Dear Temple Shalom Community,
It was with great sadness that we have watched the events of the last week unfold, both here in Boston and throughout our country. We are horrified that the murder of Black and Brown people continues and systemic racism and hate endures in our nation. We also recognize the disproportional impact of COVID-19 upon communities of color. We support those gathering peacefully to protest these injustices, and at the same time, decry violence and the destruction of our cities and communities.
At this moment, we are presented with yet another reminder of our shared responsibility in building the society we want for ourselves and future generations. Judaism teaches us that we must counter hate—sinat chinam—always and completely with Ahavat chinam—boundless love. As a Jewish community, we must educate ourselves, speak with our children about racism and hate, and recommit ourselves to working for change. When this moment of pain and violence subsides, we must not let the current and past racial injustices be forgotten.
Temple Shalom is committed to fighting racism in our country, supporting Black and Brown communities, and actively engaging in conversations about race. While this is only the beginning, below is a list of opportunities and recommendations to join us in this fight:
1. Read and educate yourself about systemic racism and oppression. To get started we are looking for temple members to lead Summer Book Groups focused on racial justice. We will train you to facilitate and help organize groups.
If you are interested in leading a group or expanding the reading of your existing book group please email Caroline Dorn to indicate your interest. At this time the need is greatest for people who are willing to facilitate. Further information about participating in the groups will be forthcoming and dependent on how many facilitators we can collaborate with.
2. For young people in high school and college, please join us on Zoom at 8:30 PM on Wednesday, June 3 for a Temple Shalom organizing meeting and Rally for Racial Justice. We know many of our youth and teens are compelled to take direct action and we are here to support you.
3. Reach out to your friends, neighbors, and fellow Jews who are people of color. They are hurting now in ways many of us can never understand. But we can offer support. We can tell them that they are seen.
4. Talk to your children about racism. In age appropriate ways they should know what is happening. Here are some great resources to help you get started. For those with children in the Newton Public Schools: FORJ - Families Organizing for Racial Justice is still operating despite the school shut-down and you can easily get involved.
All of this is just a start. There is so much more we need to do. For the three of us, white people who have experienced privilege and opportunity because of the color of our skin, we recognize our role in promoting change and fighting hate, not only in ourselves but also in our religious community. We have the power to meet hate with love and to be the change we want to see in the world. As always, we the clergy of Temple Shalom alongside our staff and lay leadership are here to support you; reach out to us anytime.
As we are taught in Pirke Avot, “It is not incumbent upon us to finish the work, but together, we must begin.” With Judaism to guide us, let’s engage in this work together.
B’Shalom,
Rabbi Laura Abrasley
Rabbi Allison Berry
Cantor Leah Shafritz
