In her latest video, April Baskin speaks about the joy, solace, beauty, and gratitude we experience during Sukkot (and in our lives) and how it can refocus our vision. She says,

"I believe that vision is very powerful. I believe that vision combined with mindful, thoughtful action is more powerful than reality... Our reality is just a result of what has happened in the past. And in my own life I've seen the progress that I've been able to make, both individually as well as collectively in deep partnership with allies and friends, when we weren't limited by reality, but we said, 'what is it that we actually want to envision and begin to build into existence?' 

And that isn't always the thing to do while we are bamidbar (in the wilderness) but I believe that Sukkot provides this Sukkat Shalom, this shelter of peace, that provides connection and opportunities for us to turn inward as well as savor sweetness--savor the different species, savor the scent of the etrog, and the sounds of [shaking the] lulav--[that give us] us comfort in the present moment and gratitude for the people around us and ourselves. But it can also be a respite in the moment [that reminds] us to not lose sight of our vision. And even if we're in a place where we can't take action on it now because we're just trying to get through, a core part of what has helped my family get through adversity, and what has consistently helped me not only survive adversity but consistently surmount it and move forward, is holding on to the beauty of my dreams and using those dreams to help comfort me in moments of pain and disillusionment when the wilderness gets a bit too rough."

April Baskin is multi-heritage black Jewish woman who has been a core organizer and movement leader within the Jewish community for nearly 20 years. This month we have the tremendous privilege of being able to learn with her through a 3-part coaching seminar on Contemplative Racial Justice (please register here--our registration is almost full!). 

We also are co-sponsoring the film They Ain't Ready For Me as part of the JCC's Detroit Jewish Film Festival this month. They Ain't Ready For Me is the story of Tamar Manasseh, the African American rabbinical student who is leading the fight against senseless killings on the south side of Chicago. We have a few free tickets remaining --please contact Nicole Feinberg if you are interested.

As I said in my Yom Kippur sermon , the Downtown Synagogue is committed to working for racial justice for members of our families, our congregation, our friends, our neighbors, our allies, our Jewish community and our nation. A foundation of that commitment is listening to and following the leadership of Black Jews and Black Americans. 

As we build our Sukkot and celebrate the holiday, we will also refocus our vision to build a more just and joyful future.

 

 

Community Resources for COVID-19  

The staff and board of the Downtown Synagogue is thinking of ways to support our community's needs right now. If you or a loved one needs help, please let us know- we will endeavor to connect you to services or help you directly. Please reach out to Rabbi Silverman with resource inquiries.

In addition, we are aware of the following community resources:

 

Jewish Federation: Please visit the Jewish Federation Coronavirus community resource page which includes support for meal delivery, emergency loans for small businesses, and mental health support.