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Looking Inward, Focusing Outward: An Urgent Conversation on Racial Justice

Past Sessions
Sunday, July 12, 2020 • 20 Tammuz 5780 - 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Zoom
Wednesday, July 8, 2020 • 16 Tammuz 5780 - 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM - Zoom

The Torah teaches us: “Do not stand idly by while your neighbor’s blood is shed” (Leviticus 19:16). In this moment in history, we are called to action as allies with the African American community to stop standing by and watching African Americans bleed. Our future actions must demonstrate that we respond as a community concerned with life-affirming love and care for each person on the planet. 

We therefore urge you to add your voice to TBE’s conversation on racial justice alongside our Racial Justice Action Team. We invite you to help inform our Temple’s future actions and impact by joining one of our upcoming conversations on racial justice. 

Our teacher Hillel once taught: “In a place where there is no humanity, we must strive to be human” (Mishnah Avot 2:5). The needs of our local Madison community are pressing, and there is much that we, as a community, can do to bring our humanity to the current local and national situation. We’ll continue to ground our conversations in our Jewish values and hold space to work toward becoming effective allies in improving conditions for people of color in our congregation and in the greater Madison community. 

To allow us to hear from as many members as possible, we ask that you only attend one of the conversations. The program will be the same both times. We will record both sessions and make the recording available on our members-only page after the second session. Please provide your own snacks and beverages, as these conversations will take place over Zoom from the comfort of your home. 

At times this work can seem daunting and overwhelming. But as Rabbi Tarfon taught us in Pirkei Avot, "It is not your responsibility to finish the work of perfecting the world, but you are not free to desist from it either" (2:16).

If we each pledge to do our part, together we can effect change for good in our community. 

Contact Aleeza A. Hoffert at engage@tbemadison.org with further questions or comments.

To register, please log in to your TBE member account, and register using the links below for the session date you plan to participate in. You can also submit comments or questions in advance on the registration form. If you are not able to attend either conversation, please submit comments or questions using link provided.

I plan to participate on Wednesday, July 8, 7:30-9:30 pm: July 8 Registration Link

I plan to participate on Sunday, July 12, 10:00 am-12:00 pm: July 12 Registration Link

I am unable to participate, however would like to submit comments or questions: Comment/Question Link

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July 18, 2025 22 Tammuz 5785