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Dear WRJ PD Sisters, Since May 25, 2020, our country, and even most of the world, witnessed one of the most tragic incidents in recent history. The events that lead to the death of George Floyd, a Black man, while in police custody in Minneapolis left us in shock, dismay and sadness that quickly turned into anger, protests and a demand for racial reform NOW. Discussions have centered on two inseparable issues: the invisible tailwinds of white privilege and the battering headwinds of systemic racism. These discussions are hard and past-due. They are personal and very necessary. As WRJ Executive Director Rabbi Marla Feldman posted, “In troubling times like these, WRJ stands with our Reform Movement partners to address the challenges we face in our communities. We share the outrage at the death of George Floyd and we understand the overflow of emotion sparked by relentless and pernicious racism and discrimination faced by People of Color. We pray for peace in our communities and remain committed to working toward a more just and equitable society". Below is a statement issued by Rabbi Jonah Pesner on behalf of all of us in the Reform Movement: "Our country simply cannot achieve the values of 'justice for all' to which it aspires until we address ongoing racism in all sectors and at all levels of society." What I know, as the grandmother of bi-racial grandchildren, grappling with my own racism, and growing up as white “privileged,” transformation is personal, painstaking and slow. Yet, what has been a deeply personal process for me has become an issue that we all need to talk about and act upon. As Jews, we are taught to accept others without prejudice or bias. We are taught that we cannot sit idly by. "You shall not hate your kinsfolk in your heart...You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against members of your people. Love your fellow as yourself: I am the Eternal" (Leviticus 19: 17-18). At our next PD Executive Board meeting later this month we will be discussing our district’s role in helping to make a difference and reaffirming our long held commitment to equality. I welcome all thoughts and ideas you would like to share. Please join us Tuesday, June 9 at 7 p.m. for our Pacific District Virtual Schmooze. Feel free to wear your jammies, and bring your favorite tea and any prayers you may want to share. Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel famously said, “Some are guilty; all are responsible.” Let us take responsibility and as always, we are stronger together. Shabbat Shalom. Dana Adler WRJ Pacific District President June 5, 2020 2020 PACIFIC DISTRICT CONVENTION IS GOING VIRTUAL!The 2020 PD Convention that was scheduled for October in Newport Beach, CA is moving to a virtual platform. This decision was made after careful thought and consideration of the many unknowns we are collectively facing due to the ongoing pandemic, travel restrictions, and other concerns that made transitioning our convention to a virtual platform the most logical next step.
Planning was already well underway, and our Convention Steering Committee will continue to work on ensuring all of our PD sisters have a worthwhile and fulfilling personal experience when we "gather" together virtually for our convention in October. Please watch for future editions of Chai Line, as there is so much more to come on what will be an exciting event for our district. Details on exact dates/times and how to register will be coming this summer. And remember, whenever discussing our upcoming convention on Yammer, Twitter, Facebook, or other social media platform, be sure to tag your post with #PD2020! |
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WRJ PACIFIC DISTRICT MISSION STATEMENTThe mission of the WRJ Pacific District is to:
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