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Rabbi Lisa's Message

11/20/24


Today is the Transgender Day of Remembrance–an international day to reflect on the lives lost to anti-transgender hate and violence. 


It is ever so important, and urgent, to mark this day on the calendar. It is upon us to make sure these lives are acknowledged, their souls uplifted, their memories made a blessing.


I have said this before, but there are times when we must repeat and repeat and repeat with full throated conviction: It is a sign of progress that we have this day on the calendar. And, it is tragic and disturbing that we even need such a day on the calendar!


As Jews, we honor the sanctity and beauty of all life. We honor the diversity of G-d’s astounding expression in this created world we inhabit. 


B'tzelem Elohim. We are all made in the image of God. 


May we walk through the world treating every human being with this fundamental truth. And whatever gets in the way must be addressed and dismantled.


Last Thursday evening I served on a panel for the Chico Area Interfaith Council’s Annual Dinner. Our theme was United Against Hate. The dinner sold out and the room was packed. Clearly people are ready to roll up their sleeves and do the work to transform the world that is--a world where this kind of hate and violence exists--into the world that ought to be. 


One of the things I shared as a panelist was the importance of standing in allyship with all groups who are marginalized and targets of hate and violence. As members of marginalized groups we are stronger together, when we stand in solidarity. And those who possess more power and privilege, our voice and visibility speak volumes when we stand in allyship. 


Today we support the LGTBQ community, we raise up trans lives, and we remember those we have lost from intolerance and hate. The Transgender Day of Remembrance reminds us that we must all use our spheres of influence to show support for one of the most marginalized and at risk populations in our community. This is urgent. Lives are at risk. 


Torah speaks firmly on this: “Do not stand idly by while your neighbor’s blood is shed.” Leviticus 19:16.


These are our values. We must live by them and show up in action, not just words. May we have the courage to not stand idly by at times such as these.

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