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Ruth W. Messinger — Social and Racial Justice

August 18 @ 6:00 pm

The stone labyrinth at Congregation Beth Israel in North Adams is open to all.
Photo by Rachel Barenblat

Ruth W. Messinger, President of American Jewish World Service (AJWS) from 1998 to July of 2016, is now the organization’s inaugural Global Ambassador. She will address issues of justice, philosophies of tzedakah, human rights and responses to world crises through the lens of contemporary Judaism at three locations across the Berkshires.

Through a collaboration of congregations and institutions throughout Berkshire County, Ruth Messinger will serve as scholar-in-residence on the weekend of August 18 to 20, speaking on three different topics in three places — Great Barrington on Friday evening, in Pittsfield on Saturday morning, and in North Adams on Sunday morning.

August 18 — The Role of Social and Racial Justice In Contemporary Judaism at Hevreh of Southern Berkshire)

The program on Saturday, August 18th is co-sponsored by Hevreh of Southern Berkshire, Congregation Ahavath Sholom, and The Berkshire Minyan.

More info »

August 19 — Immigrants, Refugees and Asylum Seekers Then and Now at Congregation Knesset Israel

August 20 — Our Democracy: If We Can Keep It at Congregation Beth Israel

On Sunday morning, Messinger will conclude her weekend residency at Congregation Beth Israel in North Adams, speaking on the topic of “Our Democracy: If We Can Keep It.”

From Ruth Messinger and CBI — “We are not living in “usual times.” Various rights we had taken for granted are currently threatened and challenged at all levels of government. Protections for voters are being dismantled every day, and the protections that were in place for women, people of color, LGBTQ individuals, and immigrants are under fierce attack in many states. Faith-based and race-based groups are often at the forefront of advocating for those under attack — organizing demonstrations, lobbying elected officials, and providing direct service. What should our role be, what are our obligations to our country, and how can we carry them out?”

The beautiful outdoor labyrinth at CBI will be available for private walking meditation beforeRuth Messinger’s talk, and following Sunday’s program, the rabbis will lead a guided walking meditation through the labyrinth to integrate Messinger’s message of “walking the walk.”

This program is co-sponsored by Congregation Beth Israel, First Congregational Church of Williamstown, Williams College Jewish Association, and the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires. Light refreshments will be served.

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Event Details

Details

Date:
August 18
Time:
6:00 pm
Event Categories:
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Event Location

Hevreh
270 State Road
Great Barrington, MA
413-528-6378

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