Multiple Wisconsin synagogues holding ‘Refugee Shabbat’ | Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle

Multiple Wisconsin synagogues holding ‘Refugee Shabbat’

 

Several Wisconsin synagogues are participating in the “National Refugee Shabbat 2018,” designated for Oct. 19-20 and organized nationally by HIAS, the Jewish-based non-profit focused on refugee assistance.

HIAS is based in Silver Spring, Maryland.

The National Refugee Shabbat “is a moment for congregations, organizations, and individuals around the country to create a Shabbat experience dedicated to refugees,” according to HIAS. “The parsha (Torah portion) for this Shabbat is Lech Lecha, which describes the beginning of the experience of wandering in search of freedom for the Jewish people.”

Expected participants include Congregation Emanu-El B’ne Jeshurun in River Hills and Beth Hillel Temple in Kenosha, plus Madison’s Beth Israel Center, Congregation Shaarei Shamayim and Temple Beth El, said Director of Chaplaincy and Outreach Rabbi Renée Bauer of Jewish Social Services of Madison.

Events are scheduled at Temple Beth El in Madison for Oct. 26, Madison Hillel on Oct.  5 and Congregation Emanu-El B’ne Jeshurun on Oct. 13.

Congregation Shir Hadash and several other Milwaukee-area shuls are also considering participation, according to Wisconsin organizers.