June 1, 2020
To our beloved community of Temple Israel,
We write to you in a moment of turmoil for our country.
Racism by police or by anyone is abhorrent to us as Jews, as human beings, and as a Temple community. We are also acutely aware that the manifestation of deadly racism currently emanating out of Minneapolis is an undeniable reality in America and demands our attention. Heschel said, "some of us are guilty but all are responsible." We view this moment through that lens and as a call to the audacious work we must do.
The heartache and heartbreak courses through the streets, cities, and homes north, south, east, and west. The ember on the tinder of accumulated neglect, outright racism, and racial inequities has caught on fire. Dr. Martin Luther King taught "the arc of the universe is long but bends toward justice." And yet, it is hard to see that long arc while we are witnessing countless brutalities and fatalities caught on camera as fellow citizens are being murdered by those we expect to protect us. At the same time, we have reached the grim milestone of the loss of life to Covid-19 for 100,000 souls in our nation alone. Communities of color have suffered a disproportionate amount of loss, as long-standing social determinants of health and healthcare discrepancies continue to drive a gap through our nation. The Covid-19 virus and the virus of institutionalized racism are walking side by side.
Have we lost our way? There is a Jewish folktale of two people who encounter one another in a forest. One says to the other, "I am lost can you help me?" The other nods and responds, "I, too, am lost. Let us join with one another and look for the way together."
It will take a great effort to overcome the moral myopic recklessness that has flowed in the streams of American history and experience. We need to listen, learn, and engage together to figure out how to move forward toward restoration, healing, and impactful justice. We, as a nation, starting with our own TI community, can unite to face the despair and the rage and not be immobilized by it.
For this reason, we are dedicating this Qabbalat Shabbat at 6:00 p.m. to
Mourning and Healing for so many lives lost through the virus of Covid-19 and the virus of racism, bigotry, and hatred. There is great pain in the hearts and souls of so many. This service is one step along the way for our congregation's involvement with racial justice and work with the greater community.
As we prepare to go forward, while we practice social distancing, we still join together and offer these six ways of what our community can do today in the fight for racial justice.
- Participate in peaceful public protest - which can be done safely in many different ways.
- Donate to these organizations, who are doing work to support Black community now and always:
- Boston NAACP, a long time partner and friend of Temple Israel
- Violence in Boston, run by Monica Cannon-Grant, doing both violence prevention work and feeding community during the Covid-19 shutdown
- Mass Bail Fund, ensuring everyone can pay bail, either protesters or others held due to cash restraints. As Covid-19 spreads rapidly in jails and prisons, keeping people out of those institutions is important.
- Take a look at these resources from Temple Israel's #10Days10Ways Racial Justice Reflections campaign - actions we all can take today.
- Join Temple Israel's Service for Mourning and Healing Qabbalat Shabbat at 6:00 p.m. this Friday night on Zoom, Facebook Live, or streaming on our website, as we come together as a community in this time of pain.
- Join Temple Israel's Racial Justice Initiative as we work together on issues such as criminal justice reform, voter suppression, economic justice, and diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. Email Tali Puterman to get involved.
- Support local Black-owned businesses. See our online shuk here.
To all Jews of Color in our community, we stand with you against police brutality and against every act of hate. If you're looking to connect during this time whether for pastoral care, to share your stories or experiences as a Person of Color at our Temple, to get involved in our racial justice work, or for any other reason, please be in touch with any of the clergy and/or
Tali Puterman
The prophet, Isaiah, summoned the people:
Learn to do good.
Devote yourselves to justice;
Aid the wronged.
Uphold and defend the vulnerable.
Come, let us reach an understanding, says the Eternal. (1:17)
We, too, hear these ancient words applied to our own day. We can join with one another and look for the way together. We look forward to being together this Shabbat.
With love and hope for the future,
The Clergy of Temple Israel of Boston
We are grateful for the guiding assistance of Tali Puterman, our Assistant Director of Social Justice Engagement, Andy Tarsy and Nancy Tauber, co-chairs of the Racial Justice Initiative, and Remi Dansinger and Andy Lesser-Gonzales, co-chairs of TI Cares, all part of TIkkun Central.
