@theshalomcenter
The Shalom Center reimagines Jewish holidays as portals for public prophetic action. Through actifests, we are building a national movement of sacred justice rooted in the Jewish calendar cycle. theshalomcenter.org linktr.ee/the_shalom_center
Black and white photo of Rabbi Arthur Waskow at a lectern looking out into the distance.
The Shalom Center is leaning tender-heartedly into the notion that our work is about receiving the nourishment that is Arthur’s legacy, and transforming it into new growth, new life, and new possibilities. We hope you’ll join us in doing just that. More: theshalomcenter.org/shalomreport...
We know how much Arthur meant to so many of you and join with you in mourning, sending love and care to his family and friends, and celebrating the incredible life that he lived.
Baruch Eyl Rachamim v' Emet. Blessed is the Breath of All Life, Merciful and Truthful.
A headshot of Rabbi Arthur Ocean Waskow, wearing one of his favorite rainbow-colored caps, a navy blue shirt, and smiling into the distance.
We are writing to share the news that Reb Arthur Waskow z"l died peacefully this morning, Monday, October 20. Just days after celebrating his 92nd birthday, Arthur left his body this morning with ease.
You can read Arthur’s full obituary at: theshalomcenter.org/shalomreport...
Thankfully, Arthur is still planning to attend his online (Ninety)Two Books Launch Birthday Party this Sunday, October 12 (today!) from 6:30-8:30pm ET. It would be really lovely to have you join! As you likely know, we are celebrating his 92nd birthday and the launch of two new books that he’s written (with the support of scribes) since turning 90! One is an activist’s memoir, the story of much of his life, and the other is a new Torah for the world today with many esteemed contributors. The program will be recorded and all registrants will receive a link to the recording.
If you have ever learned with Arthur or been moved by something you've heard him say or write, Arthur and Phyllis have indicated that the best way to honor him now is to register for the event and preorder the books at https://theshalomcenter.org/ 92books and encourage family, friends, and broader networks to join you. When you click on the link, you can preorder the two books and register for $92 or just register for the webinar for $18 (though we’re confident you’ll want these books on your bookshelf)!
With gratitude and blessings to Arthur for how deeply he has inspired so many of us, and to each of you as we continue to support him on this journey together. Rabbi Nate
A note from Rabbi Nate about Reb Arthur, and an invitation for today, Sunday October 12 -- Arthur's birthday!
See images (6 images in two posts) for full message
Event registration at theshalomcenter.org/92books
Post 2 of 2
Tender news about Arthur, invitation for today, Sunday 10/12
Dear companions in love and justice, I am writing to share the tender news that our dear Reb Arthur entered into hospice at his home in Philadelphia last week. He and I have spoken and his spirit seems strong and he seems quite at peace. I trust that you will join me in sending prayers of love and deep care for him and his family.
I know Arthur has had such a profound impact on so many of you and I imagine you might want to connect with him during this time. Please note, he will no longer be monitoring his email or texts and any communication with him - including phone calls - will be coordinated through his beloved wife Phyllis. If you live in Philly, please do not drop-in for a visit. To share words with him, please write him a blessing at https://theshalomcenter.org/ legacyfund#legacyfundblessings or email office@theshalomcenter.org for further instructions.
A note from Rabbi Nate about Reb Arthur, and an invitation for today, Sunday October 12 -- Arthur's birthday!
See images (6 images in two posts) for full message
Event registration at theshalomcenter.org/92books
Post 1 of 2
Today before sunset, before we begin Jewish year 5786, a thank you for your ongoing support, and an opportunity to join us for two exciting new programs!
Read all about it here:
theshalomcenter.org/shalomreport...
Event flyer for book launch/birthday party for Reb Arthur Waskow's two forthcoming books, happening October 12, 2025. The title reads, (Ninety)Two Books Launch Birthday Party, over an image of a book open to a page, with an image of one book cover on each side. On the left is the cover of Tales of the Spirit Rising.. and Sometimes Falling, with colorful text over an image of Reb Arthur Waskow's face. On the right is an stylized image of stone tablets with symbols on them, wrapped in greenery, with the title "Handbook for Heretics and Prophets: A New Torah for a New World" in white text above them.
