Social Justice Shabbaton
Social Justice Shabbaton Kicks Off MLK Weekend
Friday & Saturday, Jan. 17-18
Temple Beth Shalom will join with the Austin Jewish community for a powerful Shabbaton on MLK weekend, centered on how we can help our neighbors experiencing homelessness. Dinner, speaker, and services on Friday, and more social justice-oriented programming Saturday morning. Registration required—click on the button below.
Schedule:
Friday, January 17
6:00 p.m.... Shabbat Dinner at Congregation Agudas Achim. (Registration required)
Dinner Speaker: Philip Berber
Philip Berber and his wife, Donna, formed and funded A Glimmer of Hope 20 years ago, focusing on the needs of the poor in Ethiopia and Austin. Glimmer|Austin is focused on poverty related issues, and in particular homelessness and hunger in Austin. The foundation has funded around 10 local programs (including Lifeworks, Mobile Loaves & FIshes, Community First! Village, Caritas) focused on caring for, and reducing, the number of homeless on our streets. Philip volunteers on the MLF Food truck, feeding the homeless, and has also spent time on the street by day and night. Recently, Philip has worked alongside the mayor, seeking to support his efforts to address homelessness, as part of a community-wide effort. The Austin Statesman recently published an editorial by Philip regarding Homelessness in Austin – offering a way forward.
7:15 p.m.... Erev Shabbat Service at Temple Beth Shalom with oneg following
Saturday, January 18
Day of Learning: all events at Congregation Beth Israel
Saturday's Speakers include:
* Michael McGill, Mayor Adler's advisor on homelessness
* Kate Moore, VP for Strategic Planning and Partnerships at Austin ECHO
* Jo Kathryn Quinn, Executive Director at Caritas
* Judith Knotts, long-time community activist in Austin
* Haggai Eshed, Front Steps
10:00 a.m.... Text Study led by Rabbi David Segal of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism’s Texas office, at Congretation Beth Israel
10:30 a.m.... Light breakfast (with RSVP) at Congregation Beth Israel
10:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.... "Homelessness: A Spiritual and Civic Challenge" Panel Discussion at Congregation Beth Israel
Volunteer help needed! Can you help out on Friday or Saturday? Learn more here.
Extend Your Learning at Yom Limmud!
Sunday, January 19
Temple Beth Shalom is partnering with Shalom Austin and Austin-area synagogues to present our first Yom Limmud (day of learning). It's a social justice-themed educational day for all ages, featuring classes taught by educators, community leaders and clergy, plus a concert and more. Register now.