The Temple-Tifereth Israel to Host Book Discussion as Part of Ongoing Racial Justice Initiative

Media Contact:
Ceci Dadisman
Communications Director
The Temple-Tifereth Israel
cdadisman@ttti.org
216-455-1729 (direct)
412-523-8861 (mobile)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Temple-Tifereth Israel to Host Book Discussion as Part of Ongoing Racial Justice Initiative

The Temple-Tifereth Israel will host a book discussion on Race Talk and the Conspiracy of Silence: Understanding and Facilitating Difficult Dialogues on Race by Dr. Derald Wing Sue on April 20, 2022 at 7:00 pm on Zoom. Register by sharing your email address at https://bit.ly/racialjusticebookdiscussion.

Race Talk and the Conspiracy of Silence debunks the most pervasive myths about talking about race using evidence, easy-to-understand examples, and practical tools.

This book discussion is a program of The Temple’s commitment to racial justice. Ongoing programming and initiatives seek ways in which The Temple can, as a sacred congregation and in collaboration with the Reform movement, address the issues of race, racism both within the Jewish community and more broadly in the wider community, locally and nationally.

About The Temple Racial Justice Task Force

The Temple’s Racial Justice Task Force is dedicated to the work of dismantling systemic racism, and seeking to become an anti-racist congregation both individually and collectively.

As Reform Jews, we have a moral obligation to hear the cries of and to support our neighbors when they face violence, persecution, discrimination, and oppression. We are called to stand in solidarity with our neighbors in challenging racism in all its forms.

The Racial Justice Task Force addresses the following questions:

  • How can we, as a Reform Jewish congregation, better confront internalized, systemic racism and become more faithful allies to Communities of Color?
  • How can we build a more welcoming, inclusive, and diverse congregation where all, whether member, professional or guest, are treated equitably and with respect?
  • How can we collaborate with our members, clergy, professionals, committees, and the wider community through external relationships to better build a culture of action toward equity?
  • How can we better address the barriers faced by Jews of Color within our own congregation and the Jewish community?
  • How can we align the work of racial justice with our Jewish calendar and with the life of our beloved congregation?

About Dr. Derald Wing Sue

Born in Portland, Ore., Dr. Derald Wing Sue is the son of parents who emigrated from China. Early childhood memories of being teased due to his ethnicity lead to his fascination with human behavior. His deep interest and passion led him to becoming one of the most prominent voices in cross cultural studies. With over 150 publications under his belt he is the most cited Multicultural Scholar today.

He received a bachelor’s degree from Oregon State University, and a PhD in counseling psychology from the University of Oregon. The Civil Rights Movement sparked an interest in him and was the foundation for his interest in multicultural studies. Sue, along with his brother, and fellow psychologist, Dr. Stanley Sue wanted to emphasize the importance of understanding the culture of Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders, making sure that they too received attention and accurate mental health services. In 1972, Sue co-founded the Asian American Psychological Association (AAPA) with his brother Stanley Sue. Both brothers felt there was a need for others to understand the experience of Asian-Americans and this was the beginning.

Currently, Sue is a professor of psychology at Teachers College, Columbia University. Aside from his interests in multicultural counseling and diversity training he is the recipient of countless awards and honors such as The Society for the Psychological Study of Ethnic Minority Issues with the Mentoring and Leadership Award. He held numerous positions throughout the APA, including president of Division 45, Society for the Psychological Study of Culture, Ethnicity and Race. Sue has written several books, including Microaggressions in Everyday Life: Race, Gender, and Sexual Orientation, Counseling the Culturally Diverse: Theory and Practice, and Overcoming Our Racism: The Journey to Liberation.

About The Temple

The Temple-Tifereth Israel is a warm, welcoming synagogue family where each person matters. We cherish our rich history and traditions and foster a dynamic culture of imagination and innovation. Members of all ages find meaning and inspiration by developing enduring personal connections with each other, Torah, God, the State of Israel, and the Jewish People, and through acts of justice and compassion.

# # #