Promo image for the "(Ninety)Two Books Launch Birthday Party", the title of which is printed at the top, next to a circular headshot image of Reb Arthur Waskow, against a solid gold-yellow background. Below that are the images of 8 special guests who will be on the program, in similar circular headshot style: Rabbi Amichai Lay Lavie, Rabbi/Kohenet Jill Hammer, Phd, Rabbi Shefa Gold, Student Rabbi Hadasah Yaqob-Johnson, Rabbi Elyse Wechterman, Rabbi Nate DeGroot, Rabbi Phyllis Berman, and Batya Levine. The date and time of the event are listed at the bottom -- October 12, 2024, 6:30-8:30pm ET.
Against a solid green background under the title "(Ninety)Two Books Sales, text reads "Buy Arthur's two newest books, both written before his 92nd birthday, while supporting The Shalom Center. Below this text are the two cover images of the books. On the left is the cover of Tales of the Spirit Rising.. and Sometimes Falling, with colorful text over an image of Reb Arthur Waskow's face. On the right is an stylized image of stone tablets with symbols on them, wrapped in greenery, with the title "Handbook for Heretics and Prophets: A New Torah for a New World" in white text above them. Alongside the book images are callouts. Next to the left image, a callout reads "Arthur's memoir as Hasidic tale". Next to the right image, one callout reads "New Torah! Featuring Arthur & esteemed Torah-lovers", and a second callout reads "Available only through this offer!"
The Shalom Center is making Reb Arthur’s two newest books available for preorder and celebrating his 92nd birthday by hosting a books launch birthday party on October 12th.
Find everything you need to know to register for the program and preorder the books at theshalomcenter.org/92books
This Tisha B’Av, we’re not just mourning the past. We’re rising to protect the future.
Join Jews from your state for Jewish Earth Alliance’s Pre-Tisha B’Av Virtual Lobby Day for Climate Solutions on Wednesday, July 23, 2025.
💻 Participate online from wherever you are.
Register: bit.ly/9avlobby
Thrive, the Jewish Coalition to Protect Trans and LGBQ+ Youth, is excited to announce a new event this Pride: Trans Pride Shabbat.
Full info and all the resources here from @keshetlgbtqjews.bsky.social! 👇
www.keshetonline.org/trans-pride-...
Read about the cohort vision, process, and structure, and to get to know the members more fully at theshalomcenter.org/cohort-aleph (5 of 5)
Read about the cohort vision, process, and structure, and to get to know the members more fully at theshalomcenter.org/cohort-aleph (4 of 5)
To learn more about the cohort vision, process, and structure, and to get to know the members more fully, visit our Cohort א page at theshalomcenter.org/cohort-aleph (3 of 5)
In that light, we are incredibly excited to introduce you to Cohort א, our inaugural cohort of 22 creative thinkers, unconventional activists, and ritual artists exploring a Jewish post-activism and experimenting with expressions of it. Swipe thru the images here to meet the cohort members! (2 of 5)
• Introducing Cohort א! •
As bombs fly and the world continues to spiral, we are sending deep care to each of you. It feels a bit disorienting to share great news in this moment, and yet we know how important it is to celebrate & uplift the places where deep wholeness & possibility is percolating.→
The Shalom Center’s Rabbi Nate DeGroot and several other Shalom Center clergy were among the 550+ Jewish clergy who signed this HIAS letter. To quote “When law becomes a source of abuse rather than of justice, it ceases to fulfill its intended purpose.”
Read the letter at hias.org
"Shalom Report" title image for 4/11/25: Historical black-and-white image of the "Freedom Seder" held on 4/4/1969, depicting (left to right) Rev. Channing E. Phillips, Arthur Waskow, and Topper Carew, sitting side by side at a Passover seder table. They are simultaneously sipping from small cups of wine. In the background are photos and signs affixed to the wall. The most legible one reads, "Jews for Urban Justice". The image is overlaid with text on the lower right quadrant that reads, "The seder that transformed American Judaism" with "The Shalom Report" and "4/1/25" underneath.
In 1969, Arthur Waskow wrote and helped organize the original Freedom Seder, and in so doing, transformed American Judaism forever.
