Talking About Race

 

Dear JCCP/CBT Family,

For many years, I have spoken about race and racial issues from the pulpit. I’ve tried to share my own thinking about this subject.  We have work to do if we truly want the words of the pledge of allegiance “with liberty and justice for all” to become a reality for all Americans.

Recent events, like the murder of George Floyd, the racial disparities so visibly demonstrated by the COVID-19 pandemic, and growing threat of neo-Nazi and white supremacist organizations have moved the issue of race to the forefront of our political, social, and cultural agenda. I want the members of our congregation to be engaged in this moment, gain a greater understanding of the issues, and learn how we can begin to foster better conversations about race in our community. Towards the end, we have planned two important events this winter.

On January 31, 2021, will host Rabbi Capers Funnye, who will lead our congregation in a conversation about race. Rabbi Funnye is a leading African American rabbi in Chicago who will speak to us about race and racism in America from his perspective as an African-American man and a leader in both the African-American as well as Jewish communities. Please see below for more information about the event and how to register.
  
On February 16, 2021, our synagogue book club will discuss the critically acclaimed New York Times bestseller So You Want To Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo.  This discussion will be facilitated by Rabbi Ron Roth, Rabbi Emeritus at Fair Lawn Jewish Center/Congregation B'nai Israel and a personal friend for over 30 years.  Rabbi Roth is a member of the Fair Lawn Community Relations Advisory and led the Community Read initiative in Fair Lawn.  More information will follow. Please make every effort to attend.

Lastly, I am glad that many of you had the chance to look at the blog that I recently established, which has archived many of my Shabbat messages to the congregation.  Over time, I hope to add all my Shabbat messages, as well as Shabbat and High Holiday sermons.  If you haven’t had a chance to see it you can find here: https://rabbiarthurweiner.blogspot.com

As always, your feedback and comments are always appreciated.
 
Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Arthur Weiner

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