Chesed she’b’Malchut
Lovingkindness in Majesty, nobility, authority, sovereignty
We have learned to give and receive lovingkindness and abundance in our lives. Focus on what and who sustains and nurtures you and on how you sustain and nurture others.
Ask yourself: Are there African American communities or persons I avoid reaching out to? Can I strive to do better? Identify avenues for new connections.
In case you missed it… review this video from week one:
Hear the blend of love, kindness, solidarity, majesty, and humility in the singers’ voices.
G’vurah she’b’Malchut
Strength in Majesty, nobility, authority, sovereignty
Are we strong when we need to be? What are the sources of our strength from within and from without? Does justice inform our leadership and do we give strength to others when it is needed?
Ask yourself: Are there communities of color or persons I avoid lending my assistance to? Can I strive to do better? Identify avenues for new connections.
In case you missed it… review from week two:
Try something out of your comfort zone, or, as Rep. John Lewis urged: “Get in good trouble.”
Tiferet she’b’Malchut
Beauty and compassion in Majesty, nobility, authority, sovereignty
How does compassion flow from our hearts to those we encounter? Do we recognize the beauty of others we encounter? Do we bring beauty and harmony into the lives of others?
Ask yourself: Do I struggle to show compassion to persons of color or members of those communities? Can I strive to do better? Identify avenues for new connections.
In case you missed it… review from week three:
Make a gratitude list.
Netzach she’b’Malchut
Endurance and perseverance in Majesty, nobility, authority, sovereignty
How strong are our convictions in fighting for a good cause? Do we lead with confidence and follow enthusiastically when others take the lead? Are we determined to reach goals and help others overcome obstacles in their way? Do we celebrate victories not only in our lives but also understand victories in the lives of persons of color?
Ask yourself: How can I focus my efforts to encourage and support those afflicted by systemic racism and the legacy of hateful bigotry? Can I strive to do better? Identify avenues for new connections.
In case you missed it… review from week four:
How does the “Prayer for Racial Justice” reflect key aspects of being a “mensch”?
Hod she’b’Malchut
Sincerity and Splendor in Majesty, nobility, authority, sovereignty
Do we notice the beauty in the natural world surrounding us? Do we see the divine light of others and remember we are created in God’s image?
Ask yourself: Identify one or more African Americans whose beauty or accomplishments we haven’t always seen or celebrated. A great resource to consult is: 26 Little Known Black History Heroes – Famous African Americans
In case you missed it… review from week five:
Read: Mariame Kaba’s essay “Yes, We Mean Literally Abolish the Police”
Opinion | Yes, We Mean Literally Abolish the Police
Yesod she’b’Malchut
Foundation in Majesty, nobility, authority, sovereignty
What are the foundational values and key relationships in our lives? Do we build close relationships with others and sustain and nurture them?
Ask yourself: How does our energy build and support the diverse communities around us? Can I find a way to connect with an African American community that is in my neighborhood? Identify avenues for new connections.
In case you missed it… review from week six:
Learn about Jewish involvement in the Civil Rights movement. This link is a good place to start: https://www.penntoday.upenn.edu/news/black-jewish-relations-civil-rights-movement.
Malchut she’b’Malchut
Sovereignty and Nobility in Majesty
Consider our place in the world, our relationship to the Divine and to one another. Imagine standing on a mountaintop and looking out at the journey we have taken together during the counting of the Omer.
Ask yourself: How can we see our best selves and our paths forward together? How does the Divine Spirit guide our lives and flow through us?
Action: give MLK’s “I have a Dream” speech another listen-
I Have a Dream speech by Martin Luther King .Jr HD (subtitled)
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