Equity@CSI

Equity@CSI was formed in fall of 2019 to address and fulfill the role we each have in creating an inclusive environment at Shearith Israel. Our committee’s mission is: “To engage, sustain and deepen conversations and actions that lead to a greater equity in ourselves, our synagogue and beyond as we live the work of Tikkun Olam.”

CSI’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion statement:

Congregation Shearith Israel aims to celebrate the uniqueness of each and every individual. We wish to grow as a community that welcomes diversity and celebrates Jewish people of all races, ethnicities and backgrounds. We aim to embrace and support people of all sexualities and all genders and fully support the larger LGBTQ community. We embrace our many interfaith families and welcome people of all religions or none at all. We strive to create an inclusive space for people of all abilities that the entire community can appreciate. We recognize the power of what we can achieve in prayer, learning, service to others, and so much more when we come together as a community. 

what we do:

Equity@CSI is focused on:

Education and Awareness 

Increasing our congregation’s understanding of why inclusion and equity matter and how to create more inclusive spaces and behaviors

Visibility and Accessibility

Ensuring our synagogue’s visuals and physical space represent and support the diversity of our community

Programming

Creating programming and spaces for our diverse community to engage, sustain and deepen conversations and actions.

Upcoming Events:

We believe an important place to start this work is learning, a cornerstone of Judaism. In light of recent events, we are hosting a series of discussions and upcoming forums to hold a space for honest self-reflection, learning, and engagement. Learn more via the "Past Events" section below and stay tuned for upcoming programs.

EQUITY@CSI DISCUSSES "STRANGE FRUIT: SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25 @ 4PM

The next EQUITY@CSI event will be a discussion of the lyrics and history of the song "Strange Fruit", famously performed by Billie Holiday, Nina Simone and others. Did you know its songwriter, who went by the pseudonym Lewis Allan, was the son of Russian Jewish immigrants and named Abel Meeropol? Click here for a primer on the song's lyrics and history, and join the discussion on Zoom to learn more about the fascinating story of the song. 

Register Here

How To Get Involved:

Please contact any member of the steering committee: 

Alex Drohobyczer - adrohobyczer@gmail.com

Jada Garrett - jngarrett123@gmail.com

Nancy Gorod - ngorod@shearithisrael.com

Past Events:

On August 16th, Equity@CSI hosted a virtual discussion about "The Case for Reparations" by Ta-Nehisi Coates. This article explores the history and struggles for generational wealth and home ownership within the Black population and the unsuccessful efforts made to provide reparations. You can find the resources discussed during the discussion below in the Resources section.

On June 28th, Equity@CSI hosted a virtual discussion on the documentary “13th” by Ava DuVernay. The documentary film "13th" explores how our U.S. prison system remains a tool for modern day enslavement. More than 25 congregants "Zoomed" in for a very thoughtful and honest conversation, during which many of the participants shared what they learned and took away from the film. We look forward to hosting more conversations soon!

Resources:

For Adults:

Ava DuVernay on How '13th' Reframes American History

Truah resources on police brutality

Bill Moyers Interview with Khalil Muhammad

Working with deeply internalized racism

‎The Ezra Klein Show: The transformative power of restorative justice on Apple Podcasts

How Jews Became White Folks and What That Says About Race in America

For Parents:

Raising Anti-Racist Kids - Thursday June 18th 

A Jewish Anti-Racist Reading List for Children of All Ages – Kveller

How to Raise Anti-Racist Jewish Kids

What to Say and Read to Your Children Right Now About Race

Watch the entire CNN/Sesame Street racism town hall