Brit Olam Racial Justice Cohort

As a multiracial community, the RAC has the ability to dismantle racism starting within the Movement and extending to the criminal justice system. 

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

Becoming Antiracist Congregations

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

Ensuring Voices are Heard and Votes Counted

I enjoyed text-banking Ohio voters about the Citizens Not Politicians amendment through the RAC’s non-partisan Every Voice, Every Vote campaign. I felt that I was doing my part to repair the world while I was empowered by engaging with voters.