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Dear Friends,

Even as the past few days of Shavuot provided a retreat in which to experience the joys of Torah and shared wisdom, my mind and heart have been preoccupied with the public expressions of pain and anger in response to the murder of George Floyd.  

In the coming days, I hope that I will be able to marshal some wisdom from our tradition that deepens our understanding of this moment and suggests a way for our community to be part of a broader tikkun of justice and human dignity.

For now, though, I would like to share two items that can shape our collective thought and action.

There is a non-violent interfaith gathering  today, Sunday, at 3:00 on Amherst Common.  Wearing masks and social distancing is expected.

I also share with you the statement of Truah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights, on the the murder of George Floyd and violence against protesters.

As we bear witness to the pain of the African American community and people of color across our country, I hope that we will contribute our community's voice to the chorus of healing that lies at the heart of our sacred calling as Jews.

B'shalom,

Rabbi Justin David