Join Together for Anti-Racist Congregation Work this Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

This year, during the day and week of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, we will honor King’s life and legacy by engaging in an in-depth anti-racism training. In my learning with our Anti-Racism Group, our Reform Movement, and social change movements outside of Rodeph Shalom, I have come to understand that our work needs to begin within ourselves and our community. We might not even realize when our values are not reflected in our actions; we are unaware of the biases that shape our thoughts. And so we have work to do.  May we commit to deepening our understanding of our Jewish community’s mitzvah– our role– in repairing the world.  Inspired by our Talmud’s teaching: God creates a single person first, for the sake of peace among humankind that one should not say to the other, “My lineage is greater than your lineage; my race is greater than your race,” please join us for this congregation-wide training, and come ready to be fully present, knowing you will be supported through any discomfort, because that’s how we grow.  –Rabbi Maderer

Building an Anti-Racist Congregation Training

Join us to deepen understanding of our biases and of injustice today, and to do the work of anti-racism in ourselves, our congregation, and our world. In Part One, we will explore how biases hinder us from acting in alignment with our beliefs; in Part Two, we will build skills and action steps to move us forward in our work.  Our training will be led by Jews in ALL Hues trainers Jared Jackson and Allison Pokras. Designed for congregants only. 

Registration is not required, but encouraged. RSVP here. 

Part One: Monday, January 18, 3:00-5:00 pm – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 

Part Two: Thursday, January 21, 6:00-8:00 pm

Gratitude to the Alfred and Helen O. Sellers Fund for generously underwriting and to the RS Anti-Racism Work Group for inspiring and hosting.

 

Presenter Bios: 

Jared Jackson

Jared Jackson is the Founder and Executive Director of Jews in ALL Hues, an education and advocacy organization that builds a world where intersectional diversity and dignity are normative.  A Philadelphia-born multi-heritage Jew, Jared is an internationally renowned Jewish diversity leader, consultant, facilitator, speaker, writer, musician, and entrepreneur. He is an alum of the Selah leadership program through Bend The Arc: A Jewish Partnership for justice. Jared holds a certificate of nonprofit management from LaSalle University and was named one of the “Jews That Will Change the World” by periodical, Ma’ariv. Along with everything else, Jared is scheduled to graduate from Hebrew Union College with a Master of Arts in Jewish Nonprofit Management in May of 2021. 

 

Allison Pokras

Allison Pokras is a facilitator, educator, writer, and organizational consultant serving nonprofits in education and the arts for 20 years throughout the Jewish community and beyond.  With expertise in organizational development, DEI, and identity management, Allison is a trusted advisor and thought-partner who prioritizes sturdy relationships that honor candor and nurture creativity and resilience. She served as the executive director for Operation Understanding, Philadelphia’s trail-blazing leadership and diversity program for teens who identify as African American, Black and/or Jewish. Allison holds an MA in Jewish Professional Leadership from Brandeis University.