I Decided To Make This Day of Hate, “A Day of Love” Toward My Jewish Brothers & Sisters

It was reported that various white supremacists’ organizations and individuals planned a “Day of Hate” against the Jewish people for this Saturday. The moment I learned about this, I immediately reached out to my Rabbinic friends and Jewish colleagues to find out if this was true and how the two churches that I pastor, Bright Star Church Chicago, and St. James Church Chicago, could support. Before receiving their response, I decided to answer my own question… just SHOW UP! I had a full schedule of activities planned for this Saturday, but some things are worth inconveniencing yourself. To me, that is what unconditional love and authentic relationship requires.

One of my favorite scriptures in the Bible says in Proverbs 17:17 “A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” I initially thought to write a statement and send it out to be read at the various synagogues during Shabbat services, but I believe there is nothing more profound than what I call the ministry of presence. Showing up! That is exactly what I did by attending the services of my extended families at Anshe Emet Synagogue (Rabbi Michael Seigel – my brother from another mother) and Temple Sholom of Chicago (Rabbi Shoshanah Conover – my sister from another mister). I felt the responsible to be with those I love and care about and the warm receptions allowed me to know this was a God-led moment. Honestly, I wish I could have visited every synagogue I have had the privilege to partner with over the years but only God is omnipresent.

“In the End, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” Dr. Martin Luther King

Sadly, many people spew hateful words under the banner of ‘free speech.’ In my humble opinion, it should not be considered ‘free’ when it costs the rest of us our peace, sanity, and tranquility. It affects our quality of life and gives fear free reign in our society. This is no way to live, and it affects all our quality of life. But I take this time to raise a concern that somewhat frustrates me after more than a decade of working to build bridges between the African American and Jewish Communities in Chicago and around this country. Why is it we only come together during Dr. Martin Luther King’s birthday, when tragedies happen, or when there is a threat of racism and antisemitism? It is abundantly clear to me that episodic efforts don’t work, aren’t sustainable and feel-good moments aren’t enough. We must do more.

The irony is, on Monday, February 20^th I was the guest of Dean Bell, President and CEO of Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership where he hosted a Critical Conversations guest panel discussing #CombatingAntisemitism. One of the panelists, Nancy K. Kaufman said exactly what I have been saying for ten years now. “We need to seriously invest in building relationships and creating strategies to bring our two communities together, consistently.” I wanted to run on the stage and hug her but I couldn’t help but to notice such a profound statement went over most of the heads in the audience.

I believe the opportunity for unity between our communities would be stronger if we would begin to focus on people and not get distracted by politics. I love America and Israel, but I certainly do not agree with all the politics, politicians nor policies of both great countries. I have noticed, those three things often derail most efforts to bring the African American and Jewish communities together. We must focus and figure out sustainable ways to “keep the main thing, the main thing.” The main thing in this case is UNITY! Every time I speak, I say we are #BetterTogether. With racism and antisemitism spiking, we must bring our communities together, consistently not just annually. This is how real relationship is built and bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood are created. Both communities have suffered greatly and I am convinced our collective strength could be far louder than the voices of hate and division.

“Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

I work with many Jewish synagogues, organizations, and Hillel’s in our city and beyond. I have been to Israel seven times and co-led interfaith trips of 75+ faith leaders to the Holy Land. Bright Star Community Outreach (501c3) has successfully partnered with NATAL in Tel Aviv to provide trauma counseling to 50,000+ Chicagoans who are victims of violence and trauma through faith and community leaders, based on the Israeli model. This year I will accompany Rabbi Yehiel Poupko and others to Poland to continue my learning and further strengthen the bonds between our communities. You see, the work I do now is inspired by what Dr. King and Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel as well as Booker T. Washington and Julius Rosenwald did back then. Not just words, but work. They did the work! And we cannot continue to take credit for the work they did, it is our turn. Our episodic events and feel-good efforts pale in comparison to what our communities did together decades ago, and we should be asking ourselves, what more can we do?

On Sunday, February 26^th, Bright Star & St. James will have a Black History Production during our joint 9AM & 11AM joint in-person and virtual worship services. I plan to share a few ideas to further bridge the gap that exists between the Jewish and African American Community. Feel free to come in or tune in, we have work to do and you are welcome to join us. We can no longer be reactive; we must be proactive when it comes to racism and antisemitism. I am now more determined than ever to launch the #BetterTogetherConference that will bring our communities together for common-unity!

“Doing What I Can; While I Can; With What I Have; Within HIS Will.”

Pastor Chris Harris (PCH)