Anti-Racism Task Force Update
In 2021, Temple Israel created an Anti-Racism Task Force as a way to both respond to the rise of racial injustice faced by Black communities, and to strengthen our ability as a congregation to provide safe and inclusive spaces for Jews of Colour. Concerned about all forms of racial injustice, and focused on anti-Black racism for the 18-month pilot phase of our work, we support Temple Israel’s efforts to build a welcoming and inclusive congregation.
In our work to date we have: organized a virtual tour of Uncle Tom’s Cabin to raise awareness about the historical and present day racism faced by Black communities and individuals in Canada; shared information about resources and training through Temple Israel’s weekly e-newsletters; worked with the Temple Israel Board of Directors on a training session for the Board in early 2022; engaged in discussions with the Jewish Federation of Ottawa about racial justice and anti-Black racism in Ottawa; and engaged with Temple Israel members and sub-committees/task forces about ways we can work together to advance our common goals of inclusion and social justice.
Much of our work as a Task Force at Temple Israel, is guided by the Union for Reform Judaism’s Racial Justice Campaign, which seeks to “fight the structural racism that is embedded in our society and to advance justice for all people.”
So, what can be done to address structural racism? Here are some ideas:
1) Learn more about structural racism. Structural racism is a system in which public policies, practices, and cultural norms act in ways to perpetuate racial inequity – when racism is embedded into the very fabric of society, which goes beyond individual actions.
2) Learn more about microaggressions. Learning about them can help people be more intentional in their interactions and realize the negative impact that words can have, even if the intention is positive or neutral. Whether verbal or physical, microaggressions can make people of colour feel alienated, unwelcome, and/or unsafe. For example, Jews of Colour can experience feelings of not belonging when entering Jewish spaces, if someone approaches them and assumes that they are not members of the congregation. These assumptions can be driven by the implicit biases held about ‘what Jewish people look like’.
3) Learn more about the Union for Reform Judaism’s Racial Justice Campaign and related training events
4) URJ Racial Justice Resources – See this variety of resources that provide an informative and engaging look into institutional racism, privilege, and the lived experiences of Jews of Color.
Do you have ideas to address structural racism and to better ensure that Temple Israel is an inclusive space for Jews, in all of our diversity? Interested in learning more about Temple Israel’s Anti-Racism Task Force? Contact Robyn Aaron.
The Jewish Federation of Ottawa invites you to participate in a customized and comprehensive Indigenous Awareness Training program facilitated by the First Peoples Group. You can learn more here.
Giving Committee
“Kindness, I’ve discovered, is everything in life.” ― Isaac Bashevis Singer
We would like to warmly welcome members of Temple to join us. The purpose of the Giving Committee is to foster a culture of giving and philanthropy at Temple Israel:
- that empowers our community to care for one another and others (Gimilut Chasadim)
- expresses our value for an inclusive and welcoming congregation (Kehilah)
- is integral to how we work together as a sacred community
- strengthens and sustains our community for now and future generations
We have a number of projects we would like to launch and we hope that you will help us. Our focus is on developing and leading projects with the idea that we can give of ourselves in many ways. If you like to write and edit funding requests; are interested in designing and look for funding for projects to support Temple’s community; or would like to be an active volunteer at specific events we would love to have you. The two Co-Chairs of the Giving Committee are Deidre Butler and Kim Doran.
The Oneg Project
The Giving Committee launched the Oneg Project at the High Holidays services in 2019. This project aims to ensure that all onegs are provided for throughout the year.
Land Acknowledgement
We are pleased to report that a Prayer for Canada that includes Land Acknowledgement has become an organic part of our Shabbat Ritual (minhag). Its third paragraph states that:
“We acknowledge that the land on which Temple Israel gathers is situated on the unceded, unsurrendered Territory of the Anishinabe Algonquin Nation whose presence here reaches back to time immemorial. We are grateful to have the opportunity to freely worship on this territory, and we ask your blessings upon it, and upon us – and let us say: Amen.”
The Land is Our Teacher
The Land is Our Teacher, 2022, Michael Parkin and Simon Brascoupé, acrylic on wood sculpture installation.
Simon Brascoupé, Artist Statement.
Simon Brascoupé, Anishinabe/Haudenosaunee, Artist/Educator, Bear Clan.
From an Anishinaabe perspective, the teaching that "The Land is Our Teacher" is richly illustrated through the lessons imparted by animals and elements of nature. Animals such as the turtle, beaver, deer, moose, eagle, wolf, bear, and loon embody principles vital for ecological balance and harmonious living, emphasizing patience, cooperation, gentleness, self-awareness, spiritual connection, community importance, healing, and effective communication. The Tree of Life and its roots further underscore the interconnectedness of all life, teaching the significance of every ecosystem part and the deep-rooted strength drawn from cultural heritage and the land. Together, these teachings advocate for respectful, sustainable interaction with the environment, emphasizing nature's wisdom and capacity to guide human behavior and community practices.
