Roots/Judur/Shorashim: Selichot at Bonai Shalom on Saturday September 20th at 8:30 pm.

We traditionally begin the penitential prayers of Selichot after the Shabbat before Rosh HaShanah. The word selichot means pardon or forgiveness. In Arabic, there is a word from the same root, sulha, which is often used to describe reconciliation. For Selichot this year, Bonai Shalom is excited to host a unique pair of peace makers: a Palestinian activist and a Jewish settler rabbi! We will begin our program with a short havdalah at 8:30 pm, followed by the opportunity to hear the remarkable stories of these two brave souls and to participate in a discussion about this grassroots movements. We will then have some light refreshments before starting our selichot service with Rabbi Marc at about 11:00 pm.

Currently finishing his book, “Painful Hope,” Ali Abu Awaad is today a leading Palestinian activist teaching his countrymen non-violent resistance, and reaching out to Jewish Israelis at the heart of the conflict. Ali has toured the world many times over, telling his riveting story of violent activism, imprisonment, bereavement and discovery of the path of non-violent resistance, a story of personal transformation.

Hanan Schlesinger is an Orthodox Rabbi and teacher, and a passionate Zionist settler who has been profoundly transformed by his friendship with Ali. His understanding of the reality of the Middle East conflict and of Zionism has been utterly complicated by the parallel universe that Ali has introduced him to.

Join Ali and Hanan as they tell their personal stories and of their efforts to build a better future for their peoples. They come with no ready peace plans in hand, but only with the conviction that human understanding and trust will be the prerequisites for lasting justice, freedom and peace on that tiny sliver of land that they both call home. For more information about Roots, www.friendsofroots.net