What is a synagogue? What is an “open sanctuary”

We need your voice at tonight’s Kabbalat Shabbat service. Our service will be a creative forum for audience participation, a study session and discussion on Parsha Bo.

In Parsha Bo, Torah describes the release of the Israelites and the mixed multitude which went forth from Egypt.

As part of the theme for this year about the role of the ger in our community, Rabbi Barbara has written a special script for a short skit and provided a handout with texts, definitions, and questions for us to consider in the discussion to follow. We’ll be holding a vibrant and lively conversation about the meaning and purpose of a “sanctuary” for the Israelites and asking ourselves: How we define an “open synagogue”?

Given that our Torah needs to be transported to services, and should not be exposed to humidity and rain, the scroll will not be going out tonight. In addition, Rabbi Barbara will be at home, given that she cannot sing or talk for extended periods just now.

So bring a healthy snack to share, we have challah, wine, and juice, and a community to enjoy it with. We need you to do the talking (and some thinking, too).

See you tonight at 7 at Piedmont Unitarian Universalist Church in Charlotte.