“Justice, justice shall you pursue.” —Deuteronomy 16:20
It is not your responsibility to finish the work of perfecting the world, but you are not free to desist from it either. —Rabbi Tarfon, Pirke Avot 2:21
Grounded in Jewish texts and rooted in Jewish values, Temple Sinai works to fulfill the value of tikkun olam—repairing the world. Our vibrant Social Action Committee (SAC) leads this work.
Perspectives on Policing: Past, Present and Future
A Continuing Series from the Social Action Committee
All sessions held virtually. Zoom links will also be posted on the homepage. Questions? Email Susan Stanger.
- January 24 at 7:00pm
Zoom #858 3835 7021
Re-imagining Policing with Danielle Ponder, Esq., community activist and R&B/soul artist. Supported by statistics and facts, Ms. Ponder will look at serious crimes (5%) vs. less serious ones (95%), the size of the police force today and what it might look like to shift some of the current funding into community-based and community-led support services.
View past presentations: - A Day in the Life of a Black Police Officer and a Black Community Activist with Moses Robinson, community liaison officer of the Rochester Police Department and Anthony Hall, community activist. Though they may stand on different sides of a community protest, learn how Mr. Robinson and Mr. Hall work out their differences peacefully and with respect. View recording.
- Understanding the Role of The Police Accountability Board
Executive director Conor Dwyer Reynolds will explain the role of community led board in bringing accountability and transparency to the Rochester Police Department. View recording.
We regularly share current information about community events and legislative advocacy of interest to many of our congregants (this does not imply official endorsement by Temple Sinai). If you would like to receive this information, please email the committee.
Much of the work of our large and vibrant Social Action Committee is carried out through working groups. We're actively seeking congregants to participate in these groups to address a variety of social justice issues. Please email the committee to get involved!
- Antisemitism
- Anti-Racism Education
- Environmental Justice / Climate Advocacy
- Interfaith Partnerships
- Immigration / Afghan Resettlement Support
- LGBTQIA+ / Pride Parade
- Voting Rights Advocacy
Many of our initiatives are coordinated with Religious Action Center for Reform Judaism at both the state and national levels.
Since the May 2020 killing of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officers—followed by the public revelation in August that a visitor to Rochester, Daniel Prude, had been killed by asphyxiation by Rochester city police officers—we have gone beyond a commitment to racial equality, joining the emerging movement for anti-racism.
The Social Action Committee has spearheaded:
- Listening circles, including one for the Board of Trustees, that encourage participants to explore and confront their own biases
- Book and film discussions on select works to increase awareness of the history of Black freedom movements and the struggles that endure today
- An anti-racist curriculum for the students and teachers in our School of Jewish Life & Learning
- Racism and health disparities speaker series addressing impacts of racism on maternal, mental, and children’s health.
