Resolution on Islamophobia
The statement below was proposed by the Tikkun Olam Committee and passed unanimously by the OHALAH Board on December 9, 2015.
Resolution on IslamophobiaOHALAH, the Association of Rabbis and Cantors for Jewish Renewal, condemns Donald Trump’s hateful call to ban Muslims from entering the United States. As Americans who found refuge from oppression, religious autonomy and freedom in the United States, we refuse to condone such a policy of discrimination against others. It would destroy the social and ethical fabric of America, show contempt for our Constitution and disrespect for the values of our religious teachings.
As Jews we have learned that the instruction or mitzvah in the Torah mentioned more than any other, 30 plus times, is to be “welcoming to the stranger…” We are taught that we are all created in in the “image of the Divine.” (Genesis 1:26-27) Thus, we deplore statements and organizations that discriminate against others. We deny our own humanity when we deny the rights of others. As a Jewish community, we open our doors to our Muslim neighbors in in peace and understanding.
Chanukah is a time to reflect on the meaning of religious freedom and to offer gratitude for the blessings of life. But Hanukah is not complete without dedicating ourselves to helping those who are denied human rights.
We join with other Americans who speak out for justice and loving kindness, welcoming immigrants and refugees who come to our shores. We affirm the words of the Prophet Micah “to do justice, to do acts of loving kindness and to walk humbly with your God.”
We call upon our leaders, secular and religious, to convene Town Hall meetings, dialogue groups, teach-ins and prayerful gatherings to help us reach out to each other with holy intention and love in our hearts.
May the Lights of the season inspire us.
The statement below was proposed by the Tikkun Olam Committee and passed unanimously by the OHALAH Board on December 9, 2015.
Resolution on IslamophobiaOHALAH, the Association of Rabbis and Cantors for Jewish Renewal, condemns Donald Trump’s hateful call to ban Muslims from entering the United States. As Americans who found refuge from oppression, religious autonomy and freedom in the United States, we refuse to condone such a policy of discrimination against others. It would destroy the social and ethical fabric of America, show contempt for our Constitution and disrespect for the values of our religious teachings.
As Jews we have learned that the instruction or mitzvah in the Torah mentioned more than any other, 30 plus times, is to be “welcoming to the stranger…” We are taught that we are all created in in the “image of the Divine.” (Genesis 1:26-27) Thus, we deplore statements and organizations that discriminate against others. We deny our own humanity when we deny the rights of others. As a Jewish community, we open our doors to our Muslim neighbors in in peace and understanding.
Chanukah is a time to reflect on the meaning of religious freedom and to offer gratitude for the blessings of life. But Hanukah is not complete without dedicating ourselves to helping those who are denied human rights.
We join with other Americans who speak out for justice and loving kindness, welcoming immigrants and refugees who come to our shores. We affirm the words of the Prophet Micah “to do justice, to do acts of loving kindness and to walk humbly with your God.”
We call upon our leaders, secular and religious, to convene Town Hall meetings, dialogue groups, teach-ins and prayerful gatherings to help us reach out to each other with holy intention and love in our hearts.
May the Lights of the season inspire us.