Our Jewish tradition teaches us a great deal about responsibility and acting on our values.
These past weeks, I am reminding myself quite often of the lesson from Rabbi Tarfon in Pirkei Avot (Ethics of our Fathers): “It is not your responsibility to finish the work, but you are not free to desist from it either.”
As we are reeling from devastating gun violence, and worrying about the verbal but consequential attacks on women’s reproductive rights, we know we cannot be silent.
In this email we are inviting our community into learning, conversation, and action on two of the most troubling issues of this moment. Below are available classes, organizations, marches and discussions that we hope leaves no one feeling alone.
As Arik Einstein’s legacy reminds us, “You and I, we’ll change the world. You and I, then all will follow.”
Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions, suggestions, or comments.
Diane Fisher, Director
Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC)
[email protected]
Gun Violence Prevention
“One who takes a life, it is as though they have destroyed the universe. And one who saves a life, it is as though they have saved the universe.”
TAKING ACTION
June 3-5, 2022
WEAR ORANGE
Support National Gun Violence Awareness Day by WEARING ORANGE. You can connect with a WEAR ORANGE event near you by visiting wearorange.org.
Our local MOMS DEMAND ACTION, Silicon Valley is also hosting a WEAR ORANGE event June 4, 2022.
June 11, 2022
MARCH FOR
OUR LIVES
12:00 – 4:00 pm | Starting at San Jose City Hall
March for Our Lives is a youth-led movement dedicated to promoting civic engagement, education, and direct action to eliminate the epidemic of gun violence.
Join their march and support ending gun violence.
Sing-up HERE for further details.
Sign the Petition
Everytown for Gun Safety immediate action to combat the proliferation of ghost guns. Ask lawmakers to ACT NOW. SIGN THE PETITION.
LEARNING MORE & JOINING THE CONVERSATION
Resources
Did you know over 110 people are killed DAILY by gun violence in this country?
Or that over 200 are wounded?
To learn more about gun violence research, visit: Everytown for Gun Safety or Giffords Law Center.
Join an Organization
There are several national organizations doing amazing work to address this public health crisis. These organizations provide meaningful ways to join the fight and offer opportunities to act at the federal, state, and sometimes local levels.
The Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism
Perspectives on Reproductive Rights
FREE classes, panels, discussions, and a podcast with local Rabbis.
HOW JEWS TALK ABOUT ABORTION
Shalom Hartman Center’s – Crisis/Identity Podcast
Listen HERE.
Yehuda Kurtzer (President of Shalom Hartman Institute of North America) and Michal Raucher (Rutgers University) examine the Jewish communal conversation around abortion.
June 8, 15, & 22, 2022
ABORTION THROUGH MULTIPLE LENSES
ABORTION THROUGH MULTIPLE LENSES
FREE | 7:30 – 8:30 pm | Sign Up HERE
Sponsored by New Lehrhaus, the Bay Area’s non-denominational life-long Jewish learning institution.
The abortion debate has reached a fever pitch following the leak of the Supreme Court majority opinion suggesting the demise of Roe vs. Wade. If it is overturned, what other personal freedoms will be in danger: transgender health services, gay marriage, contraception?
Instructors: Rachel Biale, Dr. Debbie Bamberger, Prof. Carole Joffe, Roslyn Banish, Linda Scaparotti, Shalhevet Sarah Robinson, Rabbanit Michal Kohane
June 29, 2022
REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE: A VIRTUAL PANEL DISCUSSION
REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE: A VIRTUAL PANEL DISCUSSION
FREE | Register HERE.
Experts specializing in various fields will discuss the practical faith and policy aspects of reproductive justice. With Assembly member Cristina Garcia, Nurse-Midwife Bethany Golden, and Rabbi Nancy Kasten (member of Reform Rabbis for Repro).
Presented by the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) San Francisco & Robin Brasso Social Justice Initiative
June 13, 2022
REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS: WHERE ARE WE? WHAT'S NEXT?
REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS: WHERE ARE WE? WHAT'S NEXT?
FREE | Email r[email protected] for details.
Highlighting learnings from the sessions above, Cantor Devorah Felder Levy (Congregation Shir Hadash), Rabbi Faith Joy Dantowitz (Congregation Emeth), and Rabbi Zoe McCoon (Temple Beth Torah – Fremont) will reflect and open dialogue with our local community on where we are and what our next communal steps should be.
