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one conversation at a time
03/25/2021 03:58:26 PM
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Five members of Temple Israel and I assembled in our Zoom room, preparing for our conversation with our New York State Assembly Member, Sandra Galef. I was used to meeting with elected officials and their aides. Before I entered rabbinical school, I worked in the Washington State Senate and then as a legislative liaison for a public college. Since becoming a rabbi I kept up my advocacy. Every year I traveled with a group of teens to Washington D.C. so they could learn how to advocate for issues they care about. I also went to Albany each year with adults from Temple Israel and met with officials there.
Meetings like this were familiar to me, but not to all in our Zoom room. “I’m a little nervous,” said one participant. “I know,” said another. I also felt a little nervous, having never had a meeting with an elected official over Zoom.
We assembled to advocate on behalf of a parole reform bill called “Less is More.” The bill addresses the high number of people on parole who are incarcerated for technical violations of parole, like missing a curfew or a meeting with a parole officer because of work or child care obligations. This is a bill that disproportionally affects black people, so we saw it as an issue of racial justice. That is why we felt impelled to speak up on behalf of this reform. (For more information about this legislation, see my previous blog post.)
Sandra Galef appeared in our Zoom room and greeted us graciously. She listened to our presentation and offered supportive comments. At the end of our presentation, Mrs. Galef thanked us for bringing this legislation to her attention, and said that she would certainly support it. This was one of the most positive and gratifying meetings I’ve ever had with an elected official.
During the festival of Passover, we celebrate our freedom. But our freedom is meant to be used for a greater purpose. In our tradition, we are liberated from bondage to Pharaoh so that we are free to serve God: to be “a light unto the nations,” to pursue justice and protect the most vulnerable people in our communities.
Lest you think this is beyond your ability, think again. As our meeting with Sandra Galef showed, it is quite possible to pursue justice in small ways, one conversation at a time.
Mon, May 6 2024
28 Nisan 5784
Temple israel Happenings
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Saturday ,
MayMay 11 , 2024Brotherhood-Sisterhood Movie Night: The Apartment
Shabbat, May 11th 7:00pm to 9:30pm
"The Apartment". From 1960, the story of a young New York insurance company employee, trying to get ahead by “loaning” his apartment to other executives. His life becomes complicated with unintended consequences when he falls in love with the office-building elevator operator. Directed by the legendary Billy Wilder it stars Jack Lemmon & Shirley McClaine in one of their best roles. The movie is a beautiful and funny love story but also a pointed commentary on office politics, morality and how certain men treat women, circa 1960. The Broadway play “Promises, Promises” is the musical version of this wonderful film. -
Tuesday ,
MayMay 14 , 2024Current Events
Tuesday, May 14th 10:30am to 12:00pm
On the second Tuesday of each month, from 10:30 -12:00, join us at the Temple for our lively discussion around issues of local, national and international news events. We cover everything from breaking news to issues around health and well being and more! If you can't come in person, contact Shari at sbaum@wjcs.com to receive a link to join us virtually. -
Wednesday ,
MayMay 15 , 2024Sisterhood Year-End Dinner with Authors Jane Applegate & Alice Look
Wednesday, May 15th 6:30pm to 9:00pm
Come to vote on our 2024-25 budget and slate of officers. Then, in honor of Mother’s Day, Sisterhood member Jane Applegate and her creative collaborator, Alice Look, will lead a lively discussion of remarkable women throughout history based on Look’s new book: Remarkable Women: Reclaiming Their Stories. This multimedia, interactive program features stories about extraordinary mothers, daughters and sisters whose stories span centuries. All profits from books sold that evening support the Remarkable Women Project Inc., a nonprofit educational organization. -
Friday ,
MayMay 17 , 2024Shabbat Shabbang
Friday, May 17th 5:00pm to 6:00pm
Join our clergy for songs, music, crafts, challah, pizza, and yummy treats! We welcome families with children 7 and under (and their older siblings). Bring a friend to share in our Shabbat!
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