help me put on a special
shabbat event in Israel

Hi Loved Ones,

Since the last SHIUR Shabbat Coexistence Dinner I co-hosted in May 31 in Tel Aviv, where Jews and Arabs came together, we have had monthly gatherings and dinners that have been a significant part of my life, both in Israel and in New York.

On October 25, I am excited to co-host another SHIUR coexistence dinner and I’d be grateful for your support in helping make this event happen (scroll down for more details on this).

Since the war began, I’ve become part of a community called SHIUR, which has now become a staple of my experience here in Israel. Led by my now dear friend Micki Weinberg, who is based in Berlin but has since found it necessary to continue his work in Israel, SHIUR serves as an outlet for discussion as well as understanding of what is going on right now.

In SHIUR, Micki prepares parts from the Parsha (the weekly read section of the Torah), in combination with excerpts from famous philosophers and intellectuals throughout history. He comes with a message both relating to the weekly Parsha, as well as what is happening now in Israel.

Typically I associate “shiur” (learning the weekly read section of the Torah) with something ‘religious’ individuals participate in. The difference I feel with this group is that it brings a contemporary view and makes learning accessible to any sect of Judaism, as well as any religion - as both Israelis and Arabs are consistent members. 

This event has become a staple for me here in Israel, for many reasons. First being the community. Each Thursday I get to spend my evening learning with individuals of all walks of life, all religions, of pretty high caliber and intellect. Everyone can come with their own politics and still feel safe and included. I have been able to discuss what is happening with our Arab brothers in an extremely welcoming and safe environment. And I have met some of the most interesting people, but of the most humble and inclusive character. 

SHIUR also takes place in different art galleries, cultural and diplomatic spaces such as the German Consulate in New York and Sommer Contemporary Art in Tel Aviv, exposing us to different artists and bringing the galleries a different light. 

Lastly, and most importantly, I continue to go back because of the value of the content itself. This is one of the few projects I feel is really centered around the content. Micki opens the night by explaining how the is like yoga but for the mind, stretching and stimulating our mindset. 

The reason I explain this is because I am hoping to help Micki to be able to keep this going and let the community grow. We are looking to be able to continue the weekly Thursday SHIUR, the shabbat dinner I will co-host on May 31, as well as programming with Bedouins and Israeli Arabs. 

I would be grateful for your support in making this Shabbat event happen and for any support in bringing SHIUR back to Tel Aviv this Spring. Please have a look below at ways you can support us and at pictures from our previous events.

Thank you!

Gabriella

PS—SHIUR is a 501 c 3 not for profit organization (EIN: 86-3431923), so the good news is that your donation is tax deductible (for US tax payers)! You can donate via the links below, or if you’d like to give via a corporate matching platform like Benevity let me know & I’ll send you the details. To give with your Donor Advised Fund click here