On the evening of Yom Kippur, I brought you the idea of Public Fasts as a uniquely spiritual way to respond to the polycrisis we face. On that most sacred evening of the year, I also suggested that we could do this as an Interfaith effort bringing together people (and communities) of many faiths as an act of solidarity and a call to action. (Click Here to listen to Rabbi George’s Kol Nidre sermon)
 

We are finally ready to act!

We’ve built a solid coalition of religious organizations and non-profits ready to fast for positive change in our community. Learn about our coalition at www.interfaithpublicfast.org.

Join in our first public fast, Thursday, March 2nd from sunup to sundown in witness and solidarity for the unsheltered in our community.

At this moment there are approximately 3000 unhoused people living in Sonoma County, 72% of whom are unsheltered. The unhoused of our county include adults and children, veterans, and people of all genders, races, and ethnicities. This winter’s atmospheric rivers have highlighted the urgent need for safe shelter and services to meet the needs of unhoused people and those of us at risk of homelessness.

Fasting is a strong and personal action to take, valuable to those of us who so frequently feel helpless. It is also a moment of taking stock before taking action. We will therefore be providing opportunities to be of service on that day and to commit to perform acts of service at a later date. 

Can’t fast? Click Here for meaningful fast alternatives.
 

Join us at the end of the day at The Living Room Life Center at 5:30 PM for Reflections & Refreshments to break the fast.

Our ancestors believed that public fast could change the course of history. Our goals are more modest but never underestimate the power of the committed few to bring the promise of the future into view!

Rabbi George
 

• Click Here to watch “Fasting as an Act of Faith: Jewish and Christian Traditions“, a video of the joint class taught by Rabbi George and Rev. Dale Flowers at First Presbyterian Church last Thursday evening.
• Click Here for Sonoma County resources for the unsheltered and ways to contribute.
• Click Here to visit the Sonoma County Interfaith Public Fast Facebook page for more information and updates.