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“Morally speaking, there is no limit to the concern one must feel for the suffering of human beings, that indifference to evil is worse than evil itself, that in a free society, some are guilty, but all are responsible.” - Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel

We, the members of the Board of Jewish Clergy of Southern New Jersey, remember with sadness, outrage, and shame the memory of George Floyd and other African Americans, our fellow Americans, whose lives were cut short at the hands of the police in recent years. Our hearts go out to their families, their communities, and all those torn by their deaths.

Once again, their pain and tears are crying out, as they have been for centuries, demanding their dignity be as valued as any other one of G*d’s precious creations.

Jewish tradition, history, values, and memory does not allow us to be quiet while racism continues to pervade our society. Our Torah forbids us to remain silent. The Book of Leviticus commands: “do not stand idly by while your neighbor’s blood is shed.” (19:16).

We have fallen short, whether wittingly or unwittingly, in perpetuating the racist structures of our society and by turning our eyes from the suffering of people of color within the Jewish community and within our larger society. We have failed as a community to properly address racism. Now, each of us and our institutions must assume responsibility to create a more just and equitable society.

Fundamentally, we believe that all people are created in G*d’s image and, thus, each human life is of infinite value. Therefore, it is our responsibility as a Jewish community to listen, to learn, and to stand with and for those whose lives and well-being are threatened by racism and hatred. This begins with solidarity and continues by striving to dismantle the systems of oppression embedded into the fabric of our nation.

So, today we rededicate ourselves to promote the Jewish understanding that oppression, inequality, and prejudice hide G*d’s presence in our lives. Over the next year, we will seek to educate ourselves and the leadership of our communities on how to acquire the insights, knowledge, and tools necessary to guide us down the paths of peace toward an anti-racist future.

We will follow the lead of Jews of color and the wisdom of other communities of color to learn what we need to know, what we need to do, and how best to do it - learning when to listen and when to speak; when to step back and when to act.

Today we invite our Jewish community and all communities to join with us as we stand up and commit ourselves to systemic change, working for racial equality and justice.

Today we dedicate ourselves to being voices of love and hope while working to rebuild all that is broken.

Today we say to our black brothers and sisters: We hear you. We see you.

And today we stand with you; grieving and praying together, and pursuing peaceful and powerful ways to make all our voices heard and our impact felt.

In commitment and hope,

The Tri-County Board of Jewish Clergy