Jewish tradition commands us to protect the stranger, because we were once strangers in the land of Egypt. That moral imperative has guided generations of Jewish advocacy and continues to shape our response to modern immigration challenges. We know from experience what it means to flee violence, cross borders, and rebuild lives in unfamiliar places. These experiences form the backbone of our communal commitment to immigrant justice today.

During our Erev Shabbat service, we will hear from guest speakers Veronica Rodriguez and Laurianna Ceja Diaz of ALAS (Ayudando Latinos A Soñar — Helping Latinos Dream), a social service organization and farmworker advocacy group over the hill in Half Moon Bay.

ALAS, in Half Moon Bay, is a grass roots Latino and farmworker driven community organizing and advocacy non-profit in HMB focusing on immediate needs and long term transformation. They work on social wellness through multicultural practices, running a food pantry, working on housing, mental health, work, and education issues, and helping individuals with immigration processes. Veronica was part of a delegation that traveled to Minneapolis in early February to listen, learn, and support local organizations, schools, educators, elected officials, neighbors, and frontline responders working tirelessly to defend immigrant families. Veronica will talk about what she saw on her trip to Minneapolis, and how Minneapolis has affected the Halfmoon Bay farmworker community.

Both of our guests will be available to continue the conversation at the oneg Shabbat following the service.

LEARN HOW YOU CAN HELP: Though we cannot cure all the problems our friends face, as our tradition teaches us, we do not put aside the task of helping them.

1. Please consider bringing $25 Safeway gift cards which will enable families to supplement their diets with much-needed protein food options. A collection box is will be available during the Erev Shabbat service and Oneg Shabbat.
2. Donations to support Halfmoon Bay farmworkers may also be made online at alasdreams.com/donate. Donated funds will help Lawful Permanent Residents with their US citizenship application fees. (Their online fee is $710!) When you make your donation, you will have the option to put in the comments that you would like your donation to be directed to this effort.
3. Join the Beth Am community on Sunday, March 22 during our Immigration Refugee Assistance Effort in the Social Hall. LEARN MORE

If you attend virtually, please join the livestream starting at 6:15 PM. You may follow along in our texts for the Erev (evening) Shabbat service using the digital version (available for purchase) of the Mishkan T'filah: A Reform Siddur.

To enhance your enjoyment of Shabbat, please visit betham.org/shabbatcorner (including "Social Stories" in the Resource Box to prepare children ahead of time for what to expect during the Shabbat service).

*This service will be live video-streamed. By entering the Sanctuary, you permit Beth Am to record you.