CSZ Anti-Racism Resources

CSZ Anti-Racism Resources

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

  • Increasing awareness and empathy among our congregants toward issues of equity and inequity, especially as it pertains to inclusion of Jews of color within our own synagogue family;
  • Initiating efforts toward relationship building on an organizational level with churches, schools and non-profits addressing issues of inequity; and
  • Exploring efforts toward public policy initiatives that help to right areas of inequity. 

 

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

Curriculum

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. 

Staff

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.

Family Programs

Throughout the year, we invite families to celebrate with us! Parents, grandparents, and siblings are welcome to join us for special Religious School mornings filled with music, food, and community celebration as we observe holidays such as Sukkot, Tu B’Shevat, and Passover as a school community. Families and students are also encouraged to attend our weekly Shabbat services, where we offer youth activities for children of all ages. Participating in Shabbat helps our students connect their learning and apply it in a congregational setting, fostering a deeper connection to our synagogue community.