On Friday November 6, we held a special Shabbat Service in conjunction with HIAS, (Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society), founded in 1881 to assist Jews fleeing pogroms in Russia and Eastern Europe, now works to help refugees from all around the world find welcome, safety, and freedom. It was promoted as follows:
Along with Shabbat service rituals and songs, Nancy Margulies, Gary Warhaftig and Linda B. Goldstein will speak of their heritage. We will be linking our history with what is currently happening in the world today with Refugees. We’ll also be joined by Coastside activist and Assisting Priest at Holy Family Church, Julia McKeon.
National Refugee Shabbat 5780 was originally planned to take place on March 20-21, 2020 as a designated time for congregations, organizations, and individuals around the country to dedicate a Shabbat experience to refugees and asylum seekers. This national event is sponsored by HIAS, a long-standing organization originally founded to assist Jewish immigrants, that now works to help refugees from all around the world find welcome, safety, and freedom.