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Weekend Reflecting on the Work of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 

01/25/2021 06:18:09 PM

Jan25

This year, instead of the annual retreat, Temple Beth El continued its focus on racial justice with a series of weekend events dedicated to the memory and message of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

On Friday night, January 15, the Shabbat service was steeped in history, reflection, and prayer. Cantor Jacob Niemi opened the service with “Take My Hand, Precious Lord,” the beautiful song by Mahalia Jackson sung at Dr. King’s funeral. Les Goldsmith led us in touching songs and prayers including the important message of the old-time favorite “Blowin’ in the Wind.” Rabbi Jonathan Biatch spoke about how Dr. King never gave up hope of achieving equality and unarmed truth and looked to God to ask for strength to continue to lead. His message was that only light can drive out darkness and only love can drive out hate. We were reminded that the majority of Americans are diverse and tolerant, and systemic racism will only be stopped through the tireless efforts and work of good people, a need that calls us to action as a Temple Beth El community.

On Saturday, January 16, 25 congregants listened to a sermon by Rabbi Angela Warnick Buchdahl entitled “We Are Family: Rethinking Race in the Jewish Community.” Many of us were surprised to learn that among American Jews, 12% to 15% are people of color. Although the idea that Jews are a race or a tribe is sometimes a source of Jewish identity, it has also been used as a way of excluding and endangering Jews, from the times of Pharaoh to the events in Charlottesville and beyond. Rabbi Buchdahl challenged us to think of ourselves as a family, to identify our common ground as Jews in a rapidly changing world. After the sermon, we broke into three groups to talk about the different kinds of people who may have a sense of “otherness” at TBE and what we might do to make our synagogue more welcoming to Jews of color.

On Sunday morning, January 17, a family educational program focused on Jewish participation in the civil rights movement and the role of music in building solidarity. Cantor Niemi and TBE song leader Les Goldsmith explored how protest songs crossed racial and religious boundaries to build community. The cantor noted that freedom songs were the soul of the civil rights movement, helping to internalize the values and ideals of racial justice, dissipate fear, and promote social cohesion and unity of purpose. Although meaningful, the songs were intentionally simple and easy to adapt to our own verses and circumstances. Members of the choir sang a moving rendition of “We Shall Overcome.”  Erica Serlin led a discussion of our reaction as Jews to a letter from a Jewish freedom fighter and how it feels to be involved in racial justice advocacy.

Over the Martin Luther King Jr. weekend, the Temple Beth El community engaged in an enormous outpouring of generosity as members contributed to a supply drive organized by Nehemiah on behalf of the Allied Wellness Center. We provided supplies for babies and toddlers, including diapers, wipes, formula, and baby food. We answered a called for personal wellness supplies for teens, including body wash, shampoo, deodorant and lotion. TBE members helped collect, deliver and stock the shelves of the Allied Wellness Center. Members also made monetary gifts of over $2,000, which we used to purchase bus tickets and gas and grocery cards. Allied Wellness Center chaplain Gloria Farr said that these items were desperately needed, and we were thrilled to be able to respond. Nehemiah and the Allied Wellness Center have ongoing needs and ongoing volunteer opportunities. Contacts Betsy Abramson at betsyabramson@gmail.com or 608-332-7867 for more information. 

April 19, 2024 11 Nisan 5784