Like many of you, we have been heartbroken since George Floyd’s brutal treatment and subsequent death on May 25. Central to Jewish tradition is the notion that every human being is created in God’s image, that we are all equal in value and infinite in dignity. Extending from this principle is the Jewish tradition’s commitment to justice, that we are to pursue a society in which “there are no needy” (Deuteronomy 15:4) and that we must have “one law” applied equally to all people (Exodus 12:49).
And yet the recent killings of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and others remind us that our society is still plagued by injustices that are inconsistent with Jewish values. While there are positive trend lines, African Americans have yet to reach equality in metrics such as compensation, arrests, and life expectancy following hundreds of years of enslavement and nearly a century more of discrimination.
As such, we encourage you to speak out for racial justice in America. Since we are still avoiding public gatherings out of concern for health and safety, we encourage you to consider signing onto this letter from our partners at VICPP (Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy). You may also find it meaningful to learn more about an initiative to create a Civilian Review Board for our police department and to implement the “Marcus Alert,” a comprehensive approach to address police training and collaboration with behavioral and mental health professionals.
We of course recognize that there are heartfelt differences of opinion within our community about how best to achieve the justice we seek. Whether or not you you choose to sign onto the aforementioned initiatives, we encourage you to participate in Temple Beth-El’s Social Action/Tikkun Olam (SATO) activities, especially in our participation in local and statewide non-partisan, faith-based organizations working for racial justice: Richmonders Involved to Strengthen Our Communities (RISC) and VICPP. RISC is engaged in the most critical issues facing RVA, including addressing Richmond’s eviction rate (second highest in the nation) and reducing the rate of violent crimes. And VICPP works to address systemic inequality on a statewide level.
For more information on how to get involved – or to help Beth-El launch additional actions — please contact our VP, SATO and Learning, Marc Rutman ( mhrutman@rcn.com ) or SATO co-chair, Kristin Gorin ( kristingorin@gmail.com ).
There is much work to be done. If the challenge of dismantling systemic racism and ending inequality feels overwhelming now or in the days to come, remember the Mishnah’s teaching: “it is not upon you to complete the task, but neither are you free to desist from it” (Avot 2:16). None of us are able to do everything. But we can all do something. Let us, then, all do what we can to build a just and inclusive future.
Finally, please know that Temple Beth-El is here for you. We are particularly holding in our thoughts and prayers our friends and neighbors in the African American community as well as our members of color, who are feeling particularly vulnerable right now; our members whose homes and/or businesses may be in harm’s way; and those who are on the front lines ensuring our community’s health and safety during this trying time. And we also send our love and support to our friends at Congregation Beth Ahabah, whose building was damaged last weekend during one of the protests. Our clergy are holding virtual office hours, our Caring Crews initiative continues to expand, and our services and other online gatherings are lively examples of community. Do not hesitate to reach out and connect.
Please continue to take good care of yourselves and each other.
L’shalom, Rabbi Michael Rose Knopf Michael J. Doniger, President
Temple Beth-El 3330 Grove Avenue Richmond, VA 23221
