Racial Justice @ TBE
The Congregation of Temple Beth Emeth affirms that racial justice is a Jewish issue.* We believe in the Jewish value of B’tzelem Elohim, that we are all made in the image of the Divine, deserving of love, safety and respect. Our society is built upon and sustained by racial bias, thus implicating our spiritual home as well. Through education and action, we will examine the impact of our biases on people of color, both within our Jewish community and beyond, and we will work to create a more inclusive community. Our prayer is that we will individually and collectively do our part to eliminate the plague of racism.
*Racial Justice is a Jewish Issue by April Baskin
JOIN TBE IN EDUCATION
Upcoming opportunities to learn and grow together as a congregation about racism, its impact on our congregation and broader community, and how we can work to be anti-racist. Contact TBE’s Social Action Committee to learn more and be a part of making future events happen: socialaction@templebethemeth.org
- Check out a book from the TBE Library. Review this list of racial justice books in our library and email our librarian to arrange pick up.
Past Events
- Participate in the 21-Day Equity Challenge from June 19-July 9, 2021 sponsored by the United Way of Washtenaw County.
- Juneteenth Shabbat (June 18-19, 2021). Contact us if you’d like to help with the planning for this weekend.
- Congregational read and book discussion of The Color of Love by Marra Gad (Spring 2021).
- Inner Journey of Anti-Racism with Rabbi Whinston and local advocate and educator Chuck Warpehoski (November 2020-February 2021).
- Yom Kippur study session with Chuck Warpehoski (September 2020)
- Film Screening and Discussion of “The Fight to Vote” with Bethel AME (January 2020)
- Leadership, Race and Diversity in the Jewish Community: April Baskin (March 2019)
LOCAL RESOURCES
- Find and support Black-owned businesses in our community through Michigan Women Forward’s listing.
- Take the self-paced five-day Equity Challenge from the United Way of Washtenaw County or go deeper with the 21-Day Equity Challenge.
- Learn more about the racial disparities in Washtenaw County through the Opportunity Index.
Additional Anti-Racism Resources
- Participate in The Great Unlearn, a monthly, self-paced learning series.
- Read, watch, and listen to these anti-racism resources for adults and kids compiled by the Jewish Federation of Greater Rochester
LEARNING & ACTION
Jewish Anti-Racism Learning for Adults
- Read: Union for Reform Judaism’s “Start Here: Racial Justice Resources for Reform Jews”.
- Read: “Racial Justice” from the Religious Action Center for Reform Judaism
- Read: “What Non-Black Jews Can Do to Combat Anti-Black Racism”
- Read: “20 Books by Black Jewish Authors You Should Read”
- Watch: “Rabbi Sandra Lawson on how not to treat Jews of color”
- Listen: Wholly Jewish podcast for episodes with many Jews of color
- Do: Take the Privilege Checklist from the Jewish Multiracial Network
Learning For Children & Families
- Visit The Brown Bookshelf for picture books, middle grade, and young adult novels written and illustrated by Black creators.
- Check out Embrace Race, an online resource featuring books, workshops, and articles.
- Read: Raising White Kids: Bringing Up Children in a Racially Unjust America
- Read: How White Parents Can Talk To Their Kids About Race | NPR
- Listen to: Integrated Schools podcast episode “Raising White Kids with Jennifer Harvey”
- Listen to Talking Race with Young Children- NPR
URJ RESOURCES
- The Statement of the Union of Reform Judaism
- Racial Justice is a Jewish Issue by April Baskin
- Watch: A Message from Jews of Color — Download the discussion guide.
If you have a suggestion for a resource for this page, please email the Social Action Committee at socialaction@templebethemeth.org.