“Because community can be fractured and slippery and seemingly ever at risk of dissolution at the same time that it can consistently regroup and resolder itself, mutate in ever-new fashions, form a balm to meet needs in ways it is difficult to predict or imagine.”
- Casey Plett, “On Community”
My therapist first recommended this book to me after expressing frustration over how folks often preach about the importance of “community," but neglect to nurture 1:1 connections. I chose this quote as a reminder that while community can often seem nebulous and messy, it’s also an incredibly sustaining force that we have the power to create and care for.
Sylvie Nelson (she/they) is a Queer, Neurodivergent interdisciplinary artist and educator. Originally from Oakland, CA, they are now going on their 8th year in NYC. Sylvie has spent the past 5 of those years working with Lab/Shul in various capacities and is excited to now be acting as the Programs & Communications Coordinator. Sylvie is currently pursuing a Sex Educator Certification through Everyone Deserves Sex Ed. She holds a B.F.A in Drama from NYU Tisch School of the Arts’ Experimental Theatre Wing and a minor in Creative Writing. While their background is in theatre, they practice a mix of different artistic modalities. They are passionate about how we can use art to interrogate the societal narratives taught around body politics, gender, and sex education.
Prepent daily posts will be shared via Substack on weekdays from the New Moon of Elul, August 25, 2025 until the Eve of Yom Kippur, October 1, 2025.
Check your inbox for daily reflections from the Lab/Shul team, friends, and partners. Reflect, comment, share.
We welcome you to also join us for the High Holy Days of Awe 9/26-10/2 and be sure to Follow Lab/Shul on Instagram + Facebook to stay up to date on content and happenings.
Welcome to PREPENT 2025/5786