Racial Justice at TBE
We, as a congregation, are committed to 
learning about racism, its impact on our congregation and the broader community, and how we can work to be anti-racist. Contact TBE’s Social Action Committee to learn more and be a part of making future events happen: socialaction@templebethemeth.org
Temple Beth Emeth Statement on Racism
The Congregation of Temple Beth Emeth affirms that racial justice is a Jewish issue.* We believe in the Jewish value of B’tzelem Elohim, that we are all made in the image of the Divine, deserving of love, safety and respect. Our society is built upon and sustained by racial bias, thus implicating our spiritual home as well. Through education and action, we will examine the impact of our biases on people of color, both within our Jewish community and beyond, and we will work to create a more inclusive community. Our prayer is that we will individually and collectively do our part to eliminate the plague of racism.
*Racial Justice is a Jewish Issue by April Baskin
UPCOMING AND PAST EVENTS
Check out a book from the TBE Library. Review this list of racial justice books in our library and email our librarian to arrange to pick up books.
Email the Social Action Committee to get involved!
2023 21-Day Equity Challenge sponsored by the United Way of Washtenaw County. Sign up and list "TBE Social Action" to get updates and join our conversation (January-February 2023).
2023 Congregational read and book discussion of Braiding Sweetgrass (April-May 2023).
Past Events
Participate in the 2021 21-Day Equity Challenge sponsored by the United Way of Washtenaw County.
2021 Juneteenth Shabbat.
Congregational read and book discussion of The Color of Love by Marra Gad (Spring 2021).
Inner Journey of Anti-Racism with Rabbi Whinston and local advocate and educator Chuck Warpehoski (November 2020-February 2021).
Yom Kippur study session with Chuck Warpehoski (September 2020)
Film Screening and Discussion of “The Fight to Vote” with Bethel AME (January 2020)
Leadership, Race, and Diversity in the Jewish Community: April Baskin (March 2019)
LEARNING & ACTION RESOURCES
Jewish Anti-Racism Learning for Adults
Read: Union for Reform Judaism’s “Start Here: Racial Justice Resources for Reform Jews”.
Read: “Racial Justice” from the Religious Action Center for Reform Judaism
Read: “What Non-Black Jews Can Do to Combat Anti-Black Racism”
Read: “20 Books by Black Jewish Authors You Should Read”
Watch: “Rabbi Sandra Lawson on how not to treat Jews of color”
Listen: Wholly Jewish podcast for episodes with many Jews of color
Do: Take the Privilege Checklist from the Jewish Multiracial Network
LOCAL RESOURCES
Find and support Black-owned businesses in our community through Michigan Women Forward’s listing.
Take the self-paced five-day Equity Challenge from the United Way of Washtenaw County or go deeper with the 21-Day Equity Challenge.
Learn more about the racial disparities in Washtenaw County through the Opportunity Index.
Additional Anti-Racism Resources
Participate in The Great Unlearn, a monthly, self-paced learning series.
Read, watch, and listen to these anti-racism resources for adults and kids compiled by the Jewish Federation of Greater Rochester
Learning For Children & Families
Visit The Brown Bookshelf for picture books, middle grade, and young adult novels written and illustrated by Black creators.
Check out Embrace Race, an online resource featuring books, workshops, and articles.
Read: Raising White Kids: Bringing Up Children in a Racially Unjust America
Read: How White Parents Can Talk To Their Kids About Race | NPR
Listen to: Integrated Schools podcast episode “Raising White Kids with Jennifer Harvey”
Listen to Talking Race with Young Children- NPR
URJ RESOURCES
The Statement of the Union of Reform Judaism
Racial Justice is a Jewish Issue by April Baskin
Watch: A Message from Jews of Color — Download the discussion guide.
If you have a suggestion for a resource for this page, please email the Social Action Committee at socialaction@templebethemeth.org.
