Greetings!
Greetings from Jerusalem!
It has been an incredible few weeks here at the Shalom Hartman Institute, and I am enriched by the study and the relationships that have burst forth. Yossi Klein Halevi challenged us to shift the weight of what it means to be “surviving” from the people who were enslaved in Egypt to the people who escaped Egypt and to explore how that shifts our narrative as a Jewish people in North America and in Israel. Yehuda Kurtzer dared us to dream and to recognize the key difference between hoping and dreaming. Donniel Hartman has pushed us to grapple with questions of power—how we acquire power, how we wield power, and how we aspire to power. Our study has included everything from modern-day political texts, American judicial texts, Biblical sources, Talmudic sources, Kabbalah, poetry, psychology, Midrash, and so much more. The days start at 8:30 am and finish at about 9:00 pm and I have been showered with some of the best new Jewish thought from across the Jewish denominational and political spectrum. I am excited to bring it back to St Louis.
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Perhaps most special, I have been privileged to share in this learning with our JCRC Board member Tony Westbrook and former Bnai Amoona Rabbi Ari Kaiman. (Rabbi Jim Bennett of Congregation Shaare Emeth is also here, but not photographed.)
All my worlds have come together this week as Israel prepared itself for the visit from President Biden. What an experience to walk down the streets of Jerusalem—sometimes deserted after being shut down for security—and see Israeli flags and American flags decorating the plaza. I even passed US Ambassador Tom Nides walking down the street on my way to dinner the other night!
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As I prepare to enter my final Shabbat here of this trip, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for this learning, this opportunity, and most of all, for all of you with whom I am blessed to put this learning into real-world practice. Thank you.
From Jerusalem, Shabbat Shalom,
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Maharat Rori Picker Neiss
Executive Director
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JCRC staff have spent time this week researching, compiling, and sharing information on three key issues: reproductive justice, voting, and hosting Ukrainian refugees. If you missed any of these E-Blasts, just click below to view:
We've also been busy preparing for our August 1st Council Meeting, where we'll vote on a new slate of JCRC Board Officers, Board Members and At-Large Council members and where we will review JCRC policy priorities. We hope to see many of you there! |
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Remember to Vote on August 2! |
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Important Deadlines
🗳️August 1 - Cast Absentee Ballot in Person
🗳️August 2 - Primary Election Day
Know Your District
Vote411 can help you learn who is on your ballot and where they stand on the issues. For more information, see our Voting Eblast.
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As of July 16, 2022, our nation has launched 988, an easy-to-remember number for people experiencing suicidal, mental health, and substance use crises. The 988 Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) will offer 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors. To reach the 988 Lifeline, people can call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. People can also contact 988 if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.
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Abortion Rights from an Interfaith Perspective
Thursday, July 21
12 - 1 pm CT | Virtual
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By now, most of us are familiar with Judaism’s stance on abortion rights. However, many of us may not know is that several Christian denominations support abortion rights as well and have been instrumental in the interfaith movement that brings the moral force of religion to protect and advance reproductive health.
To help us learn more, NCJWSTL and JCRC are excited to welcome Rev. Laurie Anzilotti, Rev. Gabrielle Kennedy, and Rev. Becky Turner to discuss abortion rights from an interfaith perspective. Rabbi Janine Schloss, who will be joining the clergy staff at Temple Emanuel on July 1st, will be moderating.
Rev. Anzilotti is Vicar at St. Francis’ Episcopal Church in Eureka. She earned her Masters of Divinity from Eden Theological Seminary in Webster Groves. She currently serves on the Cabinet of Interfaith Partnership of Greater St. Louis and previously served as Director of Faith & For the Sake of All, a non-profit that deepens understanding of and response to racial disparities in St. Louis.
Rev. Kennedy is a first-generation St. Louisan, pastor of Buren Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME), and director of a community-based racial equity organization, Faith & For the Sake of All (FFSOA). FFSOA is committed to improving the health and well-being of African Americans by mobilizing the faithful and Rev. Kennedy exercises this mission personally and professionally.
Rev Turner became Pastor of Christ Church Maplewood in 2017. With a diverse background serving three different denominations and interfaith non-profit justice work, she is deeply committed to the UCC value of “Being the Church,” that is, putting faith into action for the common good. She was also the long-time Executive Director of Faith Aloud, a pro-choice faith group.
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Dobbs v. Jackson: A Jewish Perspective
Monday, July 18
12 pm CT | Virtual
Hosted by Jewish Federations of North America
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Join Jewish Federations of North America for a conversation on the impact of the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Healthcare, which overturned Roe v. Wade. Hear from accomplished speakers on Jewish law perspectives, as well as from featured speakers from the National Women’s Law Center and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists on state law developments and their potential impacts for women’s health and health providers. Also hear from Jewish organizations on ways to be active in your communities on these issues. |
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Living in a Post-Roe World: Jewish Perspectives & Action Opportunities in Missouri
Sunday, July 24
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In the wake of the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, the constitutional right to an abortion has been eliminated and nearly all abortions are now banned in the state of Missouri. What does Judaism have to say about abortion, and what role can we play as Jewish Missourians to ensure access to abortion care? We'll study Jewish laws and practices about abortion, hear about what's happening in our state to help people access the care they need and learn how we can get involved. This event is free and masks are required. |
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Summer 2022 Ideas for Today
A Shalom Hartman Institute Program
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Jewish ideas matter. They make us smarter. They compel us to action. They make the world a better place. Hartman scholars address the most important issues of our day through Jewish texts, history, and tradition. You’ll be inspired by our unique approach to learning and the outstanding community of passionate learners who will join you on this journey of discovery |
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Arts and Faith 2022 Concert
Sunday, September 18
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Did You Miss A Recent Program? |
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You can click here to watch recordings of JCRC's recent programs on our YouTube channel.
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