Thank you for joining our initial discussion on race. Our goal for tonight is to begin to hear the perspectives of blacks in our community, beginning with Jews who happen to be black. Ultimately, we want to have a list of questions that we would want to explore as a congregation and create an opportunity to explore those questions together.
The following are a few questions suggested by the short essays in the article ’Believe Us’: Black Jews respond to George Floyd protests, in their own words which can be accessed by navigating a browser to http://bit.ly/jewsofcolor.
April Baskin
Moving from “What can I do?” to “Here is what I’m thinking of doing. Does this align with your vision?”
Having a hard time managing white Jews’ work while being feeling traumatized and heartbroken.
Why is she feeling traumatized and heartbroken?
Yitz Jordan
“[Riots] didn’t happen after the Holocaust, why are black people acting like this?” How would we answer that question? Would it have been better if Jews would have rioted as Hitler rose to power?
Gulienne Rishon
Are we able to focus on the terrible experience of blacks in our country without minimizing the experiences of our ancestors?
Can a white person whose family suffered in the Holocaust also experience the benefits of being white while living in America? Is it helpful to compare stories of suffering to see which one was worse or which one is legitimate?
Isaiah Rothstein
Would it be beneficial to learn the larger context in which racial discussions take place? For instance, understanding the historical relationship between the black community and police.
Anthony Mordechai Tzvi Russell
When Jews were suffering in Europe, they didn’t think of it as “the old country,” it was just the place where they experienced state-sanctioned violence. We wished that the general population would have stood up for us. How are we like the general population living in a place with state-sanctioned racism?
Tema Smith
Why are so many whites (Jewish and otherwise), speaking out now? How can we transform our speaking into action?
Enzi Tanner
How can we reach out to black Jews and other Jews of color, so they know that we care about them as well? Why is it so difficult for blacks to be believed when they say that they are unjustly suffering?
Evan Traylor
“Institutional” or “systemic” racism refers to inherent unfairness or oppression in society that keeps blacks and other minorities intrenched in cycles of poverty. Are you able to view some of our society’s institutions and systems from the perspective of a black person and identify how they are unfair or oppressive? How might our ability to empathize with the black experience better enable us to improve our society?
We have made such great progress with our TAE remediation.
While we have missed being at TAE, it will be wonderful to return to new carpets
and fresh paint!
Over the last few days we have been making calls to every member to check on your safety and well-being. Thankfully it appears so far that we are all safe, though we are still assessing the extent of damage to members’ homes. While we continue to make calls, we invite you to reach out to us at the main temple number (805-497-7101) if you have suffered losses and need help. All calls are being forwarded to our staff off site.
If You Need Fire Recovery Assistance
Our community cares about each other. We are compiling a list of goods and services, such as cleanup and childcare help, that TAE members are willing to offer each other during this difficult time. Please click here to offer your support or request support.
Also, here are a few other resources available to any who need fire recovery support, with more to come in future updates:
Counseling, Legal Services, Free Loans: Call the Jewish Federation of Los Angeles Emergency Hotline at 323-761-8100 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week. A dedicated professional will connect you with social services, as well as legal and financial assistance. You can also meet with a professional in person Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Federation’s Valley offices, 19710 Ventura Blvd., Woodland Hills.
Clothing and Other Household Items: Community members have collected clothing, bedding, baby items (diapers, wipes, etc.), toys and household items. Please stop by 950 Hampshire Rd #104, Westlake Village, to pick up what you need. You may be asked to provide proof of residency.
Cleanup Help: Our neighbors at the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints have kindly offered the services of some of their older teenage members to assist with property clean-up. Please contact Angela Rockwood at 805-418-0699 or angelarock@yahoo.com to request help.
Gift Cards for Groceries, Restaurants, and More: Temples from around the country–many of which have been through other natural disasters– have reached out to offer gift cards for groceries, restaurants and more. Please contact the temple office at 805-497-7101 for information about this support.
Other Ways You Can Offer Help
If you would like to donate money to help fire victims, here are three options:
Temple Adat Elohim has established a disaster fund for our members who have suffered losses in their homes. Please click here to donate.
The Jewish Federation has set up a fund to help families and local Jewish institutions burned by the fires to rebuild. Click here to donate.
The Ventura County Community Foundation is collecting funds for victims of both the Borderline shooting and the fires. 100% of all funds that are donated will go to victims. Click here to donate.
