Racial Justice

Judaism teaches us to pursue justice, not just with words, but with sustained action. The Racial Justice Initiative (RJI) focuses on learning, self-reflection, dialogue, and community advocacy related to dismantling systemic racism.

The RJI partners with other congregations and institutions in town to seek opportunities to learn more about intersectional identity, privilege, systems of oppression, and the work of antiracism.

Temple Israel has recently finished our 4th cohort of the Building Racial Stamina program. Designed by Deitra Reiser, Ph.D., and led by our trained Temple Israel facilitators, Berta Ackerson, Cat King, and Ellen Platt. Building Racial Stamina is an interactive eight-week curriculum designed to raise individual awareness, encourage personal transformation and ultimately, grow an antiracist community. Please reach out to Allyson Genereux, our Membership Engagement Coordinator, to let her know if you are interested in joining a future cohort.

Lay Leader Contact: Sally Kaplan

Wondering how this work connects to Jewish tradition and teachings? Reach out to Rabbi Deana Sussman Berezin. Our clergy are always happy to talk about the “why.”

Have questions about how to get involved? Contact Allyson Genereux