Multiracial Sinai (MRS) began its work in 2017 and became a formal committee of the Temple in 2019. Our purpose is to guide Temple Sinai in affirming its identity as a multiracial and affirmatively antiracist congregation and in identifying opportunities for improvement in aspects of our congregational life. We are committed to working to create a congregation where differences are celebrated, where we have conversations about race, and where all feel welcome.
Multiracial Sinai provides learning opportunities for the congregation and the wider community. Past topics have included:
We strive for a congregation that is both better informed and better prepared to act to correct these injustices. Our Building Racial Stamina discussion groups have sought to empower congregants to see themselves as change agents for racial equity, and to build the shared language and skills for collaborative anti-racist action both inside and outside Temple Sinai’s walls.
MRS promotes opportunities for congregants to take action to address racial inequities and injustices in our community. From housing justice to reproductive freedom, the impact of climate change or mistreatment of workers in today’s economy, nearly every social problem in the United States has a disproportionate impact on people of color due to the legacy of slavery, Jim Crow and legalized racism, and continuing structural racism. We lift up opportunities for social and racial justice action in partnership with allies, such as participating in Washington Interfaith Network (WIN) and the Poor People’s Campaign.
MRS also integrates a racial justice lens and an appreciation for the diversity of the Jewish experience into our ritual, text study and learning, liturgy and music, and other aspects of our spiritual practices. Our annual Multiracial Sinai Shabbat service is just one example. Learn more about the work MRS has done internally at Temple Sinai here.
In 2024, at the recommendation of the Multiracial Sinai Committee, the Temple joined the SEA Change initiative, bringing together Jewish congregations across denominations in the DMV, in a shared network to Study, Engage and Act toward racial justice, equity and inclusion for all. Through SEA Change we inform our congregants of opportunities these other congregations offer to learn and to act to advance our common goals, and invite their members to join in our activities as well.
Steve Metalitz, Co-Chair
sjmetalitz@aol.com
Sarah Bryer, Co-Chair
sarahnbryer@gmail.com