This weekend marks the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre that took place in 1921, destroying what was, at the time, the most prosperous African American Community in the United States. I am heading to Tulsa early next week to spend some time with clergy friends who work there. I am eager to learn more about what happended and see how the Tulsa Jewish community has been engaged and supportive of the Black community through the decades.
Tulsa is the original home for the Charles and Lynn Shusterman Family Philanthropies, a giant in the world of Jewish and non-Jewish support. They are committed to pursing justice, repairing the world and treating all people with dignity and respect. Click on the above link to learn about all their remarkable work and charitable giving.
Stacy Shusterman, the current chair of the board, wrote this excellent introductionto the Tulsa Race Massacre that includes a wealth of resources for further reading on its history and current reverberations. Times of Israel writer, Matt Lebovic, also wrote about it on Juneteenth of last year, recognizing it as a pogrom of the most destructive order. His article includes an interview featuring the last survivor with personal memories of the 1921 horrors.
This week, at Havdalah Together, Scott and I will be holding an informal discussion about the Tulsa Race Massacre and reverberations on the community that it decimated. These acts of terror set the stage for white supremacists in other cities around the country to destroy thriving African American communities. It is a tragic and ugly part of American history that is little known and must be shared so that we can all do our part to combat this kind of violence and hatred going forward. Please join us.
Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Marcia Tilchin
Friday, May 28 at 6:30pm FRIDAY NIGHT BY CANDLELIGHT We join Congregation Sholom of Seal Beach and Temple Isaiah for Kabbalat Shabbat services which begin at 6:30pm this evening, preceded by thirty minutes of shmooze time that starts at 6:00pm (PDT). Services led by Eroc Dangott and Jason Feddy. Join at 6:00 or 6:30 on Zoom here.
Saturday, May 29 at 10:00am (pdt) EXTRAORDINARY SHABBAT Rabbi Aviva Funke leads a unique, soulful and musical Shabbat morning service with a chance to pause and reflect. Connect more deepy to your prayerful voice in a spiritual and intentional way. We will chant, share Torah and create a space for healing. Join us on Zoom or Facebook. Read more here.
Saturday, May 29 at 2:00pm (pdt)) TWELVE STEPS & TORAH Shabbat afternoon Torah study informed by the wisdom of Twelve Step recovery. Led by Rabbis Ilan Glazer and Marcia Tilchin. Join us on Zoom.
For more information and to be added to the Twelve Steps & Torah email list, click here.
Saturday, May 29 at 8:00pm (pdt) HAVDALAH TOGETHER JoinJCoOC for Havdalah and conversation with Rabbi Marcia Tilchin and Scott Spitzer about the centennial memorial of the Tulsa Race Massacre. Participate on Zoom or Facebook, although we recommend Zoom for an more interactive experience.
Monday, June 7 at 5:00pm (pdt) UPHEAVAL FILM PREMIERE Our Let's Get Reel series is pleased to partner with ABCinemaNOW for the online film release of Upheaval, which portrays the life and legacy of Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin. Watch the trailer here. Join us live on Facebook, June 7. To learn more click here.
Saturday, June 12 at 8:00pm (pdt) HAVDALAH TOGETHER: REMIX JUDAISM Professor Roberta Kwall, author of Remix Judaism: Preserving Tradition in a Diverse World, will join us next week as our Havdalah Together presenter. Kwall offers an eloquent and thoughtful new vision for all Jews seeking a sense of belonging in a changing world. Read more.
Tuesday, June 15 at 7:00pm (pdt) CIRCLE OF HOPE & HEALING
JCoOC invites those who are navigating a path of grief to join us for our first virtual Circle of Hope & Healing. This new, monthly gathering is an opportunity to share our respective journeys through grief. Learn more here. Click here to register.
Sunday, June 20 at 5:30pm OC JEWISH COALITION FOR REFUGEES WORLD REFUGEE DAY EVENT JCoOC is a proud member of the OC Jewish Coalition for Refugees. Together we partner to make Orange County more welcoming to refugees and asylum seekers. OCJCR's World Refugee Day drive-in event features a screening of "The Good Lie" starring Reese Witherspoon as a refugee resettlement worker. Tickets are limited to the first 120 registrants.Learn more and purchase tickets here.
The Jewish Collaborative of Orange County is a creative, collaborative, and compassionate community dedicated to innovating and supporting local and national programming that enriches the landscape of Jewish life and encouraging individuals and families to connect their passions and purpose with Judaism.
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