Religious Action Center Meetings, May 9-11, 2023

Temple Emanuel of Kensington MD has a long history of involvement with the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, including the work of our own Judge David Davidson (of blessed memory) as Chair of the Commission on Social Action (CSA) of Reform Judaism. The CSA has been meeting virtually for more than three years. Last week, we met in person for the first time since the beginning of COVID.

Following our all-day meeting on May 10, CSA members joined with other Reform Jewish activists (including Temple Community Social Action Chair Ian DeWaal, a past CSA member) from around the country to hear from progressive leaders, and to lobby members of Congress on the importance of moving the ball forward on matters of Climate Change.

Many CSA members gathered on the evening of May 9 at the headquarters of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism. The Conference Room was where the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 were drafted by the leadership of the Civil Rights Movement.

Rabbi Jonah Pesner, Executive Director of the RAC and Senior Vice President of the Union for Reform Judaism, told me that Rev. William Barber recently commented to him that landmark legislation was actually written in Montgomery, Birmingham, and Selma, but "was transcribed" at the Conference table.

In the course of the next days, we were addressed by leaders of the 21st Century movements, including Senator Raphael Warnock. These are fraught times. But with so many committed people from so many American communities, I am optimistic for the future. And I am proud that Temple Emanuel has been, and continues to be, one of those communities.

Rabbi Pesner and me.