I’ve thought a great deal about why, as a Jew, I work to promote racial equity and reduce bigotry. I grew up in a Southern Jewish community in the 1940’s and 1950’s where separation based on race was enforced either by law or by convention. Blacks couldn’t attend our schools, eat in our restaurants, go to our movie theaters, or enjoy our beaches. They lived in poor neighborhoods, held working-class jobs, and had few opportunities to improve their lives. They were tolerated by most white people and vilified by others. Even as a child, I knew that racial segregation and prejudice were wrong; however, I never spoke up in opposition.
It wasn’t until I attended college in the North that I gained a clearer view of our country—I realized that although America isn’t perfect, there is potential for change. I also recognized that I, personally, have a responsibility to help “repair the world.” After college, I received a doctorate in Human Relations and Social Policy, an interracial program focusing on societal change. I also became aware that many Jews were involved in the Civil Rights Movement. I’ve never completely understood why Jews care so much about social justice—perhaps our traumatic history has enabled us to empathize with the suffering of others. Whatever the reasons, we have a long and proud tradition of fighting for equality.
So, we hope you will join us in participating in activities described in this newsletter. Some of you reading this went on Temple Beth El’s Social Justice trip to Georgia and Alabama. If so, you have already demonstrated a commitment to racial equity and hopefully will want to translate your experience into action. Others may have taken part in our book discussions and/or are thinking about what you can do locally to build bridges between Jews and the Black community. We welcome your involvement. After all, we are all interdependent – no group is secure unless all of us are secure.
The Equal Justice Initiative of Montgomery, Alabama strives to memorialize every lynching that has occurred in the US. Part of that memorialization includes collecting soil from each lynching site. PBC Remembrance is leading the effort in Palm Beach County, and on June 18 will be collecting soil at Pompey Park.
Juneteenth is the commemoration of the end of enslavement in the United States. On June 19, 1865, Union troops entered Galveston, Texas, releasing the last enslaved people from bondage. Juneteenth is now a Federal holiday, observed this year on Monday, June 20. DISC of Pearl City is planning a celebration for this day, with more information to come.
Join Rabbi Greg Weisman and the Temple Beth El community for a Civil Rights Journey to Atlanta, Montgomery, Selma, and Birmingham. This four-day experience will include visits to museums and historic sites and the opportunity to hear first-hand from participants in the Civil Rights movement. As Jews we ask ourselves what our responsibility is to combat oppression and reconcile historical injustices, and this Journey is an opportunity to more deeply understand this critical period in our nation’s history.
Temple Beth El’s racial equity mission is to inspire our congregation and community to do our part to dismantle systemic racism and build a more just world through education, relationship building and advocacy.
Racial Equity Newsletter: Help Protect The History Of Pearl City In Boca Raton Dear Equality readers, There are a few important undertakings going on in our community that we wanted […]
Racial Equity Newsletter Issue 5: Time to Show Up Welcome to the fifth issue of Temple Beth El’s Racial Equity Newsletter, Equality! Letter from Rabbi Greg Weisman Rabbi Hillel taught, […]
Racial Equity Newsletter Issue 4: Woke Racism Welcome to the fourth issue of Temple Beth El’s Racial Equity Newsletter, Equality! As we shared in the first issue, every other month […]
