Reb Lisa's Message
November 23, 2022
V’ahavta L’reacha K’mocha. Love your fellow as yourself.
B’tzelem Elohim. We are all made in the image of God.
Hate crimes, in all their forms, violate these two core Torah values.
The Jewish community feels the threatening rise in antisemitism. Our own CBI community experienced this directly when we were the target of antisemitic vandalism earlier in November. As a response we have talked about the importance of standing together with all people and communities who are vulnerable and the target of toxic hate.
With broken hearts, we stand in solidarity with the LGTBQ community as we endure yet another senseless act of violence. On the eve of the Transgender Day of Remembrance, we lost five souls in a horrific mass shooting at a night club in Colorado Springs. We raise up the names of Daniel Aston, Kelly Loving, Ashley Paugh, Derrick Rump, and Raymond Green Vance as we mourn their losses. May their memories be for a blessing. We send prayers and comfort to the families who lost loved ones.
We have been witness to a dizzying number of brutal and hateful acts toward vulnerable communities. We pray for healing and peace of mind. At the same time we must act. Passivity allows hatred to take root and flourish. What can we do to make a difference? How can we bring positive action forward? Here’s a helpful acronym:
C A R E S
Call it out
If you see or hear something hateful or demeaning to a group of marginalized people, say something. Silence implies agreement and complicity.
Advocate
Publicly show your support. Don’t be invisible.
Restore
Help repair the harm and damage done to a group or community by getting involved and/or giving of your time, talent, or resources.
Educate
Within your sphere of influence, share information to raise awareness about hate crimes, prejudice, and all the destructive “-isms” that divide people.
Solidarity
Make your allyship known, stand in solidarity with all who are vulnerable. We are stronger, together.
May we bring this kind of care into the world.
B’tzelem Elohim. We are all made in the image of God.
V’ahavta L’reacha K’mocha. Love your fellow as yourself.