248-357-5544 | csz.info@shaareyzedek.org
248-357-5544 | csz.info@shaareyzedek.org
On Rosh Hashanah 5781, Rabbi Aaron Starr reminded Congregation Shaarey Zedek (CSZ) of the mitzvah to pursue justice as it pertains to our day:
The pandemic … has swept away the thin veil of racism in this country … We can and we must engage in listening, in learning, and in bridge-building with our inter-group and our interfaith partners. We can and we must be mindful that people of color in this country experience extreme prejudice from individuals and, perhaps more often, from the sheer structure of our society. We Jews know from discrimination and we especially know from systemic oppression, and we cannot let others go through what we know all too well.
In response, Congregation Shaarey Zedek (CSZ) formed an Equity Task Force with the goal of initiating for our synagogue the development of projects and programs that support education and action; promote inclusion of Jews of Color within the CSZ family; and help all members of CSZ to understand and to address the ongoing climate of racism in America today.
Our Mission
To pursue justice by
Resources for Learning and Discussion
Books from Read with the Rabbi
The Sum of Us by Heather McGhee
How to be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi
Articles
https://news.stanford.edu/2021/02/16/examining-systemic-racism-advancing-racial-equity/
https://www.benjerry.com/whats-new/2016/systemic-racism-is-real
https://medium.com/national-equity-project/implicit-bias-structural-racism-6c52cf0f4a92
Videos
What are structural, institutional and systemic racism?
https://youtu.be/GtOOj5YvMyc
TedEd: Systemic Racism, Explained:
https://ed.ted.com/best_of_web/j7Tzdz8r
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbe5D3Yh43o
Our curriculum is written for our school by our Rabbis and Director of Youth and Family Learning. Each grade level has specific goals and learning targets that encompass the following areas:
Learning and practicing Jewish rituals, holidays, and ethical actions, emphasizing how these observances connect individuals to Jewish tradition and community.
Fostering a connection to Israel by exploring its geography, history, and significance as the Jewish homeland.
Centering on learning and understanding Torah stories, characters, and teachings, and applying their lessons to daily life.
Emphasizing the importance of ethical behavior, acts of kindness (Gemilut Chasadim), and fulfilling obligations like Tzedakah (charity).
Exploring the meaning and practice of prayer, teaching students how to communicate with God and understand the significance of different prayers.
Focusing on learning the Hebrew alphabet, vocabulary, and basic reading skills to engage with Jewish texts and prayers.
Each grade level explores these themes through engaging and age-appropriate lessons. Teachers use a variety of teaching methods and resources, including the Chai Curriculum.
We are fortunate to have a dedicated team of professional Jewish educators. Our teachers receive weekly planning time, during which they use our curriculum and learning goals to craft engaging lesson plans. They benefit from regular coaching and feedback from our Director of Youth and Family Learning and participate in ongoing professional development throughout the year. Our educators are passionate about their students and committed to their growth and success.