Equality: 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, “Al Tifrosh Min HaTzibur – Do not separate yourself from the community” (Pirkei Avot 2:4). For the last few years, we have struggled to fulfill that instruction, amongst the calls for social distancing, Zoom Shabbat services, and a general warning against gathering in significant numbers. As a community we have found ways to remain in connection with one another, and at the same time deepened our understanding of the realities that many in our community face through our racial equity learning.

But now, as the concerns about the pandemic are receding and opportunities for community engagement are presenting themselves, it is time for us to show up. So in this issue of Equality, rather than present new ideas about racial equity to consider, we are pleased to present opportunities to engage with our neighbors in a communal spirit of the pursuit of justice. Each of these opportunities will deepen our understanding of the experience of communities of color, perhaps more importantly we will be able to do so alongside, standing shoulder to shoulder with our neighbors.

I hope that you are able to join Temple Beth El at some or all of these events, inspired by the words of Temple Member Jo Renee Fine, whose words below teach us why this work is so important.

Equality Issue 5: April 21, 2022

Message from Jo Renee Fine: "Why We Should Care"

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.

List of Upcoming Events

"Letter From a BirmingHam Jail" Lecture and Discussion
Sunday, May 1 at 3:00 pm

Ebenezer Baptist Church (200 Ruby St.)

FAU professor Dr. Candace Cunningham will be giving a lecture on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “Letter from a Birmingham Jail.” The event will include a reading, discussion, food and socialization.

This event is hosted by DISC of Pearl City (Developing Interracial Social Change), a Boca Raton-based race education and awareness group.

Palm Beach County Remembrance Project Soil Collection
Saturday, June 18 at 10:00 am

Pompey Park, 1101 NW 2nd St. Delray Beach, FL 33444

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 Celebration in Boca Raton
Monday, June 22

Ebenezer Baptist Church (200 Ruby St.)

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.

Civil Rights Journey to Georgia and Alabama
February 25 - 28, 2023

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 Racial Equity Initiative Mission

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.

Temple Beth El Racial Equity Initiative Vision

Inspired by Jewish tradition and our people’s belief that every human being is a divine creation, motivated by our obligation to see and seek the divinity in every human being, Temple Beth El of Boca Raton‘s racial equity initiative seeks to inspire members to achieve racial equity in their own lives and the lives of all they encounter.

Congregation members who join this effort will:

Participate in educational programs to recognize systemic racism in our society.
Organize educational opportunities for the temple community to understand how racial equity affects our lives.
Inspire the next generation through educational opportunities for our Early Learning Center and Religious School families.
Develop skills to engage in community efforts to improve racial equity.
Pursue partnerships in local, statewide, or national organizations working toward racial equity.
Join with faith-based institutions to expand our power and depth of resource in our community.
Internalize the concept of racial equality and act on it daily, becoming a catalyst to have others act in the same fashion.
Ultimately, activate our power, our resources, our wisdom, and our relationships to overcome systemic racism and the imbalances it creates.

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