Tzedek May 2022 Update

Greetings from Tzedek, the anti-racism group at Congregation Beth Shalom. Our updates for May include a new anti-racism course beginning this month and a film on racial equity in education coming up next month. We hope you can join us for one or both!

Beth Shalom is offering a class to deepen our understanding of anti-racism and gain inspiration from – and root anti-racism action in – Torah learning. The course is funded by an Ignition grant from the Jewish Federation of Seattle and led by educator Shoshana Brown. You may remember Shoshana from the April 9 video d’var Torah in Cyber Shul! The Tzedek team would love to see you there and learn with you. Sessions start May 12. 

Film and Discussion on “Roosevelt High School:  Beyond Black and White” – June 8 at 7pm in person and on zoom: A documentary film produced by Roosevelt Alumni for Racial Equity (RARE) looks at the past and future prospects for racial equity in Seattle’s schools, using Roosevelt High School as an example. Roosevelt is in Beth Shalom’s “back yard” and many of us have a connection to the school; in addition, the film also exposes many issues that apply throughout our region. 

RARE co-chair Tony Allison is married to a CBS member (Nancy Fisher-Allison) and will join us for a film viewing and discussion. The in-person program will offer the option of watching the 30-minute film together at the start of the program or just joining for the discussion if you prefer to view the film on your own. Zoom attendees should watch on their own, and join for the discussion. We will share more details as the event approaches. 

You can watch the film any time here: https://rhs4racialequity.org/roosevelt-high-school-beyond-black-white/

Tzedek Tutoring: With the school year almost over, most tutoring opportunities are winding down for the summer. If you are interested in education issues, we instead recommend checking out the June 8 film and discussion on “Roosevelt High School: Beyond Black and White.” 

Alternatives to Mass Incarceration: A Beth Shalom member shared an organization that may be of interest for volunteering in support of positive outcomes for youth. Check out Community Passageways and its work to create alternatives to incarceration for youth and young adults by rebuilding our communities through committed relationships centered on love, compassion, and consistency, at communitypassageways.org.