Racial Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion

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Favorite Jewish Teachings from Leaders of Color

Yolanda Savage-Narva

June 2, 2022

In honor of Shavuot and the Giving of the Torah, I have been spending some time reflecting on some of my favorite teachings from Jewish sacred literature, both those that resonate with me, and those that feel most important or most timely.

LGBTQ+ Equality

Pride 2022: Celebrating and Fighting for LGBTQ+ Equality in June and Beyond

Rachel Klein

May 27, 2022

In the story of creation, the first story we read in the Torah, we learn that every person is created b'tzelem Elohim - in the holy image of God (Genesis 1:27). Discrimination against any person arising from apathy, insensitivity, ignorance, fear, or hatred is inconsistent with this fundamental belief. It is this principle that guides that Reform Movement's advocacy for LGBTQ+ equality.

Racial Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion

RAC-IL Celebrates Signing of Fair Housing Legislation

Contact: Helen Chernikoff, HChernikoff@westendstrategy.com, 917-224-0382

May 24, 2022

Yesterday, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed HB 2775, a historic bill that prohibits source of income discrimination in housing. The Illinois Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism (RAC-IL), encompassing 50,000 Reform Jews in 25 congregations, worked with the Illinois Coalition for Fair Housing to secure passage of this bill.

Current Events

A Letter to the Jewish Community

Jill Housen

May 19, 2022

I read a quote today by Sy Smith that said, "Black people in the U.S. are expected to keep on keeping on, no matter what..."

Antisemitism and Hate Crimes

Reform Jewish Movement Responds to Massacre in Buffalo

Contact: Sarah Garfinkel, sgarfinkel@westendstrategy.com, 202-776-7700

May 14, 2022

"The pain of today’s massacre in Buffalo will endure among the racist horrors in American history. We pray for the loved ones of those murdered, for the city to find healing, and for our nation to awaken fully to the need to address the racism that continues to plague us."