Speaking out to say Black Lives Matter ✊
A long overdue update
It's been a while since I last wrote. Time has flown. Between starting my new job at InterfaithFamily, which is now called 18Doors, and the absolute time warp of life during a pandemic, I'm sorry I've been so out of touch with updates.
What can I say? You probably already know that in December, I officially became a contributing columnist at The Forward. I've written a few pieces since, and you can find them all here. I'll highlight a few of my most recent essays below.
I also have a bunch of speaking gigs coming up, and you can find more details about them at the bottom of this email. Bonus: because of COVID19, they're all online, free, and available to you wherever in the world you are!
It's been a hard few weeks
It all started over the Victoria Day weekend (that's one week before Memorial Day, for the Americans) when an article throwing a bucket of ice water on so much work to advance inclusion of Jews of Colour in the Jewish community was published on a website that is basically the Jewish professionals' trade blog, eJewishPhilanthropy. It immediately (rightfully) ignited a firestorm. The comments section lit up, responses were posted, sign-on letters were generated, and strong statements were issued.
I published a piece in The Forward, weighing in on the controversy and you can find it here: Jews of Color Deserve an Accurate Count.
Of course, in the background of all of this was anxiety and anticipation about COVID-19, with news of furloughs and layoffs and potential mergers rocking the Jewish communal world. It was in the shadow of this that I contributed to The Forward's After Corona supplement with a short reflection you can find here: Fewer Barriers, More Intimacy.
In Memory of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and all the other black lives lost to racist violence
It was against that backdrop that something cracked open. Yet another murder of an unarmed black man by overzealous police was caught on camera. This time, in something I hadn't witnessed since the Rodney King Uprisings of the early 90s, communities across the country - indeed world - spilled into the streets to demand an end to police brutality and institutional racism.
In response, I wrote my most personal piece yet for The Forward, which you can find here: Why will this time be different than all other times?
The day before the publication of this piece of my heart,I was able to put some thoughts into an article for JTA, ‘Believe us’: Black Jews respond to the George Floyd protests, in their own words, and in the days following I was honoured to be included on Kveller's list of 13 Jews of Color to Follow on Social Media Right Now.
The times are scary, but I am heartened by the fact that so many people are listening, seemingly in ways they never have before. Over the next week, I'll have a few chances to share my thoughts in public conversations and panels. I hope you'll be able to join one or more of them.
Something feels broken right now and I can't tell if it's broken to pieces or broken open. I think it's probably up to us to decide. Let's stay in this together and fight fight fight for the changes we want to see in this world. I will if you will.
Upcoming Events
Kiddush & Conversation
Saturday, June 6, after Shabbat morning services (approximately 12:15 PM EDT)
In conversation with Rabbi Yael Splansky at my synagogue (and the synagogue that I served as Director of Community Engagement until last October!) about the growing protests against police brutality in the United States and our role as Jews in addressing systemic racism.
Find Zoom information here.
An Evening of Deep Listening; Facing and Combating Racism With/In the Jewish Community
Monday, June 8, at 8:00 PM EDT
A Jewish community-wide dialogue with Jews of Colour—Canada in response to the reality of racism both within and outside our community.
Register online and stream the conversation.
In Conversation at the House
Monday, June 8, at 9:00 PM EDT
In conversation with educators and advocates Tema Smith and Sara Yacobi Harris, on intersectionality and growing up as a Torontonian Jew of colour.
Tune in on Facebook live.
Racial Injustice is a Jewish Issue: Reflecting on a Turbulent Week in America and Opportunities for Change
Tuesday, June 9, at 3:00 PM EDT
A conversation presented by the Jewish Democratic Council of America
Register online for Zoom information.
Jews of Colour In Canada: Let’s Talk!
Wednesday, June 10, at 8:15 PM EDT
A conversation presented by Moishe House Montreal
Zoom information available here.
As always, you can find more about my upcoming events
on my website.