Sign In Forgot Password
Home

Temple Beth El Blog

Plans for Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend 2021

12/07/2020 10:11:19 PM

Dec7

by Betsy Abramson and Sherie Sondel

This year, instead of the annual retreat, members will be staying in town. Several TBE-sponsored events have been planned to help us commemorate the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. by continuing our focus on racial justice. Activities include:

  • A special Shabbat service on Friday, January 15, incorporating readings and prayers that reflect on the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. (on Facebook Live).
  • A program on Zoom on Saturday, January 16, at 1:30 pm, that will include listening to a sermon by Rabbi Angela Warnick Buchdahl on “Rethinking Race in the Jewish Community,” followed by discussion groups on the concept of race, particularly as perceived by Jews toward Jews.
  • A direct-service mitzvah project to aid African American–led organizations in Dane County. Details coming soon.
  • A Zoom program appropriate for adults and children in 4th grade and above at 10:00 am on Sunday, January 17, that will focus on Jewish participation in the Civil Rights Movement and the role of music in building solidarity. In the 1960s, American Jews made up a large percentage of white Americans who participated in the Civil Rights Movement, standing shoulder to shoulder with African Americans and strengthened by the freedom songs that were based in African American church music. Cantor Jacob Niemi and Les Goldsmith will introduce several of these iconic protest songs and explore how this music crossed racial and religious boundaries to build community. 
  • A listing of community events that you can attend from home to learn from and show your support for our African American neighbors here in Dane County.
  • We will also share more racial justice opportunities in early 2021 and include a “Racial Justice Action of the Week” in Wednesday’s Weekly Happenings emails from Temple. We hope you’ll engage in these opportunities and do the action of the week.

This weekend builds on a series of Temple-wide conversations on race this summer, when more than 70 Temple Beth El members joined in virtual conversation to talk about what Temple Beth El can do to address the changes needed in our society. It incorporates what was learned from a survey on how TBE members want to become involved, through education, service, advocacy, and forming relationships. We look forward to this chance to learn and serve together. Please contact Aleeza Hoffert if you want to help with the weekend plans or other racial justice initiatives. 

May 1, 2025 3 Iyar 5785