Justice, Justice!

U-M Hillel speaker energizes students to fight against racism and for inclusion.

Noah Betman } jewish@edu

ast summer, I was lucky enough to
attend Hillel Engagement Institute in St.
Louis. One of the biggest events of this
conference featured three distinguished panel-
ists; all three were incredible, but Yavilah McCoy
stood out. She was inspiring as she spoke about
our responsibility as Jews to help those in need,
to be inclusive of Jews of color and to recognize
the power and privilege we hold in our lives.
At the end of the event, I looked at Gita
Karasov, engagement director at the University
of Michigan Hillel, and said: “We need to bring
her to campus.”
From Feb. 4-6, we did just that. After months
of planning, the community was treated to three
incredible events with Yavilah. The highlight was
Friday night when we packed 80 people into the
lounge after Shabbat dinner and had a discus-
sion about racism and experiences with racism in
our own lives and what we can do to combat it.
People were open, honest and spoke from
the heart. I have attended many events in my
college career where participants spoke for the

L

sole purpose of avoiding an awkward silence
in the room. I never felt that during this event.
There were always hands going up to share.
Conversations during break-outs were lively
and in-depth. We learned about each other and
ourselves, and it made all the hours of planning
more than worth it.
That same night, I gave the d’var Torah at
the Conservative service. I tried to convey my
thoughts about the Torah portion, Mishpatim, as
well as connect it to the theme of the weekend:
“Justice, Justice, Shall You Pursue.”
I connected the portion to themes of dignity,
respect and inclusion. In this portion, particularly
in its multiple references to treating strang-
ers well, the Torah implores us to interact with
people with these values in mind, but also to
remember that we, the Jewish people, were
once in the very shoes of those oppressed in the
United States.
It is very easy to forget how the Jews were
once widely viewed here. In July 1938, a poll
was conducted in the United States. Perhaps you

have heard of it, as it was popular-
ized in a November article in the
Washington Post and has stuck with
me ever since. The question asked
was, “What is your attitude toward
allowing German, Austrian and other
political refugees to come into the
United States?” Sixty-seven percent
selected the option, “With conditions
as they are, we should try to keep
them out.” That’s 67 percent!
Yavilah McCoy
The Jewish community on campus
has been reluctant at times to dis-
cuss issues of race and social justice,
Yavilah McCoy brought energy and vision to our
but the events throughout the weekend inspired
Hillel, and we’re going to run with it.
me. They have given me hope that enough
Our final event with her was on Saturday, a
dedicated people on this campus want to learn
Shabbat lunch followed by some Jewish gospel.
across differences, and will listen to the experi-
We concluded the event not with goodbyes, but
ences and perspectives of others with open ears,
with anticipation of what will come next. I can’t
and that we can work together to make positive
wait to get planning. @
change on campus for all students, both Jewish
and non-Jewish.
Noah Bettman of West Bloomfield is a senior at the
A follow-up meeting already has taken place.
University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

The Cohn-Haddow
Center for Judaic Studies

The Cohn-Haddow Center for Judaic Studies at Wayne State University is a major resource for research and
academic, adult Jewish study on the Wayne State campus and throughout the metropolitan Detroit area.

Established in 1988 as a partnership between the Cohn and Haddow families, Wayne State University
and the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit, the center is an enduring symbol of the long and
fruitful relationship between Wayne State and the Jewish community in metropolitan Detroit.

Cohn-Haddow programs enrich cultural life on Wayne State’s campus and illuminate the Jewish
experience through a diverse range of academic lenses. The center features an accomplished faculty
with ties to a multitude of university departments and programs.

In recent years, the Cohn-Haddow Center has also served as a major contributor in the ongoing
resurgence of Jewish life and community in Detroit, complementing Wayne State’s broad role in the
city’s revival.

The Jewish Studies Minor

The Jewish Studies minor, offered through the Cohn-Haddow Center, gives students opportunities to
explore the history, culture and politics of the Jewish people from biblical times through the modern
period. Interdisciplinary course offerings enable students to examine Jewish traditions and cultural
interactions across time. Students who successfully complete the minor with a grade point average of
3.5 in the program and 3.0 overall may receive a $1,000 stipend to support completion of their degrees.

Professor Howard N. Lupovitch, Director

Cohn Haddow Center

Cohn-Haddow Center for Judaic Studies
Wayne State University
2311 Faculty Administration Building
656 W. Kirby
Detroit, MI 48202
Phone: (313) 577-2679

2048080

February 18 • 2016

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