It was meeting number three for the burgeoning TBA Social Justice team, and it was time to decide which cause from our all too long list of social injustices this group will take up.
Prior to this meeting, the group continued to rank the issues from our list that each of us felt passionate about. So as we started the meeting, our list of topics was already significantly narrowed to just a handful. Most, if not everyone, agreed that any and all of the issues that made this final cut are worthwhile causes.
The conversation then evolved to which of these topics offers this team and TBA the best chances of success - that is the best chance to affect good. We talked about which cause could interest or attract a cross section of the TBA community. Which cause would be unifying and not divisive within the congregation. Which cause is broad enough that many of us can engage in support, yet focused enough that our intent is clear.
Through mutual respect, listening to one another, and honest dialogue, we made a decision.
According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence:
- Every nine seconds a woman is assaulted or beaten in the United States.
- On average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States. During one year, this equates to more than 10 million women and men.
- On a typical day, there are more than 20,000 phone calls placed to domestic violence hotlines nationwide.
- The presence of a gun in a domestic violence situation increases the risk of homicide by 500%.
- Domestic victimization is correlated with a higher rate of depression and suicidalbehavior.
Furthermore, it is critically important for us to understand that Jews are not immune to this crisis. According to the Jewish Coalition Against Domestic Abuse "Domestic abuse occurs in Jewish families at about the same rate as in the general community - about 15% - and the abuse takes place among all branches of Judaism and at all socio-economic levels. Studies show that abuse occurs in every denomination of Judaism in equal percentages, and we see abuse in all communities including the unaffiliated."
The TBA Social Justice team has decided to focus on issues of domestic violence. We plan on learning more about this abuse by inviting experts to talk with us at an upcoming meeting. Our aim is to approach the Temple Board with a program of activities addressing this issue.
We are ready to roll up our sleeves and get to work. We hope you will join the fight against this devastating injustice that impacts our nation, our state, our towns, and most likely ... our TBA family.
Rabbi Keith Stern
