Steph Black and Jewish Activism in the next Generation - 6/8
Virtual New England Region Brotherhood Retreat - 6/13 - 6/14
Our next "Mussar for Your Soul" series
Phone a Buddy
Scroll down to learn more!
A Message from Rabbi Plumb: Racial Justice
Dear Friends,
‘You Shall Not Stand Idly By While Your Neighbor Bleeds.’ Lev. 19:16
Abraham Joshua Heschel said: “The opposite of good is not evil; the opposite of good is indifference. In a free society where terrible wrongs exist, some are guilty, but all are responsible.”
As part of the Jewish people that has known deep suffering because of prejudice, we join with all people of faith who condemn the tragic and inexcusable death of George Floyd and renew our commitment to ending racism in all forms. Many of us are in a comfortable position where we simply do not experience the systemic racism which is endured by the black community. None of this is new, it’s just being filmed in full colour now. We cannot hide our face from this truth. It is staring right at us. In the words of Bernice King, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s daughter, this week, “Racism is not a difference of opinion”
If we woke up this morning feeling pain because of racial injustice, welcome it. It will fuel our reactions. Righteous anger, when channelled for good, can be a powerful tool. If we read the news and feel guilty, and wonder if we are doing enough to dismantle racism and lack of kavod (honour) for others, let’s use the guilt to reflect on our role in allowing prejudice to play such a large role in our society.
We are in the middle of a pandemic and are exhausted from isolation but we all have reserves of strength to be part of the groundswell of change that must happen. Over the last several weeks, we have reached out to old friends and neighbors to check on their safety. This week, reach out to African American friends, co-workers, or those who work in your neighbourhood and check on them, and offer your support. Our tradition, our prophets, and our history calls out to us to help correct injustice.
With thanks to Rabbi Malcolm Cohen for his thoughts as we navigate through this difficult time together.
This Friday at 3pm ET, The Religious Action Center will hold a conversation for young adults and students in this virtual space for conversation, which will open the door to future gatherings, learning opportunities, trainings, and activism for students and young adults. Register now The Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival ,
"Dismantling Racism: A Workbook for Social Change Groups,"by Kenneth Jones and Tema Okun
We will be offering opportunities to learn and act for racial justice over the summer. Please reach out if you are interested in being part of this learning endeavour.
Shabbat Services "From Our Home to Yours"
Friday, June 5 6:00 PM Kabbalat Shabbat Services Please join Rabbi Plumb and Ellen Allard for a virtual "From Our Home to Yours"
Saturday, June 6 9:30 - 10:30 AM Shabbat Morning Services Please join Rabbi Plumb, Rabbi Lev Friedman and Rose Spitzer reading Torah for a virtual "From Our Home to Yours"
Virtual New England Region Brotherhood Retreat June 13 - June 14
Registration Now Open!
NER FJMC Presents: VeTreat 2020
Saturday, June 13 - 8:30 PM - 11:00 PM Sunday, June 14 - 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
TheRetreat, or The Laymen's Institute as it was previously known, is the first and oldest weekend retreat for Jewish men in America. Now in its 74th year, TheRetreat 2020 at Camp Ramah has been cancelled due to the Coronavirus. However, while there is no real substitute for the in-person camaraderie, camp food and sleeping in bunks at TheRetreat, we will be holding a Virtual Retreat, a VeTreat, on the same weekend instead. . Activities will include story and joke telling by professionals, a talk by a GRAMMY nominated scholar, Havdalah, a Hearing Men's Voices session on Men and Friendship, and Sunday morning worship.
Zoom instructions will be provided upon registering, and a detailed schedule will be sent before the event. Feel free to join us for all or just some of the activities. Time will be set aside for schmoozing.
The VeTreat is free and open to all men in the New England and Connecticut Valley Regions of FJMC.as well as former TheRetreat/Laymen's Institute attendees.
Mussar for Your Soul Wednesdays, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM Classes have just started - 4 sessions remaining to join in! Open to all - seasoned Mussar learners or new to Mussar study! Click here to register
Sign-up is on-going! Phone A Friend Silverlining Buddy System
Mobile Mishkan is going strong! Check out the calendar to stay up to date.
