Welcome to the 5th week of The Challenge!
Our 18-Week Challenge gives us an opportunity to read articles, listen to podcasts, and view videos dealing with the roots of racial injustice, the systemic racist policies in our institutions, and our own misconceptions of racism. The Challenge creates a dedicated time and space for us to reflect on our own personal experiences, biases, and assumptions. Each week you will be sent a new prompt to explore.
Week 5: September 18, 2020
As the 5th Challenge falls on Erev Roshanah, it seems to be the appropriate challenge for us to hear and see Jews of Color. We have two selections and a recommendation for you this week. The first is an Eli Talks entitled Who Counts? Race and the Jewish Future given by Ilana Kaufmann, Executive Director, Jews of Color Initiative. In the second selection “As a Jew of Color, I Need More People in My Community to Speak Up”, we hear from three Jews of Color and their experiences within the Jewish community. And finally, we invite you to learn more about Chicago’s diverse Jewish Community by visiting Beth Shalom (formally Beth Shalom B'nai Zaken Ethiopian Hebrew Congregation) a Black Israelite synagogue in Marquette Park. The third selection is about its leader of 38 years Rabbi Capers Funnye who works to promote a vibrant and inclusive Jewish community. For more information about Beth Shalom visit www.bethshalombz.org.
Post your reaction to this week’s prompt. Discuss it with other Challenge participants. Join our closed Facebook Group. Here’s how: Visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/602463427350589,
click join and answer the three membership questions.
