I just returned from a few days In Florida visiting family and friends.
I just returned from a few days In Florida visiting family and friends. It was awkward being in airports and flying on airlines, but, all in all, it felt safe to see loved ones again.
Yesterday, before coming back to DC I learned of the jury’s verdict in George Floyd's murder trial. Baruch HaShem! This decision is a critical milestone in the struggle of Blacks for their human rights in this country and for all Americans to embrace a new day, a new era.
Many verses in the Sedrah this week speak to the verdict. From Leviticus 19:15: “You shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: you shall not give special consideration to the the poor, nor honor the person of the mighty: but in righteousness you shalt judge your neighbor.”
Am Kolel and Kehila have been much more engaged these past couple of years in addressing racism, gun violence, economic disparities and more. We need more of our members and friends to speak out and to support those efforts that preserve democracy and fight for human rights. We will continue to share with you opportunities for making a stronger collective impact.
While in Florida I was able to attend, virtually, several sessions of the 13th J Street Conference. While repetitious, it was quite impressive to hear the testimonials of so many congressional leaders, all democrats, of course, praising the work of J Street and their shared commitment to preserve Israel’s democratic principles, institutions and the vision for a two state solution that preserves Israel as a democratic Jewish state and supports the aspirations of the Palestinian people for their own democratic state.
Once again, as in previous years, Israeli and Palestinian leaders, as well as representatives from such organizations as Breaking the Silence, Combatants for Peace, Rabbis for Human Rights and Taghyeer decried the continued oppression of the Palestinian people, the confiscation of their lands, restrictions on their lives and continued home demolitions. As Jews we should be ashamed of the injustices and pain that continue on this sacred land shared by two peoples. They need to breathe, too.
This week’s Parsha, Kedoshim, also instructs us “You shall love your neighbor as yourself...”.
Am Kolel, for years has been a major supporter of J Street, largely due to the generosity of the Wagner family. These past two years donations that you, also, have contributed have helped to support a joint project with J Street U (university students) in establishing a center in the West Bank village of Jabbet al Dib for a health clinic. We also support Taghyeer, Heartbeat Jerusalem, Seeds of Peace and several other grassroots organizations of Israel and Palestinians working for a better future for all. It is all about building relationships, getting to know each other. Everyone agrees that the government and leaders on both sides have failed their peoples. Our hope is with the younger generation. Our hope is also in our ability to amplify our voices for justice and peace.
On the eve of the secular Earth Day we invite you to participate in some way. We also invite to come and celebrate Lag BaOmer with us on May 2 on the sacred land of our Sanctuary Retreat Center. More information coming.
Brachot,
Reb David