These are heartbreaking and challenging times in our country. As grown ups, we often struggle to find ways to talk to our children about major events in the news. As you think about racism and recent events, we encourage you to be honest with children (in a developmentally appropriate way – for help with this, see resources below), while offering the amount of factual information that makes sense for their age and maturity level. It is likely that our children, like adults, will have a range of emotions during these discussions.
For some children and teens, using books and movies can be an effective way to engage in these discussions. We all have a great deal of work to do to help create an antiracist community, and it begins with these important, and often difficult, conversations.
Read and talk with children. Reach out to your neighbor and deepen your understanding, increase your knowledge, and pave the way for change.
We’ve compiled some resources that we hope will help you initiate or continue these conversations in your home. We are here to support you and your children in any way we can.
Click here for list of resources for talking to kids & teens about racism
We hope you will continue these vital discussions with us at the following upcoming Or Ami events:
- Sh’ma Koleinu (Hear our Voices) Havdala on Saturday, June 13 @ 7:30 pm
Kiyomi Kowalski is a Marine Corp veteran, earned a law degree, and lives within our community. She is also a Jew of Color. In discussion with Rabbis Julia Weisz and Paul Kipnes, Kiyomi reflects upon her upbringing, explores her encounters with racism, and shares the realities and worries of raising two biracial sons in a predominantly white community. (RSVP HERE) - Congregational Book Reading: How to be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi
- Or Ami Book Group Discussion on Tuesday, June 23 @ 9:30 am (RSVP HERE)
- Discussion with Rabbi Paul and Rabbi Julia – date to be announced for mid-July
L’shalom,
Rabbi Paul Kipnes
Cantor Doug Cotler
Rabbi Julia Weisz
