We gather and learn together utilizing this brit (covenant) to ensure we create a kehilah kedosha (holy community). While groups can add to this list, we agree to the following principals when we gather together:
WE OPERATE ON THE UNDERSTANDING THAT THIS IS THE DEFINITION OF RACISM AND ITS ASSOCIATED PRINCIPLES:
Definition:
Definition: Racism is a pervasive system created to materially advantage people considered white and materially disadvantage people of color. Specifically, European traders in the fifteenth century invented race and white supremacy to justify the international trade of enslaved African people. Anti-Black racism is at the core of what became a wide-ranging system of racist oppression targeting peoples from multiple backgrounds.
(This definition is drawn from the work of Dr. Ibram X. Kendi, the work of the People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond, and presentations made on the Seeing White radio series. For further resources, see this brief article from Dr. Kendi and the radio special The Invention of Race.)
Associated principles:
1. Over time, every different group of people in the United States has been “racialized” in particular ways that expose them to harm or provide them material benefit, all in support of the overall racial paradigm of white supremacy. For example, people of different European backgrounds in the United States have “become white”—been granted access to the identity and benefits of whiteness—at different periods as it has been useful to the maintenance of white supremacy.
2. It is not necessary to hold individual racial animus to uphold racism. Because racism is a “pervasive system” that means we can have white supremacy
without white supremacists—without people who identify as ideologically committed to racism. Because racism is systemic, we can act to enforce white
supremacy just by going about our day. Nice people can uphold racism—and do every day.
3. Anti-racist action should maintain accountability to communities struggling with racist oppression. Getting active doesn’t mean reinventing the wheel, it means getting behind the groups that have been doing the work already. Showing up for events, responding to calls to action, giving money or time, and taking initiative in alignment with the goals and priorities of anti-racist movements are all ways to be accountable and respect the expertise of people leading the struggle.
- ACCOUNTABILITY: I’ll show up to our agreed upon times. I’ll let the group leader know the reason I will be absent. I will also be punctual and respect everyone’s time.
- PRESENCE: When we’re together, I’ll be present and mindful. I will listen and share. Life (and our mobile devices) offers many distractions, but I will stay present and engaged.
- CONFIDENTIALITY: I’ll maintain complete confidentiality. What I hear and say stays here.
- VULNERABILITY: I’ll stretch myself to be as open and honest as possible with my perspectives and experiences in order to create a safe environment that might encourage others to take risks as well. I will bring my full self—heart and mind—to our gatherings and make space so others can do the same.
- SITTING WITH DISCOMFORT: I understand that discomfort doesn’t equal danger, and comfort doesn’t equal safety. I know that our work together will sometimes be uncomfortable, and I am willing to learn from my discomfort.
- RESPECT: I will remember that all of us are here for a common purpose and I will respect and acknowledge everyone in my group.
- NO FIXING, ADVISING, SAVING OR SETTING STRAIGHT: I will give each person the gift of true attention without trying to “solve their problem.” No advice unless it’s asked.
- LISTENING: I understand that some of us are talkers, while some of us are quieter. I’ll be aware not to dominate discussions and to balance how much I’m talking with how much I’m listening.
- CURIOSITY: Judaism is a religion of exploration; of big questions more than answers. I will get the most out of my group by being open to our discussions and the people around me.
- OWNERSHIP: This is our Chavruaction Circle. This is our community to create. While we have guidelines and suggestions, it is ours to shape and form. We will get out of it what we put into it.
- EXPECT AND ACCEPT NON-CLOSURE: There is no "quick fix," to-do list, or solution to the complex problems posed by racism and inequity. We are not going to solve racism in our group or community when we gather. Therefore, we commit to ongoing dialogue and a journey of growth together.
WE OPERATE ON THE UNDERSTANDING THAT THIS IS THE DEFINITION OF RACISM AND ITS ASSOCIATED PRINCIPLES:
Definition:
Definition: Racism is a pervasive system created to materially advantage people considered white and materially disadvantage people of color. Specifically, European traders in the fifteenth century invented race and white supremacy to justify the international trade of enslaved African people. Anti-Black racism is at the core of what became a wide-ranging system of racist oppression targeting peoples from multiple backgrounds.
(This definition is drawn from the work of Dr. Ibram X. Kendi, the work of the People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond, and presentations made on the Seeing White radio series. For further resources, see this brief article from Dr. Kendi and the radio special The Invention of Race.)
Associated principles:
1. Over time, every different group of people in the United States has been “racialized” in particular ways that expose them to harm or provide them material benefit, all in support of the overall racial paradigm of white supremacy. For example, people of different European backgrounds in the United States have “become white”—been granted access to the identity and benefits of whiteness—at different periods as it has been useful to the maintenance of white supremacy.
2. It is not necessary to hold individual racial animus to uphold racism. Because racism is a “pervasive system” that means we can have white supremacy
without white supremacists—without people who identify as ideologically committed to racism. Because racism is systemic, we can act to enforce white
supremacy just by going about our day. Nice people can uphold racism—and do every day.
3. Anti-racist action should maintain accountability to communities struggling with racist oppression. Getting active doesn’t mean reinventing the wheel, it means getting behind the groups that have been doing the work already. Showing up for events, responding to calls to action, giving money or time, and taking initiative in alignment with the goals and priorities of anti-racist movements are all ways to be accountable and respect the expertise of people leading the struggle.