Racial Injustice

Racial Injustice

I didn’t know until I got there how important it was to show up. I was the only Rabbi on the panel of speakers and one of only two white faces. We must do whatever you can to show up. Call your friends, co-workers, and neighbours of colour, because they are suffering now. (And if you don’t have any, that tells you something about how segregated our society is. Ask yourself what you might do to change that.) The news has been triggering for many. Just as we gather around people in their hour of grief, we must reach out to hold the anger, the sadness, and the pain of those who fear they have lost their place in the world. We must reassure them that the only world we want to inhabit, includes them. (Rabbi Yael Splansky)

Holy Blossom Temple is committed to eliminate systemic racism and advocate for a more peaceful and just society.

Watch: Rabbi Zachary Goodman, Shabbat Morning Sermon

Watch: Sermon in Conversation with Anthony Bailey promoting greater understanding and allyship. 

Read: Rabbinic Reflection, Rabbi Yael Splansky, From Saturday Night’s Interfaith Zoom Vigil for George Floyd

Read: Rabbinic Reflection, Rabbi Jordan Helfman, Amplify

Community Partners

Watch: An Evening of Deep Listening; Facing and Combating Racism With/In the Jewish Community

Read articles published by our member, Tema Smith: Read her published works here

Toronto Board of Rabbis Statement Concerning Racism

If you are interested in continuing the conversation to more deeply understand and then impact the structures of society which perpetuate racism in general, and specifically anti-black racism, please contact Rabbi Helfman at jhelfman@holyblossom.org.