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a progressive Reform Jewish congregation
2600 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa California 95404
(707) 578-5519 fax: (707) 578-3967 email: shomrei@shomreitorah.org



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Over 30 congregation members took to the streets on May 1st to call for the humane treatment of all people living in our county and country. We walked with about 3,000 others from Roseland to Juilliard Park, where there was a rally.

Rabbi George's speech at the rally in Julliard Park

Why, as a Jew, I marched with you today…

I am here as a Jew because as a Jew I understand what it means to be an immigrant. My grandparents came to this country almost 100 years ago with nothing but the shirts on their backs. They didn’t know the language or the culture, they had few connections or friends. What they had is the desire for a better life…

I am here as a Jew because as a Jew I understand what it is like to be persecuted, oppressed and scapegoated…

I am here as a Jew because as a Jew I am commanded to love the stranger as yourself, for we were strangers in the land of Egypt… As a Jew I know what it is like to be a stranger in a strange land…

I am here as a Jew because tzedik, justice, is an essential religious value in Judaism. It’s a big word! Tzedik includes social justice but is not limited to Social Justice. Tzedik includes fair courts and equal protection under the law but is not limited to the law. Tzedik includes Economic Justice — fair wages and fair treatment on the job but is not limited to that either. Justice is a big word (!) in Judaism and I am here as a Jew because as a Jew I care about justice!

Finally, I am here as a Jew because as a Jew I believe in the American Dream and it is not just for white people! I believe in the American Dream and I believe it’s a big enough dream to include you as well.