RAC - IL 2020

Jews from Oak Park Temple and around the Chicago area will convene at Temple Jeremiah in Northfield later this month to learn how we all can make Illinois a more just and compassionate state.

The meeting, organized by the Illinois Religious Action Center, or RAC-IL,

will begin at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 26 at 937 N. Happ Rd.

Carpools are being organized so that as many congregants as possible can attend and express the strong commitment we have toward this important work.

The kickoff event will also feature Alex Kotlowitz, award-winning journalist and author of critically-acclaimed An American Summer: Love and Death in Chicago.

For more information or to join a carpool, call the temple office or email Rabbi Kirzane at rabbikirzane@oakparktemple.org.

ABOUT RAC-IL

When RAC-IL was formed in 2017, participating clergy and lay leaders identified the first two issues to address:

• Racial Justice, including criminal justice reform, gun violence, the impact of inequality in arenas such as healthcare and education, and the reality of white privilege; and
• Immigrant and Refugee Rights.

We believe a robust, powerful Jewish community made of strong, networked congregations can effectively partner with other diverse communities across lines of faith, race and economic background to help address these important issues.

At Oak Park Temple, it is crucial that we continue to organize and be ready to advocate on these matters. That is why we are asking you to consider:

• Hosting a house meeting to talk about our work.
• Traveling to Springfield for a RAC-IL advocacy day on April 29 or May 21.
• Completing a racial justice training on Sunday, May 17.
• Calling state legislators about specific legislation.
• Committing to attending a social justice march or demonstration.
• Sharing ideas about RAC-IL or social justice at OPT.

RAC-IL is a project of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism. Illinois, along with Ohio, California, New York and Texas are tasked by the RAC to network with partners to make lasting, meaningful change in our states.

To learn more about RAC-IL at Oak Park Temple, contact our core team chair, Hilarie Pitman Pozesky at HilarieP@comcast.net.