Submitted by the Racial Justice Subcommittee of the Social Justice Commission
Whereas the fight to end racism has long been considered a Jewish fight, prompting many members of Our RA, to participate actively in the civil rights struggles of the 1950s and 1960s through today around the world; and
Whereas the Jewish value of tzelem Elohim has long inspired us to seek inclusion in our community for people who have historically felt marginalized or lacking access with the goal of all of our Jewish community feeling a sense of welcome, belonging, and dignity in our communities; and
Whereas our Rabbinical Assembly members who are Jews of Color continue to enrich all of our communities and we are grateful for their leadership and service as well as their voices leading the way empowering us to strengthen our communities; and
Whereas Jews of Color have experienced discrimination in Jewish settings[1] as well as feeling disconnected from the Jewish community and/or “stuck in the middle” between their Jewish and additional identities.[2]
Therefore be it resolved that we the members of the Rabbinical Assembly continue to affirm to teach, include, and celebrate Jewish history, texts, narratives, perspectives, traditions, and sacred music from the beautiful diversity of Am Yisrael;
Be it further resolved that we encourage our members, especially where they are in leadership positions to continue to seek out opportunities to listen and learn about the needs and history of Jews of Color, to collect and study more complete demographic information in our communities when appropriate, to mentor and encourage future Jewish community leaders of color, and engage in endeavors that promote inclusivity of Jews of Color within our communities.
Be it further resolved that Our RA and movement arms continue to devote resources to support the work of our Social Justice Commission and its Subcommittee on Racial Justice.
Be it further resolved that Our RA and its members will strive to partner with organizations already engaged in this important endeavor such as the Jews of Color Initiative, Jews in All Hues, Kulanu and similar organizations.
[1] “Beyond the Count: Perspectives and Lived Experiences of Jews of Color” (Jews of Color Initiative, 2021). In their study 80% of Jews of Color surveyed had experienced discrimination in Jewish settings.
[2] “Beyond the Count: Perspectives and Lived Experiences of Jews of Color” (Jews of Color Initiative, 2021). In their study 66% of Jews of Color report having felt disconnected from their Jewish identities.