Uncertainty of what a visit to the nation’s capital would evoke, 21 TBE congregants traveled to Washington, D.C. on a trip that was designed to focus on the intersection of our Jewish and American identities and racial justice. What we discovered was the real-life disruption that so many in Washington are experiencing where almost everyone works for or provides services to Government workers.
Our trip began with the Capital Jewish Museum, followed by Shabbat services at Temple Micah with Rabbi Vanessa’s mentor, Rabbi Danny Zemel. He spoke passionately about congregants faced with ethically challenging situations, struggling to maintain their integrity without sacrificing their livelihood.
Sprinkled throughout our four days together were several more personal testimonies including Ambassador Stuart Eisenberg who served in six Administrations and one of the founders of the US Holocaust Museum; Adam Szubin, long-standing Treasury Department lawyer and now law professor; Dana Bash, journalist, CNN correspondent/host of Inside Politics and moderator of the Trump-Biden presidential debate; and Rabbi Jonah Pesner, Executive Director of the URJ’s Religious Action Center.
As enthralling as these personal reflections on past and current life in D.C. were, we also shared meaningful experiences with our visits to the Sixth & I Historic Synagogue, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the MLK Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, the US Holocaust Memorial Museum (with a pre-opening private welcome and guided tour of a new spectacular exhibit, Americans and the Holocaust), and finally, a tour of the US Capital (sponsored by Representative Katherine Clark).
Many of us share the sentiment of one congregant who eloquently captured the experience: “Our museum visits and conversations with speakers underscored for me that our nation has survived tough challenges in the past and gave me increased faith that democracy will prevail. I’ve been keeping my head in the sand for the past months, avoiding the news or discussions about the election and its outcomes; I returned home determined to take my blinders off, engage fully, and do what I can to make a positive change. A bonus: sharing this deeply moving experience with like-minded congregants, many of whom I’d never even met.”
On the Sabbath following our return, Rabbi Vanessa Harper spoke elegantly about the all-too-human desire to close our eyes, cover our ears, and hide under a blanket to block out unwanted news. Reflecting on the parsha of the week, Beshalach, Rabbi Vanessa described God’s answer to Moses: “Why do you cry out to Me? Tell the Israelites to move forward.” God’s message: You have agency. It is never better to serve the Egyptians—never better to put your head down and follow orders—when they diminish your humanity or the humanity of others. Do not go backwards or stand still. You have the power to keep moving forward but you need to take the next steps yourselves.
The sermon concluded with a resounding call-to-action: don’t wait for people with more power to stand up because they won’t unless we demand it. We will not stand by in silence but will protect each other. We will lift up our voices for what we believe is right. We have much at stake—as Americans, as Jews, as a people called to do justice and love mercy, to defend democracy, and to defend the vulnerable.
“No matter what your political affiliation, or your views on Israel, this is the time to look square in the face of what scares you because it’s what’s on the other side of that fear that really matters… So pick one thing that scares you. Look at it. Don’t close your eyes. What’s on the other side of that fear? What’s worth wading into the sea for?”
I know I speak for all of us who shared this meaningful and inspirational journey in expressing our profound appreciation and gratitude to Rabbi Vanessa for her leadership and this amazing gift. The Racial Justice Initiative welcomes everyone to join us in heeding our esteemed Rabbi’s charge to take action in our pursuit of justice and equality.
