Yesterday, you received an email about an event,
Rally for Public Safety and Social Justice
(
read it here
), sponsored by PACT taking place this Sunday at 2. Temple Emanu-El is a member of PACT (
https://www.pactsj.org/
) and this event is an outgrowth of last month’s Interfaith March. This message was intended to be part of our weekly email blast where we let people know about things taking place in our community. Since it was sent out on its own, it appears that we are explicitly supporting this event and encouraging congregants to participate. It also makes it look like we are endorsing a particular agenda regarding police reform. Our intent was simply to inform you that this is taking place. We are neither encouraging nor discouraging you from taking part. Should you choose to participate, feel free. However, under the worsening COVID-19 circumstances, we think it best that you participate online.
It’s hard to deny that there are some serious social justice issues associated with the police force and that some changes are needed. Certain groups are more affected by this than others. There are lots of ideas on how those changes can be done. It’s important that we all understand the differences in order to have a constructive debate. It’s also important to remember that there are many hard working and honest members of law enforcement. Temple Emanu-El continues to have a great relationship with the local Police Departments. We will always welcome healthy dialogue on ways to improve public safety and our community.
Be safe!
Steve Krandel Dana L. Magat Sharon Genkin
President Senior Rabbi Chair, Tikkun Olam Committee
Temple Emanu-El Board of Trustees
