Shana Tova from J Street!

Cantor Evan Kent, Rabbi Andrea London, Rabbi John Rosove
and Rabbi David Teutsch
on September 25, 2019

Tishrei 5780/September 2019

Shana Tova from J Street!

The High Holy Days are a time of reflection — a time to look back on the highs and lows of the past year while considering how we can improve in the next one.

So much is at stake in this New Year. Both in the United States and in Israel, so many of the core Jewish and democratic values we hold dear are being challenged. We have seen a rise in acts of violence committed in the name of hate and discrimination. We have seen leaders use inflammatory rhetoric to stoke fear, create divisions, and exacerbate conflict. We have seen core principles of tolerance, equality, diversity, and justice under threat. As Jews we object to the use of lashon hara and rehilut, evil speech, as efforts to demean and divide.

We have mourned. We have marched. We have consoled our own communities. Now we must look ahead — to how we can rise to this moment, stand up to these threats and help build towards a better future in the year ahead. The Talmud teaches that in the face of wrongdoing, silence is consent.

The Talmud teaches that in the face of wrongdoing, silence is consent.

At J Street, we have been strong and unequivocal in our opposition to the bigoted rhetoric and policies of right-wing ethno-nationalism that has become so prevalent both in Israel and the United States. We have championed a commitment to liberal democracy, diplomacy-first foreign policy and the pursuit of lasting peace. We have worked to defend the two-state solution, hoping to secure Israel’s future as a democratic homeland for the Jewish people.

This October, we will gather in DC for the 2019 J Street National Conference (October 26-29), the largest-ever gathering of the pro-Israel, pro-peace movement. We’ll be hosting high-profile speakers — including 2020 presidential candidates. We’ll be conducting training sessions, workshops and panels geared toward empowering activists and advocates. The more attendees we have, the greater impact we will make — and the stronger message we’ll send about what our community stands for.

This New Year, J Street will continue to fight for peace, tolerance and equality — both here in the US and in Israel. We will work tirelessly to achieve the political change we need. We hope we can count on you to join us.

We wish you a sweet, hopeful and transformative 5780.

Cantor Evan Kent
Rabbi Andrea London
Rabbi John Rosove
Rabbi David Teutsch
National Co-Chairs, J Street Rabbinic and Cantorial Cabinet

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