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We stand in solidarity with the Black community who yet again is subject to pain and suffering at the hands of a racist and unjust system. We continue to join the call for immediate accountability, justice, and action to dismantle systemic racism in the U.S.

And we honor the memory of George Floyd, who was horrifically murdered by police.

In the Jewish tradition, we close the week on Shabbat, taking time for reflection, learning and meaningful conversation, often with family and friends. Across faiths and cultures, we encourage you to spend this Shabbat, or any time over the weekend, to share awareness of, reflect on and  grapple with the protests motivated by George Floyd’s murder, the systemic racism in America, and how to secure a more just and inclusive society.

Whether you are gathered at home with family, or gathering virtually with your community online, we encourage you to deepen your understanding of the conversation in our country around racism, systems of oppression and equity.

Over the last few days, we have continued to see the raw pain and emotion of communities in the streets of our country, especially the Black community.

There is much work to be done. We must continue dedicating ourselves to dismantling the thinking and systems that have institutionalized racism.

It is only by listening, learning, teaching about and countering bias, discrimination and oppression, that we will find a path forward.

Join #JusticeShabbat.

1. LEARN

Please check back for continually updated resources

Bryan Stevenson on the Frustration Behind the George Floyd Protests | Isaac Chotiner (The New Yorker) 

Congressional Caucus on Black-Jewish Relations Calls for an End to Systemic Racism in America 

How Studying Privilege Systems Can Strengthen Compassion | Peggy McIntosh (TED Talk) 

How to stop the pandemic of hatred | Van Jones and David Kamenetzky (CNN) 

In America, Black deaths are not a flaw in the system. They are the system. | Derrick Johnson (The Guardian) 

JCPA Solidarity Letter 

The Path to Ending Systemic Racism in the US  | Dr. Phillip Atiba Goff, Rashad Robinson, Dr. Bernice King, Anthony D. Romero (Ted Talk)

What we in the Black community need from Jews right now | Anthony Johnson (Forward) 

Why Racial Justice is a Jewish Issue | April Baskin (URJ)  


Resources for Families 

Books Matter | ADL 

Teaching about Racism, Violence, Inequity and the Criminal Justice System | ADL 

Talking About Race | Smithsonian / National Museum of African American History & Culture 

2. LISTEN

Discuss current events, racism and injustice with ADL’s Education Table Talk about George Floyd, Racism and Law Enforcement.

Learn more about how those who benefit from white privilege can be allies, the fight against racism and more background on the protests.

3. BUILD AWARENESS

On Friday, build awareness by sharing the ways you will be spending #JusticeShabbat or share one of the below messages:

  • Shabbat is typically a day of rest, and as the country reels from the murder of #GeorgeFloyd, I ask you join me in observing #JusticeShabbat.

    Take this time to reflect and learn how you can bring about meaningful change to an unjust system. Join here: https://www.adl.org/justiceshabbat
     
  • The raw pain and emotion felt throughout this country is heartbreaking. This Shabbat, across all faiths, dedicate this time to justice. Reflect, teach and share how to help bring about meaningful change against institutionalized racism. Join #JusticeShabbat here: https://www.adl.org/justiceshabbat
     
  • The pain and suffering from current events and the murder of #GeorgeFloyd reverberates throughout the country.

    This Shabbat, let us all pause and reflect.

    Dedicate this time for justice.

    Gain understanding. Build awareness. Bring about change. Join #JusticeShabbat: https://www.adl.org/justiceshabbat
     
  • As we reel from the murder of #GeorgeFloyd, I ask on this Shabbat, let's dedicate this day of rest to justice.

    Learn.
    Listen.
    Reflect.

    Have the discussions needed to help dismantle this broken system.

    Join #JusticeShabbat here: https://www.adl.org/justiceshabbat

     

4. SPEAK OUT

Sign here to urge Congress to condemn all acts of police brutality, racial profiling, and the use of excessive and militarized force throughout the country. Congress has the chance to stand against the systemic racism that enabled the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and countless others by passing H.Res.988, condemning all acts of police brutality, racial profiling, and the use of excessive and militarized force throughout the country. Join us in combatting systemic racism, bigotry, and discrimination by urging your Representatives to co-sponsor and pass this crucial resolution.