Racial Justice

Armand Coleman, Founder of the Massachusetts Transformational Prison Project.

Racial Justice Education Committee

The Racial Justice Education Committee works to educate the congregation on issues relating to racial justice in our community and the larger society, through speakers, learning events, and discussion groups.

The committee was formed in 2020 in response to the national reckoning on race relations, when many members felt the call to reflect on their own racial identities and how they can fight against systemic racism. The committee works to promote open dialogue about what racial justice is and how we as a community, as Jews, and as individuals can address issues of racial injustice. 

Contact: If you are interested in learning more about the Education Committee, please contact Judson Pierce or Anna Nerenberg.

Racial Justice Action Group

The Racial Justice Action Group (RJAG) was formed by congregants who wanted to find active ways to be anti-racist. Founded at the time of the George Floyd murder, we explore opportunities to learn more about racism and white privilege, with a primary focus on finding ways to take action and make change. Our efforts have been directed towards:

• Fundraising for local projects
• The METCO college scholarship fund
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Presbyterian Church in Springfield, badly damaged in an arson attack in December 2020. This effort was in partnership with LICA (Lexington Interfaith Clergy Association).
• Advocating for legislation to address the systemic causes of racism
• Letters to legislators in support of the Massachusetts Police Reform Bill
• Postcards, letters, and phone banking in support of voting rights

Opportunities abound for congregants to support RJAG. Become a member: contribute your ideas and help us set goals. Or become involved in specific programs. For more information, please contact Joelle Gunther or Annette Koren.

Additional Resources

• Jews of Color Initiative – Advances racial equity in the U.S. Jewish community by centering the leadership of Jews of Color and ensuring that our communities and institutions reflect the multiracial reality of the Jewish people. 

• Be’chol Lashon – Celebrates and prioritizes diversity as a Jewish value by uplifting the historic and contemporary racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity of the Jewish people.