"Justice, justice shall you pursue..." (Deuteronomy 16:20)
Our commandment to pursue justice repeats the word justice (tzedek). Perhaps it is to underscore its importance. And perhaps it is to remind us to pursue justice with justice.
Jews often like to talk. We talk about our families, our texts, our holiday plans, what gives us joy and what keeps us up at night.
Sometimes it is more important to listen. And for some members of our community, this is one of those times. If we are white people, we must really listen to Black people.
The articles and resources below were particularly recommended by and/or highlight the voices of Black people. Please listen to these voices and the voices of the Black members of our congregation, of Detroit, and of our country. And then, and only then, act for change. Then repeat.
Black Jews respond to the George Floyd protests, in their own words
Ways Your Congregation Can Act Now for Racial Justice
Your Kids Aren't Too Young to Talk About Race: Resource Roundup
Pastor Aramis Hinds' video on Facebook
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar reflects on George Floyd protests
In the past week I have marched, I have donated, I have read, I have watched, I have prayed. I have written and I have spoken about the fundamental truth that Black Lives Matter. All of those actions are important. The most important thing I have done is listen.
I am listening.
-Rabbi Ariana Silverman & Vadim Avshalumov, IADS President