Sign In Forgot Password

National Refugee Shabbat (Facebook Live)

Friday, March 27, 2020 • 2 Nisan 5780

7:30 PM - 9:00 PM

To view this event on livestream, go to our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/templebethelmadison/  

Follow along in Mishkan T'filah here.

Welcome the Stranger: National Refugee Shabbat

Although Temple Beth El has made the difficult decision to close until at least April 6, we are still able to come together in worship. Through livestream technology, the rabbi and cantor will lead services you can watch from your home. You can access these services on TBE’s Facebook page even if you do not have a Facebook account. In this modified form we will continue to observe National Refugee Shabbat on Friday evening, March 27. 

Our clergy are working to create a meaningful service focused on refugees in our local community. Even as we cope with drastic adjustments to our lives, we recognize the vulnerability of refugees and asylum seekers, who continue to need our support. In this time when we are reminded just how interconnected and interdependent we all are, we must continue to show solidarity for refugees and asylum seekers here and worldwide. 

We will also honor the many TBE volunteers who have helped set up apartments, tutored children, provided transportation, and donated household goods to support local refugee families. If you are one of these volunteers, please join us online or know that we will be honoring you. 

If you are home and want something proactive to do, here a list adapted from HIAS with actions you can take. It includes articles and videos that can help you learn more about the global refugee and asylum crisis. 

Six Ways to Take Action This National Refugee Shabbat

1. Learn – While you are staying close to home during this time, check out this list of articles and videos to learn more about the global refugee and asylum crisis, and share these resources with family and friends. FaceTime or Skype family and friends to discuss what you have learned! 

2. Advocate – Tell your members of Congress to stand up for the rights, safety, and dignity of refugees and asylum seekers. Use these talking points to call or write to your Members of Congress. 

3. Join the “Jews for Refugees” Facebook Group – Joining this group is a great way to connect with thousands of other committed individuals across the country, access up-to-the-minute information about the Jewish response to the refugee crisis, and share the actions that you are taking. Click here to join. 

4. Donate Your Miles to Asylum Seekers – HIAS has partnered with Miles4Migrants (M4M), a nonprofit charity dedicated to using donated frequent flyer miles and money for the relocation of refugees and those seeking asylum—including families recently separated at the U.S.-Mexico border. HIAS and Miles4Migrants (M4M) will work to identify refugees and asylum seekers who need assistance purchasing airfare to reunite with their families. Donate your frequent flyer miles here the week of National Refugee Shabbat. 

5. Have a Difficult Conversation – Using the HIAS Conversational Guide for How to Talk About Refugees with Family and Friends, commit to having at least one conversation with someone in your life who has expressed concern about welcoming refugees to the United States or even someone who has made disparaging remarks about refugees or asylum seekers. 

6. Start a Book Club – Start a book club—for adults or young people—to read books by and about refugees and asylum seekers. Use this list as a jumping off point for suggestions or search Google for even more ideas. Make your book club virtual and extend an invitation to friends and family in other places!

Share Print Save To My Calendar
April 24, 2024 16 Nisan 5784