On Yom Kippur I asked for 10 people to step forward to create a community minyan (group of 10) to combat the rise of bigotry in our society. We will, of course, allow more than 10 in the group. The number 10 is symbolic of a community commitment. A commitment to act in holy ways to make our world increasingly filled with the love, justice and peace of the Divine. We start with 10 and move forward. 

  

Our first gathering, which will focus on the theme of action (and we will plan our first action) will be Saturday, November 4 at 5pm. We will have an early potluck dinner, havdalah, and jump into the work of this group which is to learn and act and organize around issues of racial justice and all those who are being targeted and scapegoated in our society. Children of all ages are welcome to join our meetings. Teens too. 

  

Our world is not going to get better without the work of our hearts and hands. We are required, yes obligated, to be active in this way. To help where we can help, to push for greater justice, equity and not just acceptance of difference but celebration of our diversity. 

  

Please check out the 10 step handbook from the Southern Poverty Law Center. For the next 10 months we will take on a chapter. We will be meeting first Saturdays of the month at 5pm November through August. And then we will see what is next for 5779-the next Jewish year! 

  

Many blessings for peace and justice,

Rabbi Yohanna Kinberg