Dear B’nai Israel community,
As you may know, our Board of Trustees voted in June to support the legislative bill that put Proposition 16—Restoring Affirmative Action in State Government—on the ballot for the current election. That support now means that our congregation has officially endorsed a “yes” position on Prop. 16. The Board’s decision followed a well-attended community forum for our members in which both proponents and opponents of the bill made their cases and congregants had the chance to ask questions and discuss the issue. In addition to expressing their thoughts at the forum, several members submitted written comments to the Board indicating whether they would like to see the congregation take a position on this issue. The comments reflected a ratio of 6 to 1 in favor of taking a support position.
In supporting Prop 16, B’nai Israel joins the Anti-Defamation League, National Council of Jewish Women-CA, California Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, Jewish Community Relations Council of the Sacramento Region, Bend the Arc: Jewish Action, and several other Jewish and interfaith organizations that have also endorsed it.
It is notable that so many Jewish organizations are supporting this effort. Historically, our community has been split on affirmative action for underrepresented minorities. The recent shift in position comes from the realization that the landscape itself has shifted. Jews are no longer struggling to gain a place in top universities and jobs, held back by the dominant culture. We are now part of the dominant culture in these settings, and we recognize that other groups are still held back as we once were.
We hope you will learn more about the proposition through the links provided below and consider the issue carefully as you prepare to cast your ballot. Whatever your decision, please be sure you have a plan and a back-up plan to ensure your vote is counted, on this measure and the many other important issues on your ballot. Please see the links below about voting in Sacramento County.
L'Shana Tova,
Rabbi Mona Alfi
Greg Hubbs, CBI Board President
Congregation B'nai Israel