the ancestor of Haman – and fulfilling the commandment to “blot out the memory of Amalek” (Deuteronomy 25:19).
How do we rise up to âmake noiseâ in this moment against the modern day tyrants that are acute threats to democracy, peace, the climate, and human rights?
Join Lab/Shul for a vibrant array of Purim experiences for all ages, where revelry and radical joy intertwine through SONIC storytelling, interactive art, and immersive ritual celebration.
Click the buttons below or scroll down for all the details on all of our Purim programming.
Now/Next
Dive into the intellectual atmosphere of paradoxes, controversies, and debates at the BESEDA: COJECO Jewish Intellectual Club. With wine and cheese reception. Explore the hidden history and current political purpose of the most misunderstood Jewish holiday with the acclaimed Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie.
Dig into the costume closet for this hamantaschen baking party. Gather for this raucous gathering of costumery, storytelling, and hamantaschen cookie making. FamilyLab's Purim celebration creates lasting memories of a truly inside out, upside down story of integrity, courage, and wild hearted mission to change the world. Stand up and make some noise!
Families in our 2024-2025 "Raising the Bar" cohort join together with Project ORE participants to enjoy a festive meal, share foodie-goodie bags (Mishloach manot) and give/receive necessary items to help folks in need.
How Do We Deal with Our Collective Shadows and Lift Up Our Light? Pull up a chair and Join Rabbi Amichai online to explore the political, historical, spiritual and practical dimensions of Purim - the most misunderstood Jewish holiday - at this critical time. This is an open study session + conversation to make sense of Purim in 2025, activating this holiday of upside-down as a powerful portal for cultivation of courage and compassion, resilience and resistance, humor and joy, with our eye on justice and hope - for all.Â
Join Lab/Shul and Flaminggg to immerse in a Purim Eve experience, where Sonic revelry and performance art collide to transform sacred Noise into a powerful force for this moment.
News
This Purim’s Purpose? // Expand Empathy + Cultivate Courage
Purim's back! Once again, we flip life upside down to celebrate Jewish resilience and release some steam. And wowâdo we need it. But in a time when reality already feels upside downâwith continued conflicts, [...]
PURIM 5785: The Art of Sonic Resistance
Where else would you want to be this Purim in a year when our world is turning upside down? Join Lab/Shul & Flaminggg NEXT THURSDAY (3/13) for SONIC - a Purim Eve ritual performance [...]
Lab/Shul Highlights JTA’s Mar 4, 2025 Article by R. Amichai Lau-Lavie & Julie Dorf
Christian conservatives have appropriated Queen Esther as a symbol. Letâs take her back. Written By Amichai Lau-Lavie & Julie Dorf March 4, 2025 Queen Esther is back in the news â and itâs not [...]
Yesterday, our team was given the gift of gatheringâwith intention. đ âşď¸
Hosted by @trybalgatherings at @campsettoga_jccdaycamp, we changed it up from the usual pace to have the opportunity to deeply connect with our creativity, our spirit, and the sacred. Through guided activities and time in nature, we stepped away from the planning, the programming, and the daily hustle to just ⨠BE. ⨠â we reflected, recharged, and reconnectedâwith ourselves and each other. It was a reminder of the power of being present - together - and aligned with what matters most and WHY we do what we do!
Want to gather with Lab/Shul??
Join us at our GALA and After Party on June 18 to BE. with us and the amazing community we serve!
đ˛ www.labshul.org/gala-2025/
With us in hearts from afar: @amichailaulavie, Luis & @jewishmommy
#Labshul #Joinus #gather #shabbat #sabbath #ritual #godoptional #everybodyfriendly #artistdriven #experimentaljudaism #queerjudaism #JewishLife #jewishholidays #jewishevents #jewishtradition #jewishcommunity #TrybalGatherings #CampSettoga #TeamLabShul #SacredGathering #CreativeSpirit #CommunityAtTheCenter
Yesterday, our team was given the gift of gatheringâwith intention. đ âşď¸
Hosted by @trybalgatherings at @campsettoga_jccdaycamp, we changed it up from the usual pace to have the opportunity to deeply connect with our creativity, our spirit, and the sacred. Through guided activities and time in nature, we stepped away from the planning, the programming, and the daily hustle to just ⨠BE. ⨠â we reflected, recharged, and reconnectedâwith ourselves and each other. It was a reminder of the power of being present - together - and aligned with what matters most and WHY we do what we do!
Want to gather with Lab/Shul??
Join us at our GALA and After Party on June 18 to BE. with us and the amazing community we serve!
đ˛ www.labshul.org/gala-2025/
With us in hearts from afar: @amichailaulavie, Luis & @jewishmommy
#Labshul #Joinus #gather #shabbat #sabbath #ritual #godoptional #everybodyfriendly #artistdriven #experimentaljudaism #queerjudaism #JewishLife #jewishholidays #jewishevents #jewishtradition #jewishcommunity #TrybalGatherings #CampSettoga #TeamLabShul #SacredGathering #CreativeSpirit #CommunityAtTheCenter
đđ PROGRAM ALERT â Lab/Shulâs Sabbath Queen Monthly Ritual đ đ
BE. the Sabbath Queen you want to see in the world. Happy Pride! Join Lab/Shul for our final Sabbath Queen program for 5785!
Friday, June 6 2025
6pm EST | Manhattan & Online
Sabbath Queen is our monthly ritual circle of live musical liturgy, poetic and contemplative offerings along with great conversation. Each month, our Spiritual and Ritual Leadership Team will be joined by beloved collaborators, teachers, healers, and musicians in NYC and online.
Juneâs program will be led by R. @amichailaulavie @bshatteredbfree & @shoshanajedwab.
