Whether your community has been working thoughtfully on issues of racial justice and inclusion for a long time, or if you are just starting out, this cohort will support you in the work of becoming more diverse, aware, and impactful in your activism.
The Brit Olam work encompasses multiple ways to join a network of congregations working together toward a common goal.
Your congregation or community may choose to join a RAC state project, an issue-based cohort, or both.
In this way, each individual action can amplify and increase the impact of all others. We are doing things together.
Jewish Values
In the Torah, Jews are taught to accept others, without prejudice or bias. The Torah states "You shall not hate your kinsfolk in your heart. Reprove your kinsman, but incur no guilt because of him. You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against your countrymen. Love your fellow as yourself: I am the Eternal" (Leviticus 19: 17-18). For more on racial justice and Jewish values, check out:
- Reflect, Relate, Reform - a framework designed for synagogues and communities to spur learning and conversation about racial diversity, about the deep racial disparities that afflict our society, about how we as Reform Jews can join the struggle for racial justice.
- Reform Movement Resolutions - The Reform Movement and the RAC work together across lines of difference to fight the structural racism that is embedded in our society and to advance justice for all people, regardless of race or ethnicity.
Federal Legislative Action Opportunities
Ensuring opportunity for returning citizens – Urge Congress to pass the Fair Chance Act which would even the playing field in the job market for formerly incarcerated people.
Restoring Voting Rights – Urge Congress to pass the Voting Rights Advancement Act (VRAA) which would restore protections against restrictive and discriminatory voting laws.
Resources and Educational Opportunities
Dismantling Systemic Racism
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Ending Discriminatory Money Bail Resource Guide – Rooted in our Jewish faith and teachings, we are commanded to create a fair and unbiased legal system that upholds human dignity while meting out justice. Learn how your community can bring us one step closer by ending money bail.
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Record Restriction Toolkit (Expungement) – Download this toolkit created by leaders from The Temple Hebrew Benevolent Congregation in Atlanta, GA that walks through their process of implementing a record restriction summit,action around record expungement,in their wider community. Watch the video about their process to help your community replicate this action.
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Partner Resources on Voting Rights – For resources on voting rights, we recommend visiting the websites of our partner organizations.
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Connect with Communities – Connect with other communities working to dismantle systemic racism in our society.
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Explore RAC Reads – Review the RAC’s recommended reading list for books that address issues relating to racial justice. This page provides reading suggestions alongside discussion guides.
Becoming Antiracist Congregations
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Jews of Color (JOC) Educational Resource Module - This toolkit is designed to help us think through how we can proactively create a community fully supportive to all members, including Jews of color, proactively and equally.
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Audacious Hospitality Pilot Toolkit – Download the Audacious Hospitality Pilot Toolkit which is to support congregational and Jewish communal leaders to embrace the diversity that is the reality of modern Jewish life.
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Audacious Hospitality Resources in the Tent – Utilize other Audacious Hospitality resources in the Tent, like the Community Racial Justice Checklist, a recommended reading list, and a handout on colorblindness and microaggressions.
- Connect with Communities – Connect with other communities dedicated to transforming Reform Jewish congregations into antiracist institutions through education and policy implementation.
What's New
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