People and groups of faith inspired by the Occupy Wall Street demonstrations in New York City are organizing events in NYC's "Liberty Plaza" and around the country. We've compiled a list of some of these upcoming protests. We would love to add other cities! Please leave all faith-related happenings in the comments, or tweet us @HuffPostRelig so we can add to the list.
In many of the Occupy cities, there are "protest chaplains." In New York they identify themselves with blue ribbons. In Boston they have white cloaks or are in the Inter/No/Faith tent. Check out the Occupy Boston Faith and Spirituality page.
Faith Leaders to Temporarily Open Doors To Occupiers
Where: Judson Memorial Church, 55 Washington Square South, NYC
When: Wednesday, Nov. 16 at 5:30 p.m.
In response to the violent eviction of demonstrators from their homes in Zuccotti Park, faith leaders from across New York have decided to provide temporary space for protesters to sleep in at night for the next three days. Dozens of faith leaders will join demonstrators in an interfaith candlelight vigil reaffirming their commitment to the democratic principles of the Occupy movement. They will also demand that Mayor Bloomberg immediately allow protesters to re-establish their camp so that they can return to the important work of addressing the economic disparities that threaten the soul of this nation.
More links to Occupy Faith groups and resources...
- Occupy Together: An Interfaith Prayer Service(PDF)
- OWS Jewish Congregational Discussion Guide (PDF)
- OWS Muslim Congregational Discussion Guide (PDF)
- OWS Christian Congregational Discussion Guide (PDF)
- Occupy Judaism
- Occupy Boston Faith and Spirituality
- The Protest Chaplains
- Protest Chaplains NYC
- Protest Chaplains DC
Faith Leaders Occupy Wall Street
Past events:
Where: Zuccotti Park, New York City
When: Tuesday, Oct. 18, 5 p.m.
Prayer and song by Rabbi Ellen Lippmann and Cantor Lisa B. Segal of Kolot Chayeinu, with music by jazz great Roy Nathanson (possibly joined by Marc Ribot), and drummer extraordinaire Eve Sicular. Rabbi Lippmann will teach "The Sukkah as a Fragile Home." Patrick Markee from Coalition for the Homeless, and City Councilmember (and JFREJ and Kolot Chayeinu member) Brad Lander will teach about homelessness and affordable housing in New York City.
Join Jews for Racial and Economic Justice, Occupy Judaism, and Jews throughout NYC as they spend the eight days of Sukkot in a sukkah at Occupy Wall Street. This space will not only serve as a metaphor for the shelter of the Israelites. It will be a space to challenge economic injustice, racism, oppression, displacement and exploitation. Trainings, workshops and teachings will be offered throughout the week. More on Facebook...
**Occupy Sukkot is in many other cities. Check in with Occupy Judaism to learn more and stay updated.**
Preaching Justice @ Occupy Boston
Where: Sacred Space Tent, Dewey Square, Boston
When: Tuesday, Oct. 18, 4 p.m.
Detroit preacher and Harvard Divinity prof Charles Adams to preach some justice at Occupy Boston. More on OccupyBoston.com...
Where: Zuccotti Park, New York City
When: Thursday, Oct. 20, 8 p.m.
Simchat Torah service and hakafot (dancing with the Torah) led by Joey Weisenberg (Kane St. Synagogue) and Yosef Goldman (JTS). Followed by music and dancing with Naomi Less and friends. Feel free to bring your instruments and jam along!
When: Friday, Oct. 21, s p.m.
An alternative mystical Simchat Torah service and "Torah Tarot" led by Amichai Lau-Lavie (Storahtelling, JTS), Naomi Less (Jewish Chicks Rock, Storahtelling) and friends. In this powerful ritual, the entire Torah scroll will be unfurled. Everyone with get to a personal verse from the Torah. Find a blessing for the year ahead.More info on Facebook...
Muslim Jummah @ Occupy Wall Street
Where: Zuccotti Park, New York City
When: Friday, Oct. 21, 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
The Council on American Islamic Relations New York Chapter (CAIR-NY) will be joining the Islamic Leadership Council of Metropolitan New York in hosting Friday Prayer (Jummah) at Occupy Wall Street. A sermon will be delivered on social justice in Islam by Imam Aiyub Abdul Baki of the Islamic Leadership Council. For more info: Majlis.Justice@gmail.com
Where: McPherson Square Metro, Downtown Washington D.C.
When: Friday, Oct. 21, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Khutba and Jummah prayers with #OccupyDC and #OccupyKStreet. More info on Facebook...
Where: Dewey Square, Boston
When: Wednesday, Oct. 26, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Rosh Chodesh (New Moon) gathering lead by Laura Evonne Steinman and others from Kavod Jewish Social Justice House in Brooklilne. More info from Kavod House...
Where: St. Paul's Cathedral, London
When: Friday, Oct. 28, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Occupy Judaism London is returning to the St Pauls site to celebrate Shabbat. Expect a song-filled service, interspersed with teachings of Judaism and justice. Exact time TBA. For those who wish to fully observe Shabbat in the traditional way, the site is a great place. It would be best to contact occupylsx in advance to arrange a tent to stay in. More info on Facebook...
Where: Art Gallery, Georgia & Howe, Vancouver
When: Friday, Oct. 28, 6:30 p.m.
Please join Occupy Judaism Vancouver Friday nights for an egalitarian Kabbalat Shabbat (welcoming the Sabbath) service. All are welcome, services will be in a mix of Hebrew and English. Vegetarian potluck dinner open to the larger Occupy Vancouver community will follow. More info on Facebook...