Jewish Relationships Initiative

Blog

  • Waiting for the other shoe to drop

    Israel made it clear that it was prepared to engage in a broader war.  Targeted attacks, particularly the one that assassinated Haniyeh in Tehran, sent an unambiguous message.

    The recent barrage from Iran in the conflict’s latest phase serves as a stark reminder that Iran and its allies are equally committed to intensifying the fight.

    We sit on the edge.  The words of reprisal portend a substantial response intended to be punishing.

    Despite the current turmoil, the potential for peace is not lost.  Coexistence, though distant, is not unattainable.

    As we enter Shabbat, let us find solace in this sacred moment and fervently pray for the peace of Shabbat to soon embrace us all.

    Shabbat Shalom

  • erev shel shoshanim

    Erev Shel Shoshanim-Evening of the Lillies is a song of love poetry, a way to understand the beauty of Shabbat. This version is Jane Bordeaux’s.

    We welcome Shabbat. As tensions run high and hot, we are praying for peace.

    Shabbat Shalom

  • Shabbat Shalom

    In preparation for the Amidah, we share V’Shamru.

    The Wilson Thicket Band shared this version at Temple Israel, West Bloomfield Mi.

    Wishing everyone Shabbat Shalom.

    And pray to #Bring Them Home!

  • Shabbat Shalom

    This Shabbat, peace seems as elusive as ever.

    We pray for peace for all seekers of peace and to bring the captives home.

    Oseh Shalom bimromav Hu ya’aseh Shalom Aleinu v’al kol Yisrael v’al kol yoshvei teiveil, v’imru Amen.

    Shabbat Shalom

  • Shabbat Shalom

    Listen as Malinda shares her song with Israeli and Palestinian artists

    and together we welcome Shabbat.

    Shabbat Shalom

  • Shabbat Shalom

    Especially in times like these, we must embrace the hope of peace.

    Bring them home

    Shabbat Shalom

  • Shabbat Shalom

    Sara Baeilles composed and performed “Playing for Change,” Music’s power to transform us and bring peace.  Thank you to Playing For Change

    Enjoy the music.

    Shabbat Shalom

  • Juneteenth

    JUNE 14, 2024

    JUNETEENTH STATEMENT FROM PASTOR CARL DAY AND RABBI DAVID LEVIN OF THE NEW GOLDEN AGE

    We acknowledge and mark Juneteenth, the 19th of June, to celebrate the day the United States fully recognized the Emancipation Proclamation.

    This significant day, Juneteenth, was not the day of the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared the end of Slavery in the United States. Instead, it was the day when news of Lincoln’s historic decree reached the enslaved people of Galveston, Texas. Carried by 2,000 Union Troops, this news brought the long-awaited freedom to these individuals. Juneteenth stands as a pivotal moment in the journey towards realizing the ideals of the Declaration of Independence, that “All men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.“ The journey towards freedom began on January 1, 1863, when Lincoln proclaimed that all enslaved people within the rebellious states were to be free. However, this news took two more years to reach Galveston, Texas, in 1865. The word of freedom has since spread across the nation, but the task of turning the dream encapsulated in those words into a reality is an ongoing one.

    The New Golden Age, the convening of a Black-Jewish alliance sponsored by Culture Changing Christians and the Jewish Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia is a testament to the enduring significance of Juneteenth. This occasion, which celebrates the date and renews our commitment to the American vision of freedom and equality for all, underscores the ongoing relevance of Juneteenth. It serves as a reminder that the work towards realizing this vision is not yet complete, but together, we strive to fulfill that dream.

    This statement was drafted by Pastor Carl Day and Rabbi David Levin of the New Golden Age.

    ***

    The New Golden Age is a joint partnership between the Jewish and Black communities in Philadelphia focused on combating hate, enhancing security, and strengthening the local community’s social safety net. This initiative was started by The Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia and the Culture Changing Christians.

  • Shabbat Shalom -Where there is love

    Where there is love; Something different for this Shabbat, an upbeat song from Playing For Change in Dayton,OH.

    Where there is love, let love be.

    Where there is hate, let love grow.

    Shabbat Shalom

  • Shabbat Shalom

    Cantor Azi Schwartz and Bat Ella join to bring us “Little Gifts,” the special small things that make life worthy of our gratitude and, of course, Shabbat.

    Shabbat Shalom