Dear TEE Community,

What if Passover were a national holiday? In some sense it is, just not the Jewish version. Our country has begun to observe Juneteenth, which will be celebrated this year on Monday, June 19th. Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. Historically, those who were enslaved, as well as their descendants, looked to the story of the Exodus to provide hope and strength for their own journey to freedom. Now, it is time for non-Black members of the Jewish community to take inspiration from this more modern experience of liberation.

Juneteenth reminds us of the power of liberation. For Jews, liberation is a central theme in our collective narrative. Throughout history, our people have experienced slavery, oppression, and persecution. We endured the bondage of Egypt, the Babylonian exile, and the horrors of the Shoah. The centrality of the story of the Exodus from Egypt is a testament to our yearning for freedom and the transformative power of liberation. It serves as a reminder that the journey toward freedom is ongoing and that the struggle for justice is not limited to any single community.

Moreover, as Jews, we have a moral imperative to stand in solidarity with those who have suffered and continue to suffer injustice. Our tradition teaches us that we must not remain silent in the face of oppression but actively pursue tikkun olam, the imperative to repair the world. The Jewish value of tzedek, justice, calls upon us to advocate for the rights and dignity of all people. Juneteenth invites us to reflect upon our responsibility to address systemic racism and work towards racial justice in our society.

Juneteenth is also an opportunity to acknowledge and learn more about Black Jews. African Americans have been part of the American Jewish community here since the colonial period. Many originally came from the Caribbean. Some joined white synagogues while others created African American ones. It has been estimated that as many as 250,00 of the contemporary American Jewish community are African American.

Juneteenth prompts us to examine another aspect of our history, as well, acknowledging the role some Jews have played creating and sustaining racial injustice. Some of our ancestors were slave traders, enslavers, and supporters of the Confederacy. More recently, Jewish business people have been involved with redlining (the systematic denial of services such as mortgages, insurance loans, and other financial services to residents of certain areas, based on their race or ethnicity), been slum landlords, and engaged in other exploitative practices. White suburban Jews benefit from zoning laws and well-funded school districts which exclude the vast majority of Rochester’s Black residents. While it is painful to confront these truths, it is necessary to reckon with our past and ensure that we actively contribute to building a more equitable future. As Jews, we must engage in honest conversations about our historical connections to racism and slavery, fostering dialogue and understanding between our communities.

Furthermore, Juneteenth compels us to reflect on the ongoing struggle for equality and freedom. Despite the Emancipation Proclamation and the end of slavery, the journey towards racial justice in America is far from over. Systemic racism continues to plague our society, manifesting in various forms, including disparities in education, housing, employment, and criminal justice. Juneteenth serves as a stark reminder that the work of dismantling these systems of oppression requires ongoing commitment and active engagement.

During this week’s Shabbat services [June 16] we will be discussing selections from a Juneteenth Haggadah created by the Conservative movement. By reflecting on the lessons of Juneteenth, we can move closer to creating a world where all individuals are treated with dignity, equality, and respect. I hope you will join us.

Rabbi Drorah Setel