Shabbat is a time to pause, a time to gather, and a time to reflect. It is also an opportunity to listen — to our own inner voices and to other people around our table. Right now, so many people around our Shabbat tables are:
- Praying for the safe release of the more than 125 hostages still being held in captivity, including children, women, and elderly;
- Praying for the end of the war in Gaza;
- Praying for the end of innocent people’s suffering.
It is not always easy to listen, especially to people who might have different perspectives. Now, more than ever, we know how important it is to be seated around the Shabbat table for teaching and learning so that we all have an opportunity to speak, listen, and empathize.
Jewish tradition calls us to listen AND struggle, starting with the familiar words “Sh’ma: Israel.” The Hebrew word Sh’ma means Listen, and Israel means “wrestling with God.” This is a challenge to turn toward, not away from, complexity.
We have created a new resource called Why Shabbat? Why Now? that we hope will help deepen your conversations around the table.
In other words, “Sh’ma: Israel” can mean “Listen: those who are struggling.”
We hope the resources below will help you to continue to sit at the table, continue to engage, and continue to be part of community. If you’re not yet a host, apply to host a dinner to pause and discuss.
- Why Shabbat, Why Now? (OneTable)
- Let Us Light Candles for Peace (Tamar Elad-Appelbaum and Sheikha Ibtisam Maḥameed)
- A Prayer for Israel in this Time of War (Rabbi Naomi Levy)
- Songs for Times of Distress (Rising Song Institute)
- Prayers for Those in Captivity (Sefaria)
- Shabbat 25K: Resources + Discussion Guide About Israel (Unpacked)
- The Ezra Klein Show (Podcast)
- Call Me Back with Dan Senor (Podcast)
- Moral Responsibilities in a Time of War (Shalom Hartman Institute)
- Wellness Resources for the Situation in Israel (The Blue Dove Foundation)
- Taking Care of Yourself is a Mitzvah (Hey Alma)
- Rest Worksheet (R&R: The Rest of Our Lives)
- How to Protect Your Body from Social Media Stress (Greater Good Magazine)
- Learn About Language and Antisemitism (Dog Whistle Dictionary)
- Call Your Local Representatives (One Min A Day)
- Guide to Respectful Conversations (Repair the World)
- Everyone Counts (M²: The Institute for Experiential Jewish Education and Kol HaOt)
- Donate to Humanitarian Aid (OLAM + SID-Israel)
- Onward Volunteer Program in Israel (Taglit-Birthright Israel)
- Empty Shabbat Table Project (Darkenu)
- Tastes Like Home (Zing Media)
Resources for Marking Yom HaZikaron + Yom HaAtzmaut
- The Yamim Project (Everyone Counts)
- Marking Yom HaZikaron & Yom HaAtzmaut Post-Oct. 7 (Shalom Hartman Institute)
- The “New High Holidays” (Shalom Hartman Institute)
- Screams Before Silence (trigger warning for sexual assault)
- Yom HaZikaron Resources (Lookstein Center)
- Anything to Celebrate? (For the Sake of Argument)
- Yom HaZikaron and Yom Ha’atzmaut 5784: Grappling with Joy & Sorrow (Pardes)