The haftarah (section from prophets, judges, and writings) that we read on Yom Kippour - Isaiah 58 - teaches us:
הֲל֣וֹא זֶה֮ צ֣וֹם אֶבְחָרֵ֒הוּ֒ פַּתֵּ֙חַ֙ חַרְצֻבּ֣וֹת רֶ֔שַׁע הַתֵּ֖ר אֲגֻדּ֣וֹת מוֹטָ֑ה וְשַׁלַּ֤ח רְצוּצִים֙ חָפְשִׁ֔ים וְכָל־מוֹטָ֖ה תְּנַתֵּֽקוּ
No, this is the fast I desire:
loosening the chains of wrongdoing,
untying the binds of the yoke,
sending the oppressed free,
and breaking off every yoke
The prophet teaches us that fasting on Yom Kippour is not about self-deprivation simply for its own sake. If we are fasting [whether or not we are able to fast from food and drink specifically] without action, then our fast is in vain -- a performance at best.
Rather, fasting [whatever this means to each one of us] on Kippour is, and always has been, a call to action. A reminder to listen - and respond - to the calls of our own Still-Small Voices, and to the calls of our friends, fam, neighbours, community, all those around us.
וּתְשׁוּבָה וּתְפִלָּה וּצְדָקָה מַעֲבִירִין אֶת רֹעַ הַגְּזֵרָה
And return and prayer and mutual aid transform [our perspective and] the decree
The Days of Awe are a time when we are directed to engage in taking account of our souls. We are directed to examine ourselves inside - and out. This work is at once individual and collective; we are directed to start with ourselves, with our own souls - and to then recognise and realise that we are bound to the souls of others. We are all connected. None are free until all are free.
We account for ourselves, and then we share what we have.
On Yom Kippour, we are directed to "afflict our souls" and while this might be translated in any myriad of ways, we can say unequivocally that, even if it was not the case before, our souls are afflicted. Our hearts are broken. Our Still-Small Voices cry out. May this continue to move us to action.
Inspired by comrades/friends/lovers/teachers on the West Coast who put forth a similar call to action several years ago, we ask all those who are in a position to do so to contribute to answering this call.
All who are able are encouraged to participate in mutual aid as we move into Yom Kippour, and in all the days that follow.
Here are some opportunities for doing so:
You are invited to bring a non-perishable food to Kol Nidre services (or to services during Yom Kippour day if you will not be at Kol Nidre). Please bring something of the quality that you would gift to a friend were you bringing a friend food.
The food we collect will be redistributed either during the break between services on Yom Kippour day or in the few days after.
You are also invited, in addition or instead, to support friends, fam, and neighbours near and far via monetary contribution. Some suggestions (and by no means an exhaustive list):
Middle East Children's Alliance via the Palestinian Feminist Collective:
https://secure.everyaction.com/-73MDOq2iUetglwT5-jUMw2
From their callout: "The goal is to raise over $1,000,000 in order to strengthen the steadfastness of our people (تعزيز صمود شعبنا) by providing essential services including shelter, food, clean water, medical and psychological aid, and children's programming."
Ele Elna Elak:
A Palestinian-led, volunteer-driven initiative dedicated to supporting Palestinian families in need. Since 2018, they have been working to provide food, clothing, and essentials. The campaign is rooted in the profound belief that “What we own, you own…” (Ele Elna Elak). This Arabic phrase symbolizes a commitment to social solidarity and the importance of sharing resources to uplift community.
Queer Mutual Aid Lebanon: https://patreon.com/qmalebanon
Fundraiser for Beirut family (medical & moving expenses): https://www.gofundme.com/f/fundraiser-for-beirut-family-medical-and-moving-expenses
Resilience Montréal: https://www.resiliencemontreal.com/en/donate
Resilience is a day shelter offering food, clothes, a place to sleep, and support to anyone in need. They are in need of monetary and other material support.
Food Against Fascism:https://www.instagram.com/foodagainstfascismmtl/
Food servings every Saturday in Verdun. Get in touch with them if you want to support or get involved
Community Fund MTL (ongoing fundraising initiative redistributing to funds to Black and/or Indigenous community members in Tio'tia:ke). E-transfer: communityfundraisermtl@gmail.com Paypal: paypal.me/communityfundmtl
These are just a few suggestions among so many others. Mutual aid takes endless forms and of course need not be limited to monetary donations, nor limited to the work of these Days of Awe.
If you are unable to participate in any of these (or other) calls to action today, please know that there will be ongoing opportunities - whether through this kehilla or otherwise. In the words of Mariame Kaba, "we do this 'til we free us."
As we continue to engage in the work of accounting for our souls, may we continue to respond to the calls coming from inside us and around us. May we continue to notice - and respond to - our friends, fam, neighbours who might be in need of food, shelter, and other forms of care.
May we start where we are, and share what we have.