Read today's Shalom Report, with links to text (and footage!) of the original Freedom Seder, as well as texts of newer Freedom Seder editions, at bit.ly/WaskowSeder
R' Arthur and life-long activists and friends will reflect on lessons learned from full and interconnected lives of Jewish justice. Learn more and register: theshalomcenter.org/legacyfund
Event flyer for The Shalom Center's "Reb Arthur Waskow Legacy Fund Launch Call" Left to right, Cherie Brown, Arthur Waskow, and Mordechai Liebling are pictured in shots taken while speaking or addressing crowds. The tag line reads: "Lessons learned from lives of justice, friendship, and collaboration". Below this are named additional speakers/performers Shefa Gold, David Shneyer, Jessi Roemer, and Nate DeGroot.
Reb Arthur has said “My greatest dream is for The Shalom Center to continue to thrive into the future.” Join us on 4/16 for an event to launch the Reb Arthur Waskow Legacy Fund, raising $500,000 to ensure his legacy lives on for generations. Learn more and register: theshalomcenter.org/legacyfund
As we turn our attention to Passover, we are pleased to share this piece from JLiving magazine by Casey J. Adler, in which he revisits the 1969 Freedom Seder and also talks with R' Arthur about pharaohs and plagues, both ancient and present-day.
jlivingmedia.com/the-freedon-...
Join The Shalom Center and ALEPH for Renewing Judaism, a 3-part webinar series featuring three generations of key practitioners reflecting on the past, present, and future of Judaism’s renewal. Full details and registration at theshalomcenter.org/renewing-jud...
Join Rabbi Nate's course at Kallah this summer - Towards a Jewish Post-Activism: Reimagining Jewish Holidays as Portals for Public Prophetic Action.
Explore the contours of post-activism and consider post-activism’s implications for Judaism and Jewish activism. Learn more: aleph.org/kallah
Learn more about The Shalom Center's Chapter 9 Project and download a copy so you can read all the essays here: theshalomcenter.org/chapter9proj...
Screenshot of text from essay in The Forward: "How can we celebrate Purim in this upside down moral moment, a moment when Trump’s calls for the wholesale removal of Palestinians from Gaza are met with cheers from Israel and little more than a shrug from much of organized American Jewry? Some progressive Jewish leaders have tried to reinvent the holiday’s texts and traditions. The Shalom Center’s Chapter 9 Project asked 10 thinkers and activists last year to reimagine the end of the Purim story, and invited readers to do the same. A number of synagogues read those final chapters sitting on sack cloth on the floor, evoking Tish B’Av, the somber holiday that commemorates the destruction of the ancient temples."
From Michael David Lukas in The @forward.bsky.social
We take heart in seeing that The Shalom Center's Chapter 9 Project (link in comments) continues to resonate a year after its launch.
forward.com/opinion/7018...
Jumping the track: When one thing seems certain, when destiny seems like settled fact, and then all of a sudden facts give way to something totally new and unpredictable - unsettled potential.
Intrigued? Read more in today's Shalom Report:
theshalomcenter.org/shalomreport...
This Wed., 3/12, join us for a discussion with three experts on Christian Nationalism about what it is and and how we can forge and strengthen our own movements, to provide an alternative, irresistible vision of sacred justice.
Learn more/register: theshalomcenter.org/events/christian-nationalism
Have you ever wondered why Trump and Bibi are pals? Are you confused why there were Israeli flags next to Camp Auschwitz sweatshirts at the January 6th insurrection? Do you know what the 7 Mountains are? Curious what happens at pro-life Jesus Camp?
Yes? The Shalom Center has the webinar for you! ⬇️
On this anniversary date of Bloody Sunday, we are proud and glad to say we are an organizational cosponsor of this event. Follow @ncjw.bsky.social to stay updated on what’s going on this weekend!
TOMORROW! Register now -- Peter Beinart and more
A New Jewish Story
(and why it’s so desperately needed)
Featuring: Peter Beinart, Devon Spier, Rabbi Tamara Cohen, Graie Hagans, & Rabbi Nate DeGroot
Thursday, March 6, 2025, 7pm ET
Learn more & register: theshalomcenter.org/events/new-jewish-story