For many of us in the Jewish community, the killing of George Floyd on May 25 opened our eyes or reminded us of the long history and current systematic racism affecting Black communities throughout the United States. As Jews, the Torah teaches us to accept others without bias (Leviticus 19: 17-18) and that we are all made in G-d’s image (B’tzelem Elohim), values connected to the current calls for racial justice we are hearing throughout the country. Moreover, the issues of systematic racism and police violence are affecting Jews, as the Jewish community is multiracial and home to Black Jews and Jews of color.
At the Federation, we have been spending this past month learning and discussing amongst ourselves and our colleagues from across the American Jewish communal world, on how the Jewish community can better serve Black Jews and Jews of color and the steps we need to take toward developing meaningful partnerships with the Black community. Below is a collection of resources related to anti-racism, Jewish-Black relations, and the experiences of Black Jews and Jews of color.
When you want to read:
White Jews should understand why Black Americans need reparations now
Phoenix Jews of color talk identity, protests
Young Hasidic Jews mobilized their community for Black Lives Matter. Now they’re organizing online
Black Power, Jewish Politics: Reinventing the Alliance in the 1960s
When you want to listen:
Brené Brown with Ibram X. Kendi on How to Be an Antiracist
When you want to engage:
JCPA Delegates Assembly Meeting on Police Reform, July 8 from 12:00 – 2:30 PM
Unpacking the Discourse on Policing and Public Safety, July 9 at 1:00 PM
Black Lives Matter: A Conversation on Being Black and Jewish at this Moment, July 15 at 1:00 PM
Jewish Women’s Archive Book Club: “Color Me In”, July 16 at 8:00 PM
AADL Black Lives Matter Discussion Group, ongoing
ADL Fighting Racism as a Multiracial Jewish Community, recording
When you want to interact:
National Museum of African American History and Culture’s Talking About Race