May 13, 2020: Message from Your Minister

A sampling of the foods one might find at Iftar

Dear Friends,

I could use your support! This week, I’ve scheduled an online Iftar program with members of the (progressive) Muslim community. I guarantee you that next year (I hope we will be having small gatherings by then) you’ll be welcomed in person and experience the warm hospitality and incredible food of our interfaith neighbors. This would be a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the Islamic faith traditions, especially for kids! Think about it and contact Jesse Spencer-Smith (or me if you have questions). We only have a few folks taking part so far! Thanks for considering this. You do not need to eat at that time, just listen in, and it should be about an hour or 90 minutes in length.

Second, I have not yet committed to this but I think it would be great! We’ve been invited by a few members of the Temple to join in an online book discussion of Ibram X Kendi’s book, How to be an Antiracist. There have been a number of initiatives on anti-racism, but I believe this will be special and unique. Would you be willing to obtain the book and read it, then join in discussions? Let me know, so that I can set up an introductory meeting. Learn more about Kendi here. And let me know via email or text if you are interested.

This group has been coordinated by Irwin Venick, a Nashville attorney and member of the Temple.

There is so much in today’s world that divides us, and that pits people against one another, people who should have common cause. This pandemic has been a great leveler, affecting royalty, famous entertainers, and people living unhoused, but it also made clear that the risk factors and treatment and mitigation efforts have not been equal whatsoever.

What can we do with the rage and bitterness we feel about injustice, racism, and divisiveness? One thing is true: Doing nothing, saying nothing, is to be complicit.

We can study. We can discuss. Educate ourselves and one another. Make sure our children and teens come of age with morally and ethically sound information. We can accept invitations across boundaries of faith and culture. We can meditate, pray, and listen with compassion. Please consider taking part in one of these activities with me?

From my heart to yours,

Cynthia