Our 7th graders began their B'Tzelem Elohim (created in God's image) unit this week. Pictured above, our teens met with Harry Weaver from the Anti-Defamation League. CSZ is partnering with the Anti-Defamation League to implement No Place for Hate, an innovative and powerful program designed to challenge anti-Semitism, racism, hatred and bigotry in all forms.
We serve God not just through prayer and ritual but by our acts and deeds. The way we behave brings us closer to the likeness and image of God. The answer to how we choose to react when faced with harassment is literally in our own God-given hands.
We teach that Judaism embraces all people to make a real contribution to the issues of our times, the values by which we can live in justice and peace and sustain life. We inclusively seek to solve problems rather than create them, to open doors, not erect barriers. We understand doubt and uncertainty. We prize our tradition of questioning, knowing that answers are often fleeting divine glimpses of a spiritual journey toward living truth through our core values.
Tikkun olam, a sacred path to repairing the world, advocates humanity’s shared responsibility for moral mitzvot. We are obligated to create a harmonious community and increase appreciation for the richness that diversity brings. We are directed by the precept “Do not stand by idly as your neighbor bleeds” (Leviticus 19:16).
No Place for Hate empowers schools and communities to promote respect for individual and group differences, while challenging prejudice and bigotry. The initiative has been picked up by over 80 schools in the state of Michigan to date, with several schools and school districts pending.
No Place for Hate is an initiative designed to encourage collaboration within schools and communities to develop and implement creative projects that enhance appreciation of diversity and foster harmony between diverse groups.
We believe that the time is now to bring No Place for Hate to CSZ. We are distressed by what seems to be a bullying epidemic in our society. Adults, children and teens are ostracized for being different — for wearing the “wrong” T-shirt, for not being “cool,” for not being good athletes. The hurt, the damage that these encounters create must be addressed. We cannot stand idly by and accept a society that targets those who are perceived to be the weakest.
Your children have already begun brainstorming project ideas to make CSZ a No Place for Hate. Ask your child about his/her project ideas.
No comments:
Post a Comment