A Letter from Rabbi Jessica

We are facing a historic moment, where the actions we take following the uprising of black and brown communities will be judged by future generations. For too long the danger that our friends, neighbors, and family members of color experience on a constant basis has been dismissed by those able to wield white privilege. We have heard so many stories of people of color being unlawfully killed by the very forces who are supposed to protect them. And yet, it wasn’t until last week that those of us in the white community really heard their cries.

The protests that have spread across our country are the voices of people whose lives have been harmed, not just from police brutality but also from systematic racism in so many domains. 

America was built on slavery and persecution. It is part of who we are. But America was also built on the idea that we can do better; that every single person should be able to pursue life, liberty, and justice. 

We read in Torah, “Justice, Justice shall you pursue. We also read, “Do not sit idly by while your neighbor’s blood is spilled.” These two verses work together, reminding us that there is no true justice until all people are treated equally. This will only happen when we all take action. 

I am continually heartbroken when I hear my friends of color explain the “talk” they must have with their children. This is not about safe sex, no, this talk is confronting the reality that police officers and other people in power can look at an 11 year old black child and see danger. That they must never get upset or angry, because every encounter with a police officer could mark the end of their lives. I will never have to worry that my child might be killed over a speeding ticket, or while taking a jog. I live in a different world. 

We read in Pirkei Avot, the Ethics of our Fathers, “It is not your responsibility to finish the work of repairing the world, but neither are you free to desist from it.”

We can no longer be paralyzed by the hard work of breaking down the systems that support white supremacy. We must rise up and support those whose voices have been silenced for too long. 

Below is the beginning of a list of ways you can support this work in your own home. A longer, more comprehensive list will be on the TBS website early next week.

Here at TBS, we will be holding a virtual service on June 12 at 7:30. Please join us in solidarity as we come together as a community to say change is necessary. 

If you are new to this discussion or feeling overwhelmed or confused, please reach out to me at Rabbi@tbsma.org. I am here to listen and to support your own journey coming to grips with the difficult reality of systematic racism and our role in sustaining it. 

Sincerely,
Rabbi Jessica

Audacious Hospitality Toolkit

A Guide to Welcoming All in Your Congregation,
Community, and Beyond from the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) DOWNLOAD HERE

We also encourage you to download our newest Audacious Hospitality resources here:
– Community Assessment – To assist your community in assessing its current practices
– How to Create DEI Working Group – Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Do Not Desist- An Anti-Racism Teen Program

The Talmud tells us that we are not obligated to finish the work of repairing the world, but neither are we free to desist.

Join Rabbi Jessica Lowenthal once a week for six weeks to explore the history of American Racism, how it has evolved over the years, and what Judaism demands of us today. We will begin with looking at our own experiences and understanding of racism in this country and then we will move into current events and how to be part of the movement against systemic racism. 

Deadline to apply is July 3. Date and time TBD by participants via doodle poll once you have submitted the application. 
Temple Beth Shalom Anti-Racism Teen Program

Contact Rabbi@tbsma.org for more information

Racial justice resources for responding to the moment

As protesters in all 50 states and cities around the globe gather to lend their voices to call for the end of systematic racism and police brutality, the Social Action Committee has compiled a list of resources to help you educate yourself and your family; find ways to engage others in meaningful discussions about race and racial inequities; and take action to support anti-racist organizations making a real difference on the front lines.

Learning about Anti-Racism

Jewish Social Justice Roundtable

Children’s books on racism:

Shop at Black owned businesses
Support organizations doing this work:

You can find more lists of organizations and book recommendations at the New York Times and Time Magazine, as well as many other news sites. 

7 Ways to Support the Black Community in Boston Now
Google documents with Anti-Racist Resources
Podcasts & Videos