A Message from Rabbi Segelman

Dear Friends,

Reasonable people will disagree on a variety of issues in the political arena. This is healthy for a thriving democracy. Reasonable people, however, will not disagree about cruelty to families and children. Reasonable people will also not agree to accept blatantly racist statements from our political leaders whether they come from the right or the left of the political spectrum.

In the last few weeks, we have been made aware of the conditions at detention camps along our southern border. As Americans who hold dear the Jewish value of every human having been created in the image of God, we must join in the protest against such cruelty. We must also show our support for the various organizations – both Jewish and secular – that are working to assure that every person in our charge is treated with basic human dignity and that the family is recognized for the holy institution it is. As Jewish Americans, we can do no less.

Our Social Justice Action Committee has researched and suggested the following organizations worthy of our support:

The Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights
Arizona Jews For Justice 
HIAS/KIND (Kids in Need of Defense) 

In addition to your support, we ask you to save the date of Saturday evening August 10th. That night begins Tisha B’Av, the saddest day of the Jewish calendar. Our synagogue has invited faith community leaders in our area to share in the observance of the day and to reflect as we chant the Biblical scroll of Lamentations. The themes of exile and homelessness, despair and hope will connect our ancient past to the greater pain that is felt today.

More information about Tisha B’Av will be coming to you soon.

In the meantime, we ask that you help to support those organizations that will help provide human dignity to those who are detained. We also ask that you remain mindful and pray for those who sincerely desire to enjoy the blessings of American life that we may often take for granted.

Sincerely,
Rabbi Jeffrey Segelman