The Jewish community has a variety of events scheduled in honor of Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday. Here are some you may be interested in attending virtually:
Jewish Federations of North America
In Honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we are recommitting ourselves to acts of service. Below is a list of opportunities — individually or as a group, in-person or virtual, local or national. Join us for the below:
Morning Coffee: Exploring the Intersection of Black & Jewish Identity in America
- Monday, January 18, at 9 am – This session welcomes new audiences to a meaningful discussion on race and identity in Jewish American life, and highlights the voices of Jewish People of Color. Led by Rabbi Isaiah Rothstein, we will sing, pray and share plans for service. Register here.
Volunteer & Commemorate: Take Action Locally
Participate in a local volunteer project, educational program or commemorative service in honor of MLK’s life and legacy.
- Join Repair the World from January 15-18 for a weekend of service to honor MLK. They offer a wide range of both virtual and in-person volunteer opportunities to people of all ages, backgrounds and interests.
- Volunteer with Serve the Moment, a Repair the World program created in partnership with the Jewish Service Alliance.
- Volunteer with DOROT, a nonprofit organization that provides New York’s aging population with necessary programs and services. They offer opportunities to volunteer remotely and in-person and offer youth and family programming.
Learn & Educate: Stay Informed
Find new ways to understand, process, and discuss Civil Rights and justice issues.
- Be’chol Lashon’s digital resources will help you develop tools and skills for learning and having conversations around MLK and race.
- Article: MLK Day: My Second Birthday
- Article: Jews of Color on What Martin Luther King Jr. Day Means to Them
- Article: A Lesson from Moses to Martin Luther King Jr.
Shaare Emeth
Rev. Gabrielle Kennedy will speak at 6 pm on Friday, January 15, on Challenges and Dreams: Dr. King’s Vision for Our Nation and Ourselves. Rev. Kennedy is Director of Faith and for the Sake of All, a St. Louis nonprofit whose mission is to “mobilize the faithful” to improve the health of African-Americans in St. Louis. Stream this Shaare Emeth service live at sestl.org/livestream or on Facebook at facebook.com/shaareemeth.
Jewish Community Relations Council
Just over 60 years ago on November 27, 1960, Martin Luther King Jr. spoke at the United Hebrew Temple on Skinker Boulevard; today it’s the Missouri Historical Society Library & Research Center, which joins JCRC in this special event. Listen to a first-hand account from a St. Louisan who was in the audience that day, and hear Reverend Dr. Anthony Witherspoon of Washington Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church speak about this year’s MLK theme of education and building the beloved community. Lastly, rabbinical student and activist Koach Baruch Frazier and Reverend Gabrielle Kennedy of Faith & For the Sake of All reflect on what it means to lead congregations in the legacy of this renowned civil rights leader.
Join the Zoom program here at 2:45 pm on Sunday, January 17, to ensure you get a spot and enjoy footage from the 2020 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Statewide Kick-off Program for Missouri.
Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community School
Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community School and PJ Library are offering our community’s youngest social activists the opportunity to answer Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s challenge that we “do something for others.” During the 30-minute drive-thru on Monday, January 18, you and your child will remain in your car and participate in activities that feed the hungry, care for the earth and pursue justice. Masks are required. RSVP for your timeslot here. Email Lee’at or Patty with your questions. First 75 to RSVP get a free book from PJ Library.
On Friday, January 22, at 10 am, Mirowitz Center will remember and honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Join June Fowler, Senior Vice President Communications, Marketing and Public Affairs, BJC HealthCare, as she presents, “A Movement Reborn: From Dr. Martin Luther King to Mr. Floyd.” People can register online here or call 314-733-9813.