Congregational Updates Regarding COVID-19

The month of May is recognized nationally as Jewish American Heritage Month (click here for more info), celebrating the more than 350-year history of Jewish contributions to American culture. In addition to bagels, lox, and Broadway, Jews have impacted American culture in many ways over the years, not least of which our participation in the fight for equality, fairness, and justice in our land for all its people. In that spirit, Congregation Beth Ahabah’s clergy and Social Justice Committee remind us that May is also Asian American and Pacific Islanders Heritage Month (click here for more info), acknowledging the many contributions and accomplishments of Asian and Pacific Americans to our local, state, and national culture.

During this pandemic, we must reject bigotry and show our solidarity with communities of Asian descent which are being targeted by some for discrimination in our region. We stand together with all Virginians who treat each other with compassion, empathy, respect and trust. We are all in this together. We believe that there are some tangible ways to show our support for our friends and neighbors, including patronizing local Asian/Pacific-owned businesses by purchasing deliveries and takeout, shopping online and buying gift cards; helping to denounce racism, dispel false statements and offer teachable moments whenever possible; and spreading the word through social networks by posting content that highlights the contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to American society, both historically and during this crisis.

The websites linked above have a range of content about Jewish American Heritage and Asian/Pacific American Heritage, as well as linking to additional content at the National Archives, the National Park Service, the Smithsonian, and more! Happy Jewish American and Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month!