MLK and Shabbat of Love

by Michalee Merritt

This week began with Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and is ending with the Shabbat of Love. Martin Luther King, Jr. influenced people around the world, He advocated for peaceful approaches to some of our society’s biggest problems. 

You might be surprised to know that he was deeply connected to the Jewish community. There were Jewish leaders like Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel and Rabbi Joachim Prinz who stood by MLK’s side in his fight for civil rights. *  

The only Martin Luther king, Jr. street in the Middle East is in Israel.

It is so appropriate that this past Shabbat is called the Shabbat of Love. 

#ShabbatofLove was created to embrace the Jewish people, spreading love for who we are. The table was set for the largest Shabbat dinner celebration in North American history on January 19th, 2024.  We welcomed Jews of all ages, backgrounds, and identities to come together with family, friends, and supportive neighbors to experience the sacred joy of Shabbat – a celebration of Jewish light and love.

This is what Chai Mitzvah is. A community of learning and love. We have participants that have been with us for years and some that are brand new. We have welcomed EVERYONE to our table! Please join us! There is always a place for you at Chai Mitzvah.

Please join us! There is always a place for you at Chai Mitzvah.

*For more about this, see Chai Mitzvah’s curriculum, Because Were Slaves: The Jewish Struggle for Justice in Making America Home.