As always, the Sabbath Queen ritual opens with Happy Hour and ends with a catered Community Feast. Come for the Sabbath Queen, stay for the Sabbath glow.
đ˛ Register through the CALENDAR LINK in our bio or visit www.labshul.org/event/lab-shuls-sabbath-queen-5785-june/.
#Labshul #Joinus #gather #shabbat #sabbath #ritual #godoptional #everybodyfriendly #artistdriven #experimentaljudaism #queerjudaism #JewishLife #jewishholidays #jewishevents #jewishtradition #jewishcommunity #pridemonth #nycpride
#pride #sabbathqueen
đ PROGRAM ALERT â
Recollect SHAVUOT Kaddish Gathering đ
Tuesday, June 3rd, 2025
6:45pm ET in NYC*
7:15pm ET Online
đ˛ Register through the CALENDAR LINK in our bio or visit: www.labshul.org/event/recollect-seasonal-kaddish-gathering-7/
As we journey towards the final pilgrimage holiday of Shavuot and the revelation of wisdom (Torah), we also acknowledge special folks weâve lost along the way. What is the wisdom they shared with us during our precious time together?
Lab/Shulâs ReCollect/Yizkor is a seasonal gathering to remember our loved ones, share stories, lift memory, and say Kaddish, the ancient memorial prayer, together. Throughout the year, ReCollect meets near or on the times of memory (Yizkor) on the Jewish calendar (Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Passover and in this month Shavuot).
Whether youâve experienced a recent loss, are remembering a loved one who passed long ago, or showing up in support of community, you are welcome here. Together, we acknowledge feelings of loss that can be particularly painful as we anticipate empty chairs at our tables and holes in our hearts.
*NYC address sent out upon RSVP
*In the event of rain, an indoor contingency plan will be in effect.
đ Program Alert â
FAMILYLAB: Say Cheese đ
Sunday, June 1st, 2025
4pm-6pm EST
Boerum Hill, Brooklyn*
Our springtime Jewish holiday, Shavuot, celebrates seasonal harvest, rainbow revelations, and most importantly â Cheese! Jump into the kitchen with us to make traditional blintzes (like a crepe!) filled with your own homemade farmerâs cheese.
Spiritual Leader @shirakline Shira Kline with teaching artist Emet (@arilmonts), @stephrkane, and @kladysteve gather us around for the tastes, sounds, and feels of Shavuot. Whether you grew up at the 2nd Avenue Deli or itâll be your first blintz, all families are welcome!
FamilyLab is centered around the family table: delicious dinner, sing along, stories, and animated interactive learning to celebrate holidays and delve into life-long Jewish values.
With Lab/Shulâs unique God-optional approach to tradition, text, and story, FamilyLab is open to those who identify as Jewish, Jew-ish, and everything in between.
đ˛ This program will sell out. Register early!
CALENDAR LINK in our bio or visit: www.labshul.org/event/familylab-say-cheese-3/
đ PROGRAM ALERT đ
Courageous Conversations on Israel/Palestine
Saturday, May 17, 2025
6:00-9:00pm ET
Exact location provided upon registration
đ˛ REGISTER via calendar link in bio or visit: https://www.labshul.org/event/courageous-conversations-4/
Courageous Conversations fosters meaningful dialogue amongst community members, led by professional facilitators from within the Lab/Shul community and the Lab/Shul ritual team. Utilizing both large talking circle and small group formats, this program nurtures understanding, empathy, and essential communication skills while embracing the diverse perspectives, beliefs, and experiences that shape our collective fabric. Each session offers a supportive space for thoughtful discussion, equipping participants with tools to navigate conversations across disagreement with openness and respect.
This program will begin with a meaningful Havdalah ritual â led by @shirakline â to set the stage for learning and conversation.
Light pescatarian nosh and beverages will be served.
BE. There.
Amid these trying and painful times, we are excited to celebrate a moment of joy as we launch ticket sales for our upcoming spring Gala on June 18, 2025!
đ˛ REGISTER: labshul.org/gala-2025/
Weâre gathering to honor Marnie Berk & Jon Silvan, and Karen Hershey & Larry Green â extraordinary leaders who have shaped our spiritual home and walk the talk of Jewish values, civic responsibility and human hope. We will also present Aiki (Karen) Kelley and Jesi Kelley with the Jodi Cohen & L Michael Graver Legacy Award, recognizing their multigenerational legacy of renewing Jewish life for their family and community.
This yearâs theme, âBE.â, invites us all to show up as our fullest selves and inspires us to become the change we wish to see. In this spirit, we will unveil bold plans for Lab/Shulâs next chapter â because weâre BEcoming, too.
LAB/SHUL ANNUAL SPRING GALA
June 18, 2024 at 6:30PM EST
6:30PM â Cocktails + Buffet Dinner
8:00PM â Celebration Rituals
9:30PM â After Party w/ DJ Party Girl + Bowling Tournament
Tickets and Sponsorships for the Gala are available at a wide range of price points to ensure accessibility for the entire community and to secure a thriving future for Lab/Shul as we head into the next chapter of organizational life.
The Jewish Peace Prayer âOseh Shalomâ keeps evolving in liberal circles to include all beings, not just Jews.Â
Can we evolve like this prayer, expand empathy + solidarity with all towards lasting peace?Â
This is a highlight from Rabbi @amichailaulavieâs Sabbath Queen Sermon on Rethinking our Religious and Political Vocabulary â May 2 2025 NYC
To watch the FULL SERMON, click the YOUTUBE link in our bio or visit: https://youtu.be/XBXgrhL3tmM
#labshul #godoptional #everybodyfriendly #artistdriven
#experimentaljudaism #queerjudaism #jewishcommunity #jewishholidays
#jewishpeople #jewishlife #jewishtraditionÂ
#jewishculture #judaism #reformjudaism
