The Omer is the period of time between the Jewish holiday of Passover and Shavuot (a period of 49 days). During this time–which is considered to be a period of mourning–there is a tradition of not shaving or cutting one’s hair during that time. If you live in places like Williamsburg, Austin, Silverlake, The Mission, or any of the other national nabes where beard is the new black, this is the perfect excuse to join in the fun. If you already look like Paul Bunyan, we suggest you chant the mantra of “grow baby, grow,” because Jewcy is growing beards for charity.
This year, members of the Jewcy.com community in Los Angeles are taking up the challenge to grow beards and raise money for Jewish Family Service Los Angeles (JFS) and their hunger related programs. JFS is one of the agencies on the ground in our community providing support for those suffering from food insecurity. Food and hunger related programs and services offered by JFS include the SOVA Community Food & Resource Program, where groceries and other supportive services are provided to more than 10,000 individuals a month.
So what’s the challenge? For either 33 days or 49 days (varying traditions), we challenge participants to:
1. Shave your face clean by April 19th.
2. COMMIT to not shaving or cutting your beard for either 33 or 49 days.
3. Grow a beard to raise money for a defense against hunger in your community (If you are in Los Angeles by having people donate to JFSLA in honor of your beard growing).
Ladies are welcome to participate in whichever way they see fit, and if you would like to organize in a community outside of Los Angeles we can work on setting it up.
If you want to take on the Omerathon challenge you can register here by April 19th.
To donate to the Omerathon challenge in Los Angeles click here.
UPDATE 4/15/11: In Philadelphia, we’re doing this with the help of Mitzvah Food Project to support the amazing work of Greater Philadelphia Coalition Against Hunger.
To donate to the Omerathon challenge in Philly click here.
Terrific story! Prefer appreciated a checking. I’m hoping for reading a great deal more from your business. I’m sure that you’ve good perception and additionally sight. My corporation is tremendously influenced due to this critical information.
I love reading through a post that will get people to believe. Furthermore, thank you for permitting me in order to opinion!