JUFJ Labor Seder 2012 - March 25

Message from Jews United for Justice (JUFJ)

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We are proud to invite you and your communities to the 2012 Labor Seder, on March 25th, which will bring together over 350 local Jews, activists, and allies to share the Passover freedom story and learn and take action on issues facing local immigrant communities here in DC. This yearly event is a wonderful celebration of the holiday's message of justice and liberation, and weaves together our people's history with a local justice issue each year. This year's theme of "Immigrant Roots, Immigrant Rights" resonates deeply with me as I think of my immigrant grandparents' struggle to support my mother and her siblings, and to make it possible for me and my family to access opportunity and to thrive in America.

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Tickets are available at http://bit.ly/ytzm30.
(strongly encourage people to get tickets soon, as this event sells out quickly each year.)

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The flyer text for the event:
(email laborseder@zooMinyan.org and we'll email the actual flyer if you want it)

Affirm the Rights of Workers & Families
in Our Region
at Jews United for Justice’s

The Annual JUFJ Labor Seder highlights a current workers’ rights struggle and brings together the Jewish, labor, and nonprofit communities in a shared commitment to social and economic justice. This year's seder will focus on immigration, highlighting our region’s diverse immigrant communities and the challenges and issues they face. It will feature singing, storytelling, discussion, reflection, and action, as well as local workers, activists, rabbis, and an original haggadah.

All are welcome!

 Sunday, March 25, 5:30-8:00 pm ~ Adas Israel Congregation, 2850 Quebec St. NW, Washington, DC 20008
 Light refreshments (vegetarian and kosher-certified) will be served.
 Registration begins February 18th! Early registration is encouraged, this event sells out quickly.
 $18 general admission ~ $10 children, students, and people of limited income ~ $36 families
 Late registration (after March 14): $20. A limited number of same-day tickets may be available.
 Children’s program provided as appropriate; please contact Monica at monica@jufj.org for more information.

For more information and to volunteer, e-mail seder@jufj.org. Visit www.jufj.org to register!

Further details & RSVP info

Choose from among many hosts -different days and locations- including the Seder in Woodley Park at Deborah & Shalom's.

Be sure to RSVP!

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Celebrate the Jewish new year for the trees—DC eco-justice style!

Etz Chayim DC is partnering with local Jews to host multiple DC-relevant Tu B’Shvat sederim. We’ll explore the symbolic meaning of the seven species of the mid-Atlantic region, DC urban trees, and sustainability in our community. The seder content is inspired by Hazon, with a District flare and ideas for making a difference here at home.

Sederim will be located in: Adams Morgan (including Moishe House), Takoma, Woodley Park, and Rockville (Moishe House). Click here to find a seder near you and to RSVP. $10 suggested donation (suggested wine donation for Moishe House DC).

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Etz Chayim DC is a community forum for people in the Washington, D.C. area to exchange ideas, create events, and channel our collective power toward food and environmental justice work, inspired by Jewish tradition and practice.

Tu BiShvat seder - Feb 7

ZooMinyanites,

Come to the Tu BiShvat seder at Deborah & Shalom's
Feb 7 - Tuesday night
held as part of Etz Chayim DC sponsored Seders in various homes during the week of Feb 5-11. (you could also pick another night at another location)

RSVP will be required.

More info coming soon.

Zoo Minyan goes to NHC Chesapeake Retreat (National Havurah Committee)

Chesapeake Retreat

February 17-19, 2012 "Shall the Rich Pay More?"

Join the National Havurah Committee, havurahs and minyans from across the Mid-Atlantic Region for the NHC Chesapeake Retreat!

Shabbat Shekalim / 24-26 Sh’vat, 5772

Pearlstone Conference and Retreat Center / Reisterstown, Maryland

Read about this year's courses and registration and retreat information at www.havurah.org/chesapeake.

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In parashat Mishpatim, Moses receives law concerning fines, lending, and restitution. On Shabbat Shekalim, the haftarah defines a system of census and taxation, including that “the rich shall not pay more and the poor shall not pay less” than a half-shekel. In the midst of a presidential primary, with Wall Street recently occupied, and in the weeks before Passover, how do we perceive these laws? Does equal taxation promote or hinder equality? Do regulations and taxes represent an infringement on, or an enabler of, human freedom?

Take a weekend to examine these questions while experiencing the holiness of a community that learns, prays, and rests together. Individuals, families, and havurot of all ages will gather to sing, eat, study, dance, pray, debate, relax, and bond.