Tony will be delivering two thought-provoking talks discussing the intersection of Judaism and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy.
Friday Night D’var Torah:
The Prophets’ Dream: Dr. King, Parashat Shemot, and the Call to Courageous Leadership
In this D’var Torah, we will explore Parashat Shemot and the story of Moshe’s awakening to injustice, drawing parallels to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s prophetic voice and vision. Together, we will reflect on how the Torah and Dr. King’s legacy challenge us to move from comfort to courage, ensuring that the dream of justice and liberation remains alive in our time.
Friday Night After Dinner Talk:
Beyond the Dream: White Jews, Sacred Responsibility, and Justice in a Politically Divided World
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy is not simply a dream to admire but a mandate for action. In this challenging and thought-provoking conversation, we will examine how the work of the Civil Rights Movement—and the role Jewish allies played—offers lessons for us today. What does it mean for white Jews to show up for racial justice in our time? How can we hold ourselves accountable, embrace discomfort, and act as allies in this polarized and politically charged world? Together, we will explore what it means to honor Dr. King’s legacy not just with words, but with deeds that embody Jewish values of justice (tzedek) and lovingkindness (chesed).
6PM Service
7PM Dinner
Due to capacity, registration is now closed for this Friday night dinner. You are still welcome to attend our 6PM service.
This program is generously underwritten by Chika & Paul Chandler.
Tony J. Westbrook, Jr. is an award-winning Jewish African-American activist, educator, and community leader. He serves the USCJ community as the Racial Justice, Equity, and Inclusion Specialist. He is passionate about creating positive change and fostering inclusive communities. He aims to elevate racial justice education and cultivate a more welcoming environment for all. He has held leadership roles with Repair the World, Hillel at Washington University in St. Louis, and Capital Camps and Retreat Center. Tony has facilitated racial justice training for several major Jewish organizations and led immersive Jewish travel programs from African American and Jewish Civil Rights Trips in the Deep South to Jewish Service Learning trips to Rwanda.
Tony holds a bachelor’s in communication studies from Fontbonne University and certificates in Judaic studies and experiential Jewish education from the Pardes Institute. A recipient of the Covenant Foundation’s 2021 Pomegranate Prize, he recently graduated from the M² Institute for Jewish Experiential Education Senior Educators program. He is currently a first year student at the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies.