These Indigenous teachings are increasingly reaching a broader audience, including Canadians, through educational programs, environmental initiatives, and cultural exchanges that highlight learning from the land, the sacredness of water, the purifying role of trees, and the land's healing powers. By integrating Indigenous wisdom into environmental policies, school curriculums, and community projects, these teachings foster a greater appreciation for natural resources and promote sustainable practices that are vital for the health of the planet and future generations.
About the Task Force on Truth and Reconciliation at Temple Israel
In July 2018 Temple Israel formed a Task Force on Truth and Reconciliation to respond to Recommendation #49 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission that calls on “all religious denominations and faith groups who have not already done so to repudiate concepts used to justify European sovereignty over Indigenous lands and peoples such as the Doctrine of Discovery and terra nullius” with the goal of doing this through a Jewish lens. In 2018 and 2019 the Task Force organized events at Temple to educate our congregation and deepen our understanding of our shared history with Indigenous peoples and their cultures. In March 2020 in-person activities were suspended due to the COVID pandemic.
We recognize, honour and respect this Nation and their right to this land. We are grateful to have the opportunity to live and work in their community on this territory.
As a Jewish community, may we always strive to fulfill our value of Tzedek Tirdof – the pursuit of justice in our society. Thus we commit to working and learning more about the history of the Algonquin people and take responsibility for building a life-long relationship. We also welcome your thoughts on this statement and its use.
The Reform Jewish Community of Canada has issued a Statement of Solidarity and a Call for Action and posted it on their website. Read this statement, Re: Discovery of Unmarked Graves of Indigenous Children at Kamloops Indian Residential School.
The Task Force on Truth and Reconciliation regularly brings to the attention of the Temple members information on Indigenous people, history, news and events.
Programs at Temple
In the spirit of continuing to build meaningful relationships with Indigenous peoples in our community, a special Shabbat morning service is planned on September 28 to commemorate this year’s National Truth and Reconciliation Day. Everyone is encouraged to wear your orange shirts to the service.
Kathy Beddows, M'skwaa Giizis (Red Sun) of the Temagami First Nation, will join us to share songs, words and knowledge. Kiddush will include bannock and jam, arranged by the Temple Task Force on Truth and Reconciliation. Kathy will also lead our students on Sunday in hands-on activities.
Resources
- Special programming on TVO.
- Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival activities continue to the end of the month. https://summersolsticefestivals.ca/
- Also Adaawewigamig, an Indigenous owned and operated retail store is located in the By-Ward Market Building selling Indigenous clothing, jewelry, soaps, rice, and other products.
Achievements of the Inuit Artistic Community in 2021
Some achievements of the Inuit artistic community during 2021 are listed here. Please follow the links and learn more about these individuals and their work:
- Renowned visual artist and writer Germaine Arnaktauyok won the Governor General’s Award in Visual and Media Arts, honouring her long career creating stunning works across media. See article HERE and more about Germaine HERE
- Laakkuluk Williamson Bathory became the second Inuk artist to win the prestigious Art Award in recognition of her immense talent. See Inuit art article HERE, see Laakkuluk’s Website HERE
- Zacharias Kunuk’s film Angakusajaujuq: The Shaman’s Apprentice won Best Canadian Short Film at the Toronto International Film Festival. See articles HERE and a second article HERE. See more about Zacharias HERE
- Author Norma Dunning won the Governor General’s Literary Award for her short story collection, Tainna: The Unseen Ones. See article HERE
Books
A good source of titles of books by indigenous authors can be found on the CBC website.
Here is a list of Indigenous Detective Novels that you may enjoy reading over the winter months.
More information
Contact us for more information on the Task Force or to express interest in joining as part of a group attending an event of Indigenous interest or discussion of a book. Get in touch with Anne Alper, Fran Klodawsky or Joyce Pagurek.
The Baby-Quilt-to-Israel Project
Jerusalem, Wednesday 10th November 2021
Dear friends from the Temple Israel Quilters Ottawa Canada,
It has been so long since we received your beautiful and amazing quilts, this delivery is especially mean- ingful as it hopefully marks the beginning of slowly going back to a “life after Covid”. Seeing these lovely blankets arriving directly from Canada brings so much joy to the parents and the staff of the NICU.
Every blanket is like a big hug from across the ocean! Being able to reconnect with people who live miles away is such a heartwarming feeling! On the photo above you can see Nelly the head nurse of the NICU who placed a blanket on an incubator immediately as I walked into the department with your special parcel!
Thank you again for thinking of us during the hard times as well, looking forward to receiving more of your beautiful work in the future!
With love from the NICU babies, parents and staff!
Audrey Gross, Guest Relations Resource Development & Public Affairs
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