Statement of Jewish Values

On June 17 2020, the Board of Directors of Congregation Brit Shalom issued the following statement of Jewish values:

In response to the continued acts of violence against Black Americans and Asian Americans in sympathy with the outrage expressed by protesters nationwide, the leadership of Congregation Brit Shalom adds our voice to the demands to end racism and discrimination. We are guided by our Jewish teaching that all human beings are created in the image of God and carry within them the divine spark. We honor the sanctity of each life by calling for equal treatment for our brothers and sisters, regardless of skin color, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation. We do so because we know from our history what it means to be marginalized, persecuted, and attacked. We must add our voices to the call for justice and become allies to those who are treated unjustly. The Jewish imperative of Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) implores us to do acts of righteousness to better the world, and we need to continue to find ways to be part of the solution of achieving equality for all people in our nation and in the world.