Faith, community and social justice

UTICA, N.Y. >> On Friday, May 31, and Saturday, June 1, join Temple Emanu-El for a two-day guest lecturer and workshop series featuring acclaimed speaker Emet M’ayaan, a Jewish parent and queer, transgender person, originally fromNew York and now living in Albuquerque, N.M.

M’ayaan is the founder and former executive director of Fathers Building Futures, a social enterprise that is managed by, and for, formerly incarcerated parents. This event series will provide an opportunity to learn from someone devoted to social justice, cross community collaboration, and Jewish community.

On Friday, May 31, at 6 p.m., there will be a Shabbat dinner at Temple Emanu-El followed by Friday night services at 7 p.m. During services, M’ayaan will speak about his life journey and how it has connected to his Jewish identity. This event is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is required.

On Saturday, June 1, at Temple Emanu-El, M’ayaan will offer two workshops – one for teens aged 1318 from 1:30-2:30 p.m., and one for adults aged 18-plus from 3-5 p.m. These workshops will focus on “Living with Jewish Integrity: Braiding our Jewish Values and Social Justice.” M’ayaan’s facilitation and group work will enable participants to be more aware of their own values and their own call for action. Both workshops are free and open to the public. Pre-registration is required.

To register for the Friday night dinner, guest lecture, or one of the Saturday workshops, call Temple Emanu-El at 315-724-4177, or email teutica@gmail.com by Thursday, May 30.

Formore information about Emet M’ayaan and Fathers Building Futures, visit www.fathersbuildingfutures.com.