You are invited to join with Jews– firstborns and others–for prayerful reflection and learning as we seek our spiritual bearings this Pesach season. 

The Fast of the Firstborn, observed this year on Thursday, April 10th, acknowledges that the liberation we celebrate at Pesach was not without cost. Firstborn Jews are to enter the holiday of Pesach having reflected upon the 10th plague - makkat bechorot / the death of Egyptian firstborns - alongside the idea that if not for chance, “it could have been me.” In modern times, the fast typically ends early in the day through participation in a study session, or siyum.

Organized by The Shalom Center and hosted by Rabbis Julie Greenberg and Nancy Fuchs Kreimer, this virtual siyum will feature teaching by Ellen Tichenor, a life long peace and civil rights activist and organizational development practitioner, who will share stories from her work as a mentor with young writers in Gaza and with displaced university students. As we make final preparations for our Passover seders, we will consider the themes of teshuvah associated with this day of fasting, contemplate the tragic human toll of aspirational Jewish safety and freedom in our time, and learn how we can directly support Ellen’s work of uplift and empowerment.

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The webinar is free and it will not be recorded. Attendees at the webinar will learn about specific ways to support children in Gaza. Additional donations to The Shalom Center are always deeply appreciated. We ask that you please not share about this event on social media, though feel free to share the event registration link directly with friends and professional networks.

Please contact events@theshalomcenter.org with any questions.

Register for the webinar here: