STATEMENT OF BELONGING & DIVERSITY

Reflecting the principle of b'tzelem Elohim - we are all made in the divine image - we at Congregation Beth El embrace and celebrate the diversity of Bay Area Jewish life. We strive to create a synagogue that promotes a sense of belonging for all.
 
In doing so, Congregation Beth El draws on Jewish values and examples of Jewish resistance. This tradition informs our active opposition to systems of white supremacy and other systems of oppression, such as racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ageism, and ableism.
 
Creating a sense of belonging within our diverse Beth El family deepens and expands our understanding of our own identities and experiences while simultaneously strengthening our connections to one another. We pledge to do the hard work of creating a more just community from within. This requires us to grapple with and challenge harmful notions embedded in our texts, teachings, practices, education, and institutions both within and outside of Beth El.
 
Let us embrace the diversity of our congregation by actively lifting up the voices of our members who may not otherwise be heard, such as those who are Jews of color, Mizrahi and Sephardi, multiracial, interfaith, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, and Jewish-adjacent. We encourage people to express their authentic identities; may we recognize the bravery and vulnerability of those who show up and speak out.