ShalomCT! This week in Jewish life

THIS WEEK IN JEWISH LIFE Jan. 13, 2023

Shabbat Shalom CT!

The Jewish Federation Civil Rights Mission could not have been more exciting -- or more meaningful. Fifty members of the community, three rabbis, two cantors and one Federation Israel Shaliach boarded a bus in Atlanta for a 3-day journey to lean into one of our nation’s most shameful eras. Many on the bus didn’t know each other, but by the time we left for home, new friendships were cemented for all time.

The trip was peppered with emotional, educational and frightening moments.

The Reverend-Senator Raphael Warnock preached to us on Sunday and left all of us in awe at the ease and fervor in which G-d was pronounced in Ebenezer Baptist Church.

We met with Ambassador Andrew Young, a civil rights icon, who spoke to us about his close friendship with MLK.

We visited the national lynching memorial, where our cantors sang and prayed for the murdered victims.

We walked across the Edmund Pettus Bridge, named for a Klansman, two-by-two, in silence.

We met Lynda Bloodworth Lowery, who was 15 when she was beaten and kicked so hard that her body flew into the air.

When Lynda attempted to vote, she was told she could only cast her ballot if she could count all the bubbles on a bar of soap. Still, she says, go out and vote. It’s the most important thing a person can do.

We stood where Rosa Parks stood to catch the infamous bus. We met with Bishop Calvin Woods, Jr., an 89-year-old fireball who lives only to relay his story of hate and abuse and hope in Birmingham.

So what did I learn on this mission?

Well, in the 1960s, there was a lot of anger and confusion about how to pick up the pieces after unthinkable violence and prejudice tore our country apart.

We have that scenario today, right?

But instead of trying to pick up the pieces--maybe we are the pieces.

Maybe we are the pieces who can make the country fit and feel and look a little better--this mission helped me embrace that proposal.

Other people on the mission also offered their thoughts about their experiences. I’ll be posting them each week, or you can click on the links below to access them all.

I wish you peace and love and harmony. Shabbat Shalom.

Carin Savel, CEO

carin@shalomct.org

THIS SUNDAY

Last week, I had the opportunity to participate in a mission with the Jewish Federation to learn about the civil rights movement in the United States. As an Israeli, this was my first time delving into this important aspect of American history and it was a truly eye-opening experience.

I was struck by the parallels between the civil rights movement in the United States and the ongoing struggle for equality and justice in Israel. Learning about the struggles of African Americans for equal rights brought a new perspective on the difficult challenges still faced by minority groups in my own country.

For me, the most meaningful moment was hearing from Bishop Calvin Woods about his experiences during the civil right movement. His huge belief in a better future and the deep connection he has with G-d was so impressive to me. Another powerful moment was our visit to the Equal Justice Initiative Museum in Montgomery, Ala., where I learned the timeline from the beginning of slavery until this day.

I will not forget the video that shows how slaves were shipped to the U.S. or the fact that such a high percentage of people in prisons today are Black and brown. Watching the history and then seeing the situation today made me think how I can work to create a better future for everyone despite their color, gender, religion or history.

I am grateful for the opportunity to have been part of this mission and it has left a deep impression on me. It will stay with me and be a continuous reminder of the importance of civil rights and the ongoing struggle for justice and equality in all societies.

This mission also strengthened the connection I have with the community and I was so happy to connect to many new people. Thank you to everyone who took part in this amazing journey and thank you to the Federation who planned it and gave me the opportunity to take part in it.

Ofek Moscovich

Federation Israel Emissary

MORE MISSION MOMENTS

Ellen Lautenberg and Melissa Kane

Mindy Siegel and Alan Feldman

Bonnie Slyn and David Ball

Nancy Diamond and Jeffrey Mayer

FROM ISRAEL - VERTIGO DANCE COMPANY

Wednesday, Jan. 18 | 8 PM

Fairfield University Quick Center for the Arts

The Consulate General of Israel to New England presents Pardes, performed by the world-renowned Israeli dance company.

Hebrew for "orchard," pardes originates from ancient Persian and means a garden of trees. The word has also penetrated to other languages as "paradise." Perhaps the title of this new work by Vertigo Dance is a nod to where they create and live — an eco-arts village committed to the intersections of creativity, social responsibility, and ecological sustainability.

With a musical soundtrack created by internationally acclaimed percussionist, Itamar Doari, the dancers deal with the duality of their lives, with the tensions they experience between their individual needs and the demands of society, between the person and the universal.

VERTIGO DANCE - INFO & TICKETS

BEHIND THE PAGES

COOKING ALLA GIUDIA: A CELEBRATION OF THE JEWISH FOOD OF ITALY

with author Benedetta Jasmine Guetta

Sunday, Feb. 5 | 3 PM

Zoom

Take an expansive and inspiring tour of one of the world's oldest Jewish communities and learn how Italian techniques and flavors have long been a part of the Jewish diet and vice versa.

JEWISH FOOD OF ITALY - REGISTER