Tzedek Tzpotlight

Immigrant Justice Resources

Many people have asked for ways to support and stand with immigrant communities by acting with our deeply held Jewish values: lo ta’amod al dam re’echa (do not stand idly by in the face of violence), pidyon sh’vuyim (the redemption of captives), and tikkun olam (the repair of the world).

There are many roles in moments of resistance:

Protect: Urge your state’s governor to issue an executive order implementing a sensitive locations policy to protect hospitals, schools, and houses of worship from immigration enforcement.
Provide: Donate to the winter warmth drive at Jewish Family Service to clothe immigrant children.
Mobilize: Connect with fellow Beth Amers at local rallies to stand against the violation of democratic ideals. Let us know if you would like to be part of a rapid response team.
Connect: Join your rabbis at an upcoming Lobby Day with Faith Action Network (2/12). This is a critical moment to share our priorities for a more inclusive and safe Washington state, to combat anti-Semitism, to stand up for our immigrant neighbors, and more. More information to register can be found below in Happenings this month.
Donate: support one of the organizations that is directly resourcing those impacted by ICE actions in Minneapolis including families with young children: com
Organize: Join our Spring Initiative to make Beth Am a Beit Tzedek—a House of Justice. From Purim to Pesach, we invite every member who is so moved to join one of several Tzedek “house party” gatherings. In these lively, diverse circles, we will co-create a revitalized TBA social justice mission and select the core theme for our justice work in the year ahead. Please contact Rabbi Laura or Sam Ostroff if you are interested in playing a role or hearing more. (rabbilaura@templebetham.org)

Have an action or opportunity you would like other Beth Am members to join you in? Please let us know so that we can coordinate efforts and amplify our impact!

Following an inspiring MLK Weekend Shabbat Service your worship team is excited to highlight a number of opportunities to “pray with your feet” and engage in meaningful Tzedek work with your Beth Am community this month:

1. Join your rabbis at an upcoming Lobby Day with the Jewish Community Relations Council (1/29) and Faith Action Network (2/12). This is a critical moment to share our priorities for a more inclusive and safe Washington state, to combat anti-Semitism, to stand up for our immigrant neighbors, and more. More information can be found below in the In Our Community Section of this email.

2. If you were moved by the remarks shared on the Bima on Friday, you can donate to one of the organizations that is directly supporting those impacted by ICE actions in Minneapolis including families with young children: Standwithminnesota.com

3. Attend a film screening and discussion of 13th on February 10th at Temple Beth Am with Rabbi Jesse. See below for more information and to sign up.

4. Join our Spring Initiative to make Beth Am a Beit Tzedek—a House of Justice. From Purim to Pesach, we invite every member who is so moved to join one of several Tzedek “house party” gatherings. In these lively, diverse circles, we will co-create a revitalized TBA social justice mission and select the core theme for our justice work in the year ahead. Please contact Rabbi Laura or Sam Ostroff if you are interested in playing a role or hearing more. (rabbilaura@templebetham.org)

5. Join Rabbi Jesse this Sunday (1/25) at 9:45 am for a “Tzedek Sunday” Learning session around the intersection between Jewish values and the sweeping injustices of Mass Incarceration in America.

6. Have an action or opportunity you would like other Beth Am members to join you in? Please let us know so that we can coordinate efforts and amplify our impact!

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