[Image description: people at an outdoor vigil for the Pittsburgh shooting hold candles]
I’ve been private enough about my location/synagogue that I won’t believe any trolls trying to mess with my head so…
…I’m going to synagogue this Shabbat. #ShowUpForShabbat
I can also say that my community is working to welcome Jewish people coming to synagogue for what might be the first time or the first time in a while.
And no pressure to share whether you are on tumblr. But if you are going, then pressure to be kind, helpful, and welcoming to your fellow Jewish folks who come to services feeling lonely, lost, or scared.
“I don’t belong to a synagogue.” You shouldn’t need to be a member to attend Shabbat services in general, but especially this week for #ShowUpForShabbat. But your local synagogue may appreciate a heads-up via email or telephone.
“I’m not even Jewish.” Some synagogues are also opening up to allies. If you’re non-Jewish but interested in supporting your local Jewish community (and want to see a Jewish Shabbat service) check if your local synagogue(s) are inviting non-Jewish allies this week.
“I don’t know where to go.” If you’re having trouble finding a synagogue, you can check with national/international Reform, Conservative, Reconstructionist, OU (Orthodox Union), or Chabad organizations, or with your local Jewish Federation (if you have one of those).
“I’m LGBTQ” The Reform, Reconstructionist and Conservative communities are officially supportive of LGBTQ folks. In addition, these movements are also officially egalitarian; people of all genders pray together and can do all the same stuff. If you’re looking for a supportive community, you can also specifically look through Keshet. Their list includes LGBTQ-friendly Orthodox synagogues and rabbis too.
“I want to go to an [insert small, specific movement] synagogue” The Keshet guide also lets you search by movements and has 9 different denominational options.
AJC Calls on Jews and Allies to #ShowUpForShabbat Following Pittsburgh Synagogue Attack
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