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Racial Justice at Temple Sinai

06/10/2020 11:04:55 AM

Jun10

Rabbi Brad Levenberg

Many have asked how Temple Sinai is responding to the demonstrations and calls for systemic change that are capturing the hearts and minds of so many in our country. There have been a number of efforts already undertaken. For those interested in opportunities moving forward, (a) see below for opportunities taking place this week, and (b) email Rabbi Brad Levenberg here to be added to the Racial Justice distribution list.

This movement is important and the steps below are essential to creating change. However, it is happening during a unique time amidst a worldwide pandemic. Please keep in mind that there are many ways to participate, some that do not allow for social distancing and many that do. While Temple Sinai clergy are out in the public, they take all the necessary precautions to stay safe. We hope that you find a way to participate that makes you feel comfortable.

Activism

  • Members of Sinai continue to gather almost every night at Centennial Park near the CNN building (starting around 5:30 pm).

  • On Friday, June 12 at 1:00 pm at the corner of Johnsons Ferry and Roswell Road, there will be a peaceful protest. Bring signs, masks, and water.

  • On Saturday, June 13, Sinai members can join a peaceful march for change and justice in our nation taking place in Smyrna. Marchers will walk at 10:00 am from Campbell Middle School (3295 Atlanta Road SE, Smyrna, GA) to the Smyrna Police Department (2646 Atlanta Road SE). Parking will be at Brawner Hall.

  • On Sunday, June 14, a youth rally will take place from 3:00 pm-5:30 pm at Taylor Brawner Park (3180 Atlanta Road SE, Smyrna, GA). Topics to be discussed include voter registration (offered onsite), local government, black mental health in times of trauma, how to be an activist, and what it means to be an ally.

  • By now we are all painfully aware of the disgrace that took place on primary day yesterday. Earl and Susan Wasserman have launched efforts to engage in voter registration and election monitoring. Email them directly here to volunteer so that our experience yesterday is not our experience come November.

Advocacy

  • We have actively worked to promote the passage of Hate Crimes Legislation, efforts through the ADL steered by Scott Zucker, member and Past President of Sinai.

    • Text “hatefreega” to 52886 to sign the Petition demanding hate crimes legislation in Georgia.

    • Click here to easily send an email to our Senators and Lieutenant Governor demanding passage of HB426 (the House approved Hate Crimes bill)

    • Encourage others to do the same by SHARING THIS BLOG POST.

  • Efforts will soon begin to address issues of voter suppression in Georgia. Email Rabbi Levenberg here for more information.

Education

  • Join Sinai member Melanie Nelkin and Rabbi Sam Trief in a congregational reading of How to Be an Antiracist. This best-selling book by Ibram X. Kendi's reenergizes and reshapes the conversation about racial justice in America--but even more fundamentally, points us toward liberating new ways of thinking about ourselves and each other. This book is so popular, it is difficult to get your hands on a hard copy. We recommend downloading the ebook or audiobook (we suggest supporting a black-owned online bookstore). Click here for a link to a recommended bookstore. Reach out to Rabbi Sam Trief here if you need help doing so. We will join together on Tuesday, July 7 at 7:30 pm to unpack the book as a community. Visit the Sinai website for articles and other resources to supplement your reading (they will also be helpful if you can’t get through the book in time for the discussion!).

  • Rabbi Sam Trief and Rabbi Brad Levenberg will bring back their popular "Netflix Chats with Rabbis" class on the subject of race relations. Dates and films will be announced in the coming days.

And so much more. Please be in touch with Rabbi Levenberg for more timely emails and up-to-date information. Together we can stand up to injustice and make a difference in our community.

Thu, March 28 2024 18 Adar II 5784