For the last half century, Americans have honored the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by making his birthday a day of service. This year, MLK Day feels particularly poignant as we continue to grapple with the effects of the pandemic and the heightened awareness of the systemic racism that still plagues our country. To help you make this a day of meaning, see below a compiled list of suggested readings, programs, and volunteer opportunities across the community.
If you missed The Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: Understanding the Black Experience in Today's America on Sunday, January 17, you can watch the program below.
WAYS TO ENGAGEThe JCC Central NJ, in partnership with our CRC is offer a film series: The Black-Jewish Partnership for Social Justice. Featuring three extraordinary films that explore the relationship between the Jewish and Black communities. These true stories illuminate the Jewish/Black alliances that helped shape the Civil Rights Movement.
12th Annual Scotch Plains/Fanwood Day of Service Monday, January 18 Opening program: 10-11 a.m., Volunteer activities: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Many things have changed this year, but our commitment to Dr. King’s vision of a world that is more whole, just, and compassionate has not wavered. For more information and to register visit spfmlkday.org Recitation of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Letters from a Birmingham Jail Temple Beth Ahm Yisrael, Springfield Monday, January 18, 1 p.m. Click here for more information Concert in Honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. JCC MetroWest Monday, January 18, 7:30 p.m. Focusing on the music of African American composers and Jewish composers. Thoughts and Perspectives for MLK Day White Meadow Temple Monday, January 18, 7:30 p.m. In commemoration of the legacy of MLK, Rabbi Charlie Popky will lead a discussion about Black-Jewish relations in 2021 and attempt to unpack some of the complexities that often transcend the rhetoric of right and left. Details and zoom info are available here. Annual Women's Interfaith Forum in honor of MLK Temple B'nai Abraham, Livingston Wednesday, January 20, 7:15 p.m. How Life Has Changed for Us in a Pandemic World Featuring a panel of speaker in the fields of mental health, education and religion. For details and zoom link contact tbainfo@tbanj.org |
Parshat Vaera tells the story of Moses' growing leadership and the beginnings of the plagues in Egypt. Here, Rabbi Ariann Weitzman of Bnai Keshet Reconstructionist Synagogue in Montclair teaches us that liberation is a process, and that most of that process involves both public and private acts of resistance, many of which we'll never know about.
SUGGESTED READINGAdults |