01/20/2025
A Message from Rabbi Tamar on this MLK and Inauguration Day
January 20, 2025
Dear Beloved Beth Jacob Community,
We find ourselves on this Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a day which calls us to reflect on Dr. King’s vision of justice, equality, and peace, witnessing the inauguration of a president who has at times over the course of his campaign and tenure, expressed views and policies that directly contradict the values for which Dr. King so fervently stood, a president whose words and actions have often stoked division, fear, and discrimination. Dr. King envisioned a society in which equality and justice were not just ideals but realities that could be achieved. He believed in the power of love and nonviolence, in the importance of standing up against hatred and oppression, and in the ability of every individual to contribute to the building of a better, more inclusive world.
I find myself wondering today: how can we recommit to Dr. King’s vision and manifest his courage at a time when we so desperately need that kind of leadership? What can we as individuals do? Where should we focus our energies?
As many of you know, this year we revitalized our Social Justice Committee, thanks to Barb Curchak, who is chairing the committee with highly skilled leadership. This group is committed to doing the kind of longitudinal work that helps create real, systemic change, focused on housing justice. And, we have also been talking about the need to be nimble and responsive to issues as they emerge. This is not a time for us to lean on a small committee, but rather to be prepared as a congregation to mobilize and work together when opportunities for standing up for justice present themselves.
I am reminded that Dr. King’s work was never about waiting for others to change, but about each of us committing ourselves to the ongoing work of justice, and that the struggle for justice is not one that can be won in a single election cycle, or in any one presidency. It is a long, steady march toward a more just and compassionate society – a march we are still on and would still need to be on, regardless of who was taking office today. And, in this time we are called to be even more resolute in our commitment to justice. As Dr. King himself said, "We will remember not the words of our enemies but the silence of our friends."
As Jews, our master narrative, and indeed our long history, has been about resistance to tyranny, perseverance and a relentless commitment to equality and freedom for all, about remembering our own experiences of oppression and doing all we can for others facing similar circumstances. Our tradition also teaches us that each generation must take on the responsibility of pursuing justice, tzedek, as if the fate of the entire world depended on it, hence the repetition in tzedek, tzedek tirdof.
In the coming days, months, and years, it is going to be up to each of us to keep Dr. King’s dream alive, not just in our words but in our actions. Let us continue to advocate for policies that protect the most vulnerable among us, speak out against hate and bigotry, and work tirelessly toward racial and economic justice.
For today, here is my suggestion: There are a number of opportunities in the Twin Cities to honor Dr. King and engage with his vision. These events also provide us with the opportunity to engage with others in our broader community to foster change and move Dr. King’s ideals toward a reality. I have listed a few of these opportunities below.
I also encourage all of us to take part in local volunteer efforts, support organizations focused on racial justice, and engage in meaningful conversations within our own congregation about how we can contribute to a more just and compassionate world.
May we find strength in each other, and may we be guided by the light of Dr. King’s dream as we continue our work, bringing forward a vision for a just and peaceful country.
Sending love and strength to all of us on this significant day.
Rabbi Tamar Magill-Grimm
Honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
35th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Breakfast
When: January 20 · 8 – 9:30 a.m.
What: Under the theme “One People,” this annual event will honor the life and legacy of Dr. King while raising funds for students in the Twin Cities. This year’s keynote speaker is Michele Norris, senior contributing editor for MSNBC, former NPR host, and the author of “Our Hidden Conversations: What Americans Really Think About Race & Identity.” The Sounds of Blackness will perform, and the Threads Dance Project and the VocalEssence Singers of This Age will offer special performances.
Where: Minneapolis Convention Center (Exhibit Hall A), 1301 Second Ave. S., Minneapolis
More info: MLKBreakfast.com
39th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration
When: January 20 · 10 a.m.
What: You are invited to advance Dr. King’s dream at the closing event for the State of Minnesota’s 39th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, one of the oldest and largest celebrations in the nation.
With the theme of “One Dream. One Minnesota. Bridging Legacy with Action,” this closing event features community leaders and performances by Billy Steele and Fellowship Baptist Church, Jamecia Bennett, and Known MPLS. Dr. Yohuru Williams will MC and host a fireside chat by revered elders Josie R. Johnson and Reatha Clark King. To view the recorded live stream of the MLK, Jr. Celebration on January 20, 2025, visit TPT.org.
Where: Ordway Music Theater, 345 Washington St., St. Paul
More info: mn.gov/oeoa/events/2025-mlk-day.jsp
2025 MLK Day Service Project!
When: January 20 · 10 – 11:30 a.m.
What: This annual event offers an opportunity to honor Dr. King’s legacy by serving others. Make a difference on this powerful day by joining other community members in volunteerism at the Minneapolis Convention Center. This event is free but with limited capacity. Register at the link below.
Where: Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 2nd Ave. S., Minneapolis
More info: https://bit.ly/4fQ3M8U
27th Annual Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration
When: January 20 · 10 a.m. -1:30 p.m.
What: This MLK celebration features performing artists, community partners driving clear examples of equity forward work, a complimentary lunch, a fun-filled gift station for kids, and an overall experience founded on the principles upheld by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This is a free event.
Where: Powderhorn Recreation Center, 3400 15th Ave. S., Minneapolis
More info: www.ppna.org/mlkcelebration
MLK Jr. Day Event at Two Rivers High School
Join Key Club for their annual MLK Day of Service event on Monday, January 20 as we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This event invites all to participate in meaningful service projects and give back to the community. Light refreshments will be provided.
When: Monday, January 20 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Two Rivers South Gym
Mpls NAACP Martin Luther King Jr. Day Luncheon
When: January 20 · 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
What: The Minneapolis NAACP presents this MLK luncheon that offers food, community spirit, and inspiring history lessons. Admission is $7.88.
Where: ECMN Building, 1101 West Broadway Ave., Minneapolis
More info: https://bit.ly/408gzxZ
Jewish Community Action’s Inauguration & MLK Day Havdalah
Monday, January 20, 2025: 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM CT
https://www.jewishcommunityaction.org/events
This year, Inauguration Day and Martin Luther King Jr. Day are the same. With the resurgence of politically enforced racism and division, the contradiction of the inauguration against the memory of Dr. King will be palpable. Join JCA for an evening of community, connection, and learning, in person and online, as we look to the struggles and successes of the Black radical tradition and ask, as Dr. King did in 1968: "Where do we go from here?"
Discover vibrant Jewish action and engagement in Minnesota with Jewish Community Action. Explore progressive Jewish social groups and community organizations dedicated to meaningful change and advocacy. Join us for impactful events shaping the future of our community.
