Shabbat Service with Conversation with Congressman Jamie Raskin

Friday evening, November 3, 5:30–7:30 pm

We begin the gathering with an Erev Shabbat Service, led by TIOH, honoring the intention of the weekend.   Before the service, we engage in a virtual conversation with Congressman Jamie Raskin regarding the ways in which he is surviving the suicide of his son Tommy z”l and sustaining his memory in his political activism. Rabbi Chernow shapes the conversation with the organizing inquiry of this event (zichronam l’bracha) and questions from the audience will be invited.

Optional gatherings for dialogue

Saturday afternoon, November 4, 1:00–3:00 pm

On Saturday afternoon opportunities are available for small gatherings of bereaved parents to connect with others at TIOH, IKAR, or in private homes..  Once you indicate your interest in this way of connecting, you will be contacted regarding your preferences for location. 

Havdalah, followed by Colin Campbell’s One-Man Show

Saturday evening, November 4, 7:15 pm

Saturday evening begins with a brief Havdalah Service at TIOH followed by Colin Campbell’s performance of Grief: A One Man Shitshow.  The play is riveting, difficult, and impactful.  It is followed by Rabbi Brous’ dialogue with Colin about the organizing inquiry of the weekend (zichronam l’bracha).

Sukkot HaMakom (A Place of Shelters)

Sunday afternoon, November 5, 1:00–4:00 pm

On Sunday afternoon, we present an array of gathering spaces (Sukkot) for stories shared by families in various stages of grief.  Each space represents a different path and modality to healing in which memory is honored and perhaps transformed. There is an opportunity, if you choose, to discuss your own experiences.  

Our Sukkot include:

Havarah (companionship) through stitching

Led by Allison Dworetzky, Sandra Klein, and Debra Linesch

Tikkun Olam (charity)    

Led by Rabbi Arthur & Laurie Gross Schaefer and Paulinda Schimmel

Ketivah (writing) 

Led by Colin Campbell

Omanut (creating) through imagery

Led by Sandra Klein 

Tefillah (ritual)  

Led by Rabbi Anne Brener

Closing Circle

Sunday closing event, November 5, 4:00 pm

We close the weekend with a community-building exercise to provide closure and identify possibilities for the future.  And we say Kaddish for the children whom we are mourning.

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