Racial Justice

Racial Justice Education Committee

The Education Committee oversees the Racial Justice Discussion Groups at Emunah and works to educate the congregation by: supporting members of the congregation in joining discussion groups; and planning programs for the entire congregation on topics related to racial justice. Racial Justice Discussion Groups formed in response to the national reckoning around racial justice in the spring of 2020, as many members felt the call to reflect on their own racial identities and role to play in fighting against systemic racism. The groups work to promote open conversation on what racial justice is and how we as a community and as individuals can address issues of racial injustice.

Contact: If you are interested in learning more about the Education Committee, or joining one of the ongoing Discussion Groups, please contact Paul Neustadt.

Racial Justice Action Group

The Racial Justice Action Group (RJAG) was formed by congregants who wanted to find active ways to be anti-racist. Founded at the time of the George Floyd murder, we explore opportunities to learn more about racism and white privilege, with a primary focus on finding ways to take action and make change. Our efforts have been directed towards:

• Fundraising for local projects
• The METCO college scholarship fund
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Presbyterian Church in Springfield, badly damaged in an arson attack in December 2020. This effort was in partnership with LICA (Lexington Interfaith Clergy Association).
• Advocating for legislation to address the systemic causes of racism
• Letters to legislators in support of the Massachusetts Police Reform Bill
• Postcards, letters and phone banking in support of voting rights

Racial Justice Action

• Anti-Racism Resource Guide
• Race, Social Justice, and Civil Rights: Social Justice Resources

Opportunities abound for congregants to support RJAG. Become a member: contribute your ideas and help us set goals. Or become involved in specific programs. For more information, please contact Joelle Gunther or Annette Koren.