וְיִגַּ֥ל כַּמַּ֖יִם מִשְׁפָּ֑ט וּצְדָקָ֖ה כְּנַ֥חַל אֵיתָֽן
Let justice well up like water,
Righteousness like an unfailing stream.
(Amos 5:24)
Shalom Haverim (Brothers),
We are informing you of the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs (FJMC) participation in a momentous occasion. FJMC has accepted the Anti-Defamation League’s (ADL) invitation to participate in the 60th Anniversary of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s March on Washington on Saturday, August 26, 2023. You can find information and registration details by clicking here.
The FJMC has a strong and friendly connection with the ADL, and we stand firm in taking action based on our shared Jewish values. Our Inclusion Initiative is how we honor God’s creation and command. Walking in this commemorative march is one way to demonstrate those values, practice anti-racism, and stand up to antisemitism.
A close study of Jewish-American history would remind us of our people’s extensive relationship with Dr. King and the civil rights movement. Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, a Theologian, and Professor at the Jewish Theological Seminary, was another friend of Dr. King. Heschel joined King in numerous speeches and protests. At one point, he called King “the voice of God in our time.” After walking with King and other religious leaders in the 1965 Selma to Montgomery March for voting rights, Heschel described the trek as spiritually moving, like he was “praying with his legs.”
Our history as people who were freed from slavery in Egypt obligates us to stand with those who still find themselves oppressed by racism and bigotry. When God created humanity, we were made as everyone’s neighbor with a collective responsibility to preserve each person’s dignity and integrity.
What you can do:
We ask you to consider attending because, as Jews, we believe everyone is entitled to respect and dignity. We realize the event is on Shabbat and do not suggest anyone violate their usual ritual practices. However, If you can attend, please inform your Club President, who should notify your Regional President. If there is enough participation, the club or region might be able to arrange a bus or otherwise organize the participants. FJMC can assist with this.
While attending, please wear an FJMC shirt. If you don’t have one, please ask your Club President to contact your Regional President, who will see that you get one. Since this will be such a large gathering, we know it will be impossible to have a central meeting point, but if you see other FJMC brethren, please march with them. The sight of many FJMC members together will be a strong statement of our values and commitment to protecting the rights of everyone.
Whether or not you can attend, please ask your congregation to commemorate this historical event with a Shabbat service and prayers. A Hearing Men’s Voices/Inclusion program with speakers from traditionally marginalized groups can also be a way to continue the work of the March on Washington. Men’s Clubs can help to coordinate these events in their synagogues.
In his “I Have a Dream Speech,” Dr. King preached that one of the main goals of his movement was to “transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood.” I look forward to standing with you as individuals, clubs, and a community in this sacred endeavor.
In Brotherhood
Alan Budman
International President, 2023 – 2025
The post FJMC and ADL participate in the 60th Anniversary of the March on Washington Saturday, August 26, 2023 first appeared on Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs.
