RSEJ Annual Report 2010

“Diversity is sown into the very fabric of existence. … Because the deepest unity is the unity found within diversity. If we are all the same, unity is no achievement. In origin and essence, all is one. But an even deeper unity is achieved when differentiations and demarcations are imposed upon the primordial oneness … “  (Menachem Mendel Schneerson)

RSEJ members come to this work first and foremost as a spiritual concern. Therefore, the following from Greg Williams spoke deeply to us and informed much of our work this past year: “ I wish I could shut this issue down. I wish I could hide from the deep pain that rises up within.  But it is Racism in the public face, and I have to encounter it, daily! … Standing against this creative strain of race hating, is a job our White allies must take on, and it must be taken on with a very deep passion.  Black folks can support but we cannot lead this struggle.”

In this regard, the following was discerned during a period of silent worship:

In addition, our Working Party for Fund Dispersal made recommendations and in consultation with the Atlanta committee, we provided Freedmen’s Fund scholarships to five students.  One recipient and his mother came to Sessions.  We also approved a Prejudice and Poverty grant to the Maine Human Rights Coalition, Inc.

This year we held two retreats, creating an “eco-map” (looking at RSEJ in relation to other committees and groups, inside and outside NEYM) and clearly saw that one of our objectives is collaborate and participate in the work of other groups with common interest and goals. We discussed working better with committees such as P&SC (which is helping us with a beautiful new web-site) and Earthcare. We attempted to initiate a Justice network listing of Monthly Meetings activities and looked for ways to coordinate with the Working Party on Racism. One significant concern of our committee was outreach for more energy.

In response to Yearly Meeting’s clerk’s queries about “ways to release from “business as usual” , we feel called by Spirit to go into difficult places, to help repair some of the hurt.  To think about being released from that work seems counter to that calling.  We are doing this work in the context of a spiritual call.

We also considered NEYM Proposed Work Plan  “Suggested Program Goals by Committee”  and felt the work we are engaged in is: a.) to educate ourselves and NEYM about the spiritual consequences of injustice within ourselves, personally and corporately; b.)  to discharge our duties as proscribed by the Freedman's Fund, c.) to develop strategies and actions that facilitate the empowerment of people of color and others who suffer from oppression in our community; d.)  to bear witness in solidarity, support and connect those doing this difficult work in New England.   As our society is at a critical junction regarding race, RSEJ continues through the lens of being faithful.

RSEJ’s actions at Sessions 2009 included  1.) (in keeping with the Jubilee theme) blowing Shofars (ram’s horns) with members holding up signs “Wake up to Jubilee and stand up for justice”, 2.) “Slaveholders are in Your Pocket” display (regarding the early US presidents pictured on our money, most of whom owned slaves), 3.)quotes placed on dining room tables and 4.) sponsored workshops.  Planned activities for 2010 sessions include holding an open meeting to hear concerns relevant to racial, social, and economic justice.

“…  for G-d's unity to be complete we need human diversity, each individual fulfilling his or her role in existence, sharing with others their unique contribution, and learning from others the wisdom they lack on their own.” …  (Menachem Mendel Schneerson)