Social justice organizations and churches are hosting Rabbi Lynn Gottlieb for a series of events tilted “Justice and Peacemaking: From Gaza to Chattanooga,” May 29 to May 31.
All events are open to the public and four of the five events require no advance registration or admission fee.
Rabbi Gottlieb is one of the first 10 women rabbis in Jewish history. She is a life-long storyteller, ceremonial artist, mural artist, percussionist, human rights worker and peace educator. She is deeply committed to a life grounded in creativity, joy and wisdom of the Torah (teachings) of nonviolence. Her journey includes lifelong activism with The Fellowship of Reconciliation and ongoing pursuit of Israeli Palestinian conflict transformation based on her principles of active nonviolence. She currently lives in Berkley, Ca., near her son who is a public defender.
Sponsoring the weekend is Campaign Non-Violence Chattanooga, along with co-sponsors Mercy Junction Justice and Peace Center, Chattanooga Unitarian Universalist Social Justice Committee and Grace Episcopal Church.
Kicking off the weekend is “Courageous Wit! Jewish Women’s Stories From Around the World!” during which Rabbi Gottlieb will bring an evening of Jewish folktales that challenge the status quo. The storytelling will begin at 7 p.m. on Friday and will be in the chapel of the Mercy Junction Justice and Peace Center, 1918 Union Ave.
On Saturday morning, an interactive workshop titled, “Make it Happen! Tactics of Non-Violent Social Change” will begin at 10 a.m. and continue until 3 p.m. The workshop will also be in the chapel of the Justice and Peace Center. The workshop will explore non-violent social movement building through storytelling, games, conversations and films. Those attending are encouraged to bring a sack lunch. Drinks will be provided.
Continuing in the chapel of the Justice and Peace Center at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Rabbi Gottlieb will share stories from the Holy Land based on four decades of interaction with Palestinians and Israelis committed to nonviolent conflict transformation in a conversation titled “Let’s Talk Israel/Palestine!”
On Sunday, from 11 a.m.-noon, Rabbi Gottlieb will be delivering the sermon at the Chattanooga Unitarian Universalist Church, 3224 Dr.
Later in the afternoon, from 1-3 p.m., Rabbi Gottlieb will lead a two-hour painting workshop to create a banner for social justice campaigns. This will be at Grace Episcopal Church, 20 Belvoir Ave. There is a $60 fee for materials for each banner participants wish to create. Those participating in this event must register by May 27 by calling 423-602-7496 or 319-651-9722.
For more information about any of the events, call the numbers above or email justice@mercyjunctioncenter.org.