A famous debate among the sages of Jewish tradition tries to resolve the question, “What is better: study or action?” The rabbis argue both sides but they ultimately declare, “Study is greater, because it leads to action.”
This moment in history demands both study and action. Our community is comprised of thousands of individuals with different stories and diverse journeys. Some of us have deeply lived the reality of racial injustice in the United States while others of us are beginning to learn.
A few days ago, Rabbis Greg Weitzman and Juliana Karol chatted over Zoom about their ideas for learning this coming summer. Here is the transcript.
Juli: Hi, Greg. Looks like you’re Zooming from the porch today. I wish I had outdoor space but I’m grateful for my windows. I can’t believe it’s already June. What a totally unprecedented and unbelievable year it has been. I feel torn between feelings of tremendous gratitude and pride, but also deep heartbreak and pain. And I’m definitely exhausted. How are you planning to recharge during this singular summer?
Greg: Hi Juliana! So great to see you – at least virtually. Though it is true that I’m sitting on a porch, full transparency, I’m at my in-laws! I can’t believe how these last few months have been. I, too, am incredibly grateful for the health and comfort of being with my family during this time. And just like you, I am exhausted. I was certainly not prepared for the life of a Zoom rabbi in seminary! My original summer plans were to see a lot of live music and enjoy some time at the beach – that was how I was going to recharge from our year. Though the beach is still an option, I am less inclined to stand around 30,000 strangers. So to recharge I’m going to focus on the little things and the little gifts. I am celebrating the chance to have dinner with my family and be home for the earliest months with my son, Jon. I enjoy running and being outside – just reminding myself what a gift that is. And I will definitely spend more time away from my computer and more time present with my family! What about you?
Juli: I agree about less time on the computer. I definitely have a newfound appreciation for how technology can connect all of us in positive ways – through worship, celebrating milestones, chatting at night with friends and family. This summer though, since so much of our professional and personal lives have moved online, I’m planning to disconnect when possible. I have a lot of learning to do. The past few weeks have proven just how little I understand about racial injustice in our country. I plan to spend free time reading and listening. Then I’m definitely looking forward to outside time with our children, picnics, and physically distant visits with family. I feel like this summer is an invitation to focus on my core blessings. And to do some deep reflection about the rupture in our world and how we might heal. Do you think it’s possible to recharge amidst all the brokenness we’re facing?
Greg: Absolutely. I also have a lot of learning and reflecting to do. I look at these next few months of summertime quarantine as a chance to lean into some of the challenging realities of the world, while still giving myself the space to reflect upon my role in them. My summer reading list has completely changed these last few weeks, and I am grateful for the space and time to do so. The world is, for lack of a better word, broken, and we need to be a part of helping to put it back together – somehow and someway. I’m reminded of the great lesson from Rabbi Tarfon in Pirkei Avot: “It is not your responsibility to finish the work, but neither are you free to neglect it.” These next few months are, in my opinion, an open invitation to begin the conversation. Do you have any books that you are planning to read on either race or racism this summer?
Juli: I have a great list of books! In fact, this summer we are launching CRS Reads and inviting congregants to choose a book on the topic of racial justice. During the month of Elul, a time of reflection and self-work leading up to the High Holy Days, we will convene discussion groups to discuss what we’ve read and learned. We invite all our congregants to visit rodephsholom.org/crsreads to learn more. And thank you for bringing in the words of Rabbi Tarfon who reminds us that the brokenness in the world cannot be fixed by a single person; but requires the dedicated work of the collective over generations. I’m reminded as well of Opal Tometi, co-founder of the Black Lives Matter Movement, who said, “Words actually matter. They’re significant; they can transform and open up our imagination.” I think the most worthwhile way to recharge this summer is through the transformative power of others’ words.