"People are the thing about a country that is precisely beautiful and lovable and worthy of celebrating."

Rabbi Jonathan Singer explains how themes from the Torah can help us learn from the past and build a better future for Jewish culture in Israel.

Rabbi Ryan Bauer reflects on a trip he took to Egypt and what he realized about Jewish culture while there.

"Pesach is our holiday of liberation, but we cannot be fully liberated until we have fought for the freedom of those who are still enslaved."

Shabbat sermon from March 19, 2021.

Shabbat sermon from March 12, 2021. Led by Rabbi Ryan Bauer with special guest Mark Hetfield, president/CEO of the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS).

"We let ourselves forget that we remain the targets of other people’s hate."

For those wishing to gain some context on this issue, below is a link to an OpEd written by JCRC Director Tyler Gregory. In addition, the following resources provide important insights into and support for JCRC’s work:

https://jewishjournal.com/commentary/332106/a-jewish-community-playbook-on-ethnic-studies/

And a Hartman podcast interview:

https://www.hartman.org.il/identity-crisis-44-how-california-jews-grappled-with-a-new-curriculum/

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/identity-crisis/id1500168597?i=1000508309651

Rabbi Beth also encourages each of you to register on the JCRC website for a Forum this Wednesday on this issue:

https://jcrc.org/news-events/events/public-briefing-on-ethnic-studies

This special service honors the 10th anniversary of Debbie Friedman's yahrzeit and features Rabbi Sarah Joselow Parris and Cantor Arik Luck.

Rabbi Ryan Bauer delivers the January 22 Shabbat sermon.

Reverend Amos Brown of Third Baptist Church in San Francisco delivers the Martin Luther King Jr. sermon in collaboration with Congregation Emanu-El and its MLK Commemoration services.