By: Emma Goldblatt
Our seventh cohort of the Synagogue Vegan Challenge launched in August! The participants have held their launch events, and have begun to spread the word of our mission at Shamayim. Here are some highlights:
Oneg / Elul Synagogue Vegan Challenge Kick-Off
Location: Congregation Emanu El in Redlands, Calfornia
“We incorporated Synagogue Vegan Challenge into d’var Torah about Elul and the intentions during the coming month with an emphasis on relationships in this case, how we relate to the foods we eat and our environment. The all-vegan ONEG was well-received on Erev Shabbat as well as into our Kiddush after Shabbat morning services.” -Cantor Jen
Vegan Shabbat Dinner
Location: The Selma and Lawrence Ruben Base- NYC
“I used this shabbat as a jumping off point to share a bit about Shamayim and the Fellowship, as well as future vegan programming to expect through classes and meals. I also shared about the flax egg-substitute in the challah as a new recipe for us and encouraged others to try it. We started with shabbat blessings, ate together, shared some Torah on Rosh Hashanah, said birkat hamazon, then ended the evening.” -Rabbi Danny
Kohenet-Led Shabbat Service Kiddush Luncheon
Location: Chochmat HaLev in Berkeley, California
“There was a lot of enthusiasm for the delicious offerings especially vegan challah.”
Maxine E.
“Our event followed our first Kohenet-Led Shabbat Service. There were 55 people in attendance. Our service leader introduced the challenge and gave a brief teaching during the service. We had a special announcement in our newsletter in front of the event. We had sign-up sheets to participate in upcoming events and a one-page introduction to the challenge on each table. There was a lot of enthusiasm for the delicious offerings especially vegan challah.” -Maxine E.
Brunch N’Learn: Kapparot in the Park
Location: Toronto Partnership Minyan in Toronto, Canada
“I shared a source sheet on kapparot, as well as some sources from the Torah against animal cruelty. After a dynamic discussion we than performed the kapparot ritual with money, and shared a vegan picnic brunch. From our collective kappaort we donated $110 to a local food justice organization. The event was very well received and we had range of regular TPM’ers as well as some new faces! We are all really looking forward to the next event.” -Rachel L.
Shamayim is so grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with these communities to connect people with their judaism, as well as the ability to spread our mission of compassion for all animals. Stay tuned for more updates, and learn more about the synagogue vegan challenge here.
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