September 29 Service and Community Conversation

On September 29, 2024, we’ll deviate a bit from our regular worship pattern in order to accommodate an all-community discussion of the Israel/Hamas war and related Israeli/Palestinian relationships. 

That conversation will be facilitated by Aaron Shneyer and Nizar Farsakh.  Aaron is a Takoma, D.C., resident, activist and musician, and leader of the American chapter of Standing Together.  Nizar is a Palestinian-American political analyst with extensive experience in the Israel-Palestine conflict as well as U.S. Middle East policy.  Both are committed to bridging barriers and bringing communities together.

The in-person conversation will begin immediately after a slightly abbreviated worship (we hope this prayerful exploration will be more an extension of worship) and we hope that all will stay for it.  We anticipate that folks on Zoom will be able to hear Aaron’s and Nizar’s opening presentations, but the Zoom limitations will not enable the folks on line to participate in the conversation.  Accordingly, if at all possible, we encourage you to join us in-person on the 29^th.  Light refreshments will be offered.

All of us have struggled with the grief, anger, passion and complexity of these past 11 months of violence.  Numerous resources are available concerning the conflict.  In preparation for our conversation on the 29^th, we encourage Seekers to check out these few resources:

·         “Wrestling Jerusalem” – you can watch this 93 minute movie on several platforms: for free (with ads) at Tubi or Amazon Prime (Freevee) or without ads on Apple TV for $2.99.  We urge particular attention to the first 6 ½ minutes;
·         Israeli–Palestinian conflict; Wikipedia – extensive with multiple options for additional resources;
·         Additionally, recommended by Aaron and Nizar – The Telos Group and Standing Together.

On behalf of REJMT (Peter, Erica, Dave, Lucy, John, Jeanne, Sallie, Paul and Trish)