WHY I ADVOCATE

Temple Jeremiah has been my spiritual home for nearly 40 years. It has always been a place of comfort, love, and learning for me. In 2019, when I was asked to work on the temple’s Advocacy arm of the Social Justice Committee, I saw it as my opportunity to give back to the community that is so dear to me. As our High Holy Days approach, I’ve given a great deal of thought to this year’s theme of “Doing Tzedakah…righteousness/justice can help us avert the harsh decree.” Why does this theme resonate so strongly with me? How does Tzedakah relate to Advocacy?

I believe the reason that the theme of Tzedakah strikes a chord in me is because, in my mind, Tzedakah and Social Justice go hand in hand. My internal need to respond to issues of social justice feel deeply embedded and longstanding – a result of a combination of nature and nurture.

It is my understanding that changes in DNA can occur over time as a way to adapt to one’s environment and that stress can be a factor in these changes. Have thousands of years of persecution had such an impact on us as Jews? Is it possible that we as a people have developed a hyper-awareness of the unjust that is baked in? I believe that the visceral reactions I have to things I consider unjust are a part of my DNA. It’s how God made me, and I believe I am not alone in this feeling.

The nurture component that compels me to act is simply from the environment I grew up in. My mother was literally a student of Sol Alinsky and her activism was part of our family life. Dinner conversations, meetings and gatherings in our home to host candidates and discuss local issues are strong memories for me. My parents would even sit us down in front of the T.V. to watch political conventions.

As I considered the connection between Tzedakah and Advocacy, I reflected on some of the work our Advocacy team has done over the past year. In an effort to clearly define the mission of Advocacy, Rabbi Cohen, along with each of our co-chairs (or Champion Advocates), added and wrote new language for each of our seven Social Justice platforms: Hunger, Inclusion, Mental Health, Anti-Racism, Criminal Justice, Gun Violence Prevention, and Immigration. Rabbi Cohen gave us the language from Jewish teachings that establishes how each platform is grounded in Jewish values. Champion Advocates wrote new language that clearly states what we believe and support. Looking back on the thought processes that went into our new language, it struck me that Advocacy is our expression of Tzedakah. It is why the Social Justice Committee exists. It is our call to action. It is the vehicle by which we can all take part in acts of justice/righteousness. Advocacy is our way of “averting the harsh decree.” Our revised framework for Advocacy platforms will make its debut on October 1 at the Social Justice Family Day for J-Quest. I encourage you all to attend this event (or watch for our new platforms on the temple website) and gain a better understanding of what we stand for and how you can take part.

It is my sincere hope that by advocating for that which is righteous and just, we can “avert the harsh decree.” Moreover, we can each make a difference, and together, we can create and maintain a world of mutual respect and peace.

Nancy Lawton Eisenberg