Rabbi Joseph

BCRC Leadership

Message from the President

Sacred Partnership

From the Rabbi's Study

Jewish Pride In Loudoun County
(October/November 2009)

Sometimes it seems that it is hard to be unapologetically Jewish here in Loudoun County. I frequently hear stories about how the public schools program activities during the High Holy Days, how many youth programs can intentionally or unintentionally ostracize Jewish participants, and even how there is Crèche (nativity scene) at the Leesburg Courthouse. Congregants contact me sharing their frustrations and, at times despair, about how hard it is to be Jewish in our area.

In meetings with leaders of the greater Washington Jewish community, especially Debbie Linick at the Jewish Community Relations Council, I discussed the struggles many families are facing. In collaboration with the JCRC, the Jewish Partnership of Life-Long Learning, and the Jewish Social Service Agency of Virginia we have come together to offer families at Beth Chaverim an opportunity to discuss the challenges they are facing. In this meeting, on Sunday November 15, 2009 at 11 am, all three organizations will give a short presentation of services and support they can offer and then, serve as a panel answering questions and concerns in our congregation.

My hope for the program is that we learn as a community how to effectively address issues that commonly “pop-up” in Loudoun County. It should inspire us to be proactive and teach our friends and neighbors about our expectations. To do this we need to be role models for our families and the greater community by celebrating Jewish holidays and fulfilling Jewish rituals. It is important to show others why our children should not participate in school activities during important holidays, and why it is uncomfortable and hurtful when religion is used in public activities.

May we as a sacred congregation work together with other Jews in Loudoun County in helping our greater community understand how many commonly accepted actions can be painful and unwelcoming. So, please come to this wonderful program on November 15, 2009. There will be programming and lunch for children while the adults attend the meeting. For more information please contact me.

May we help to build a more tolerant and understanding community, for us and all citizens.

Rabbi Jesse Gallop