Founder of Chai Mitzvah, Scott A. Shay, was featured on a live webinar this past Wednesday. Many people from across the United States and Canada attended. Audrey Lichter, our Executive Director, interviewed Scott about his new book and its relation to the Corona Virus crisis.
Scott is the author of an award winning book about monotheism and idolatry, called In Good Faith: Questioning Religion and Atheism.
Scott made a compelling case that the teachings of the Bible are relevant for how we navigate through the Coronavirus pandemic. He commented that the Bible is full of important lessons on how to live a positive and moral life; relating the story of Esther during Purim and how we all must be a part of redemption , since we never know when we will be called upon by to do our part.
Judging from the chat box, the webinar, aptly titled, “Lockdown and Love Thy Neighbor” was well received. A webinar attendee, one of a dozen or so people sharing their gratitude for the webinar, commented, “Thank you for sharing your wisdom tonight.” Please feel free to share with your friends and loved ones.
First of the two Passover webinars: Passover Prep at Your Doorstep
Three out of four Americans are now, or are about to be, under some form of lockdown, as more states tighten measures to fight the coronavirus. With this in mind, Chai Mitzvah held a pre-Passover conversation and virtual model seder.
On Monday evening March 23, the first of two Chai Mitzvah Passover webinars was held. It was a wonderful online conversation about Passover traditions, new and old, to add to our seders. The Haggadah, like the siddur, is an “open text.” This means that while we can’t leave out any of the important parts, we can add new interpretations and texts. In addition to those offered by Chai Mitzvah, participants shared their own personal traditions and insights.
The second webinar took place on Monday, March 30. It was a joyful virtual model seder incorporating ideas from the previous week. Participants came to the webinar with their own pillows (for reclining), wine, and matzoh if they were able to get these while in lockdown.
Chai Mitzvah created a special Haggadah to use at the virtual model seder, incorporating contributions from the previous webinar. The Haggadah began as all haggadot do, with candle lighting, and ended the classic way, with “Next Year in Jerusalem!” But the middle of the Haggadah was filled with many original symbols and ideas.
As one participant said, “It was delightful to congregate with all those people from diverse places … Looking forward to more events like this!” At Chai Mitzvah we are also looking forward to sharing again with our wonderful virtual community.
Click here to view recordings of the Passover webinars.
A webinar with tips on starting and running a virtual Chai Mitzvah group was held on March 24. Among the things discussed were how to set up a group, some good platforms for sharing, tools to look good and make your group go smoothly, how to make sure everyone is heard, and ways to stay in touch between sessions.
Participants learned that there are helpful webinars for group leaders on the Chai Mitzvah website, and that virtual visits from the authors of the materials can be arranged.
Click here for a recording of the webinar.
This month we welcome 5 new & returning groups to the Chai Mitzvah family!
If your new or returning group is not listed, please let us know!
Congregation Ohr Tzafon – Atascadero, CA
Virtual Group – Madison, WI/Minneapolis, MN
Pitome Publishing, LLC – Santa Barbara, CA
The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah – Overland Park, KS
Congregation Beth Ohr – Old Bridge, NJ
To register a new group, click here.
Teens connect through Chai Mitzvah online
Virtual Chai Mitzvah groups are not new to teens! This year, national youth groups Habonim Dror, NFTY, and NCSY have been hosting Chai Mitzvah virtual teen groups.
Chai Mitzvah spoke with Naomi Tamura, Programs Director for Habonim Dror, about her group’s latest session.
CM: How was your latest virtual session?
NT: We just had our fifth session yesterday – it was definitely the most engaging session for the participants to date. I think it’s because it was about Pesach and it’s a holiday all of the participants have experienced in a personal way with their families. I also think it’s because now all the participants are on Zoom for their high school classes, so they are more familiar with online learning and discussion now.
CM: In addition to discussing the texts, do you do any virtual activities?
NT: We had the participants split into breakout rooms – cool Zoom feature I recently discovered! In the breakout rooms they discussed Pesach traditions, the meaning behind them, and if they could add another item to the seder plate to address a ‘modern plague’ they see in the world right now, what it would be. They came up with another verse to a song they like but made it all about the new seder plate item they added. One of the groups decided to add hand sanitizer!
Looking forward to the rest of the sessions!
To learn more about the Chai Mitzvah teen program, please contact Nina Woldin, nina@chaimitzvah.org
Momentum has created a resource to help you plan enriching Seders during this year’s challenging circumstances. With lots of activities and discussion topics for kids and adults alike, this resource can help make your Seders relaxing, memorable, and fun.
Download your copy here.
The new Chai Mitzvah Haggadah includes traditions, both new and old, for your family and community. Used at the recent virtual model seder, this Haggadah incorporates meaningful traditions and ideas from our participants.
Download your copy here.
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