June 5, 2020


"Certain conditions continue to exist in our society, which must be condemned as vigorously as we condemn riots. But in the final analysis, a riot is the language of the unheard. And what is it that America has failed to hear? It has failed to hear that the plight of the... poor has worsened over the last few years. It has failed to hear that the promises of freedom and justice have not been met. And it has failed to hear that large segments of white society are more concerned about tranquility and the status quo than about justice, equality and humanity. And so in a real sense our nation's summers of riots are caused by our nation's winters of delay. And as long as America postpones justice, we stand in the position of having these recurrences of violence and riots over and over again. Social justice and progress are the absolute guarantors of riot prevention."

This quote speaks powerfully about the situation we are in now. Injustice and anger, racism and riots, violence and fear. Sadly, the quote above is not about the situation we are in now. It is from a speech given by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. more than 50 years ago. Yes, we have come far since 1967. But not far enough.

There are more than 800,000 law enforcement officers in the United States. The vast majority are committed and selfless individuals who have dedicated their lives to helping others. They want to be seen in their communities as helpers and friends. They do what they do out of a deep respect for life and liberty. Police officers all over the country have expressed shock and disgust; they are saddened and ashamed of what happened to Mr. Floyd last week. West Windsor Police Chief Robert Garofalo sent a beautiful letter to the community emphasizing his department's commitment to training and outreach. "We have spent a lifetime being a part of the community and making community policing the focus of our mission. I want our history to speak for itself. I want our social media over time to show how our officers truly care about all members of the community and have been there for them regardless of the situation."

It is a mistake to assume that all police are racist. It is exactly the same mistake as assuming that all people of color are guilty. Our police deserve better, and so do our citizens. The situation will only improve when we work together, all of us with our communities and with our police, to ensure that everyone has a voice, to make sure that our promises of justice, equality and humanity are kept. Yes, we have come a long way since 1967. But even when it isn't making headlines, racism is still very much with us. And as long as there are Americans who fear for their lives, we still have work to do.

Typically, Shabbat is a day to refrain from work. However, let us use this Shabbat to pause from our regular routine to reflect on how we can build a better world together. Let us spend this day of rest contemplating the ways in which we can prevent more loss of life, keep more businesses from being destroyed, temper power with compassion, and eradicate racism from our society. Then let us rise up to action. We urge everyone who is so moved to participate in a protest to do so safely in light of the pandemic and the violence that has erupted. Please remember that the run toward justice is not a sprint, but a marathon, and we want to be able to sustain this sacred work.

For those who are looking for a virtual way to join in communal remembrance and protest, Reform Jewish Voice of New Jersey invites you to join in a vigil sponsored by ICAN, the Interfaith Community Action Network of Somerset County, this Sunday, June 7, at 3:00pm. In this Virtual Vigil for Justice and Peace in Memory of George Floyd, interfaith clergy and state legislators will share reflections and prayers as we seek both solace and resolve for change. You can register for the Virtual Vigil here .

For more information about how you can work toward racial justice, connect with the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism . Also members of our Beth Chaim community are compiling recommended resources that we will post on our website in the coming days. In the meantime, let us lift our voices in prayer, asking God to guide us in our efforts to repair our broken world.

“A Psalm for Our Cities on Fire” by Rabbi Paul Kipnes

A Psalm for our cities on fire
Aflame with the fires of fear
With anger burning ‘bout brazen brutality:
From a kneed neck Floyd’s breath snuffed out over there

A Psalm for our cities on fire
Veering vigorously toward violence and hate
Preventing protests that promote another vision:
Of justice that we all must create

A Psalm for our brothers and sisters
Who fear for their lives, black and brown
When they jog, shop, go to church, or go bird watching
With their hands held up high, or when lying down

A Psalm to remind us ‘bout justice
And the debasement that threatens their lives
Because our silence can no longer silence
The real pain of widowed husbands and wives

So Pray for our cities on fire
And sing out songs of protest ‘gainst hate
But since lives, they are holy and matter
It’s time for action; we’re way past time of debate


Shabbat Shalom,
Ken Pogrob, President
Rhonda Schaffler-Wydra, VP Chinuch
Rabbi Adena Blum
Cantor Stuart Binder
Rabbi Brian Beal