A Letter from Lindy March 19

Hi Pilgrims,
 
Standing where we are today, sometimes we forget just how long we isolated during pandemic, but then we get jolted in reminder. That jolt came for me today as I attended the Interfaith Clergy Conference this morning, hosted by Jewish for Good. The last time I stepped into the JCC to be in this conversation was March 2018. 2018!
 
The importance of this interfaith dialogue amidst the rise of antisemitism is crucial for all faith leaders so as to engage their communities in deliberate conversation and study. Together we were taken on a wonderfully engaging journey by Dr. Malka Z. Simkovich, Crown-Ryan Chair of Jewish Studies, Director of Catholic-Jewish Studies at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. As the morning was more classroom than lecture, the presentation and discussion, titled “Who Were the Jews of Jesus’ Time, and Why Does it Matter?” offered this diverse audience an opportunity to learn together so that we might create a ripple effect– broadening the circles of care and conversation in our respective context/s.
 
The timing felt critically important as we Christians follow Jesus toward crucifixion, mindful of how our biblical historical narrative has caused such harm along the way. The words we use, the labels we affix, the blame we assign have done such damage. Much like the need for White folks to own the work of dismantling racist systems and structures, while not putting that burden on the shoulders of people of color, so too must Christians roll up their sleeves to educate, reframe and contextualize our sacred texts for the healing of all God’s beloved children.
 
I was grateful that so many of the colleagues I hold dear shared in this collective commitment to do the work of God’s shalom.
 

Pastor Lindy (she/her) why pronouns matter

 
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