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.

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

Robbie Medwed - rjmedwed@gmail.com

Jaime Sherman Wender - jaime824@yahoo.com

Past Events:

On October 25, Equity@CSI hosted a virtual discussion on the lyrics and history of the song "Strange Fruit", famously performed by Billie Holiday, Nina Simone and others. The songwriter, who went by the pseudonym Lewis Allan and was the son of Russian Jewish immigrants and named Abel Meeropol, wrote the poem and song after learning of the horrible lynchings of Thomas Shipp and Abram Smith. 

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:

The following Google Doc houses all of the resources shared during Equity@CSI events. These resources are shared by both Equity@CSI and attendees. Equity@CSI Resource Link