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e Eighth Annual Commemoration of Largest Mass Arrest of Rabbis
By Savannah Feustel, The Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida
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June 18, 1964 was a day to remember for Jews and AfricanAmericans in the city of St. Augustine. Hailing from diff erent states and Jewish congregations, sixteen rabbis stood in an integrated group for a protest against racial segregation, discrimination, and violence. Acting on behalf of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the rabbis came to St. Augustine to support justice, righteousness, the Civil Rights Movement, and to break the US Senate fi libuster of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Marching through the streets they arrived at the Monson Motor Lodge—which refused to rent rooms to Blacks or serve them in its restaurant—to pray. During the service, rabbis distracted police so that a group of black youths could jump in the swimming pool. Immediately, the hotel manager poured acid into the pool, which was photographed, and became a poster statement for the civil rights movement.
While continuing to pray, the rabbis were arrested and stuff ed into one cell at the St. Johns County Jail. Inside, by the light of a naked bulb they began to pen a response, “Why We Went to St. Augustine.”
The day following the arrest, the Senate passed the Civil Rights bill that the House had already passed – after a fi libuster lasting 60 days. Two weeks later, President Johnson signed it into law.
Over 55 years later, on June 18, 2021, the Eighth Annual Commemoration of Largest Mass Arrest of Rabbis was held outdoors at the Hilton St. Augustine Historic Bayfront (previously the Monson Motor Lodge).
In front of the wall marker of the historical event, retired Rabbi Merrill Shapiro spoke to the large, diverse crowd. He welcomed Lincolnville Museum’s Gayle Philips who read three short letters written to the rabbis in June 1964 from the Southern Christian Leadership Conference Secretary Reverend C.T. Vivian and two letters from Reverend King.
After she read the moving letters, she and two representatives from the NAACP awarded Rabbi Shapiro a plaque for his participation in the 1964 civil rights protest.
Following the award, actor and playwright Lee Weaver read the historic letter.
“We came to St. Augustine mainly because we could not stay away.” Weaver’s voice boomed, “We could not pass by the opportunity to achieve a moral goal by moral means. We came as Jews who remember the millions of faceless people who stood quietly, watching the smoke rise from Hitler’s crematoria. We came because we know that, second only to silence, the greatest danger to man is loss of faith in man’s capacity to act."
If interested in learning more, visit the St. Augustine Jewish Historical Society at https://sajhs. com/history/. Through their eff orts, each year the St. Johns County Commission, with the St. Augustine City Commission proclaims January, “Florida Jewish History Month” to honor these courageous rabbis.
JACKSONVILLE KOLLEL LAUNCHES WOMEN'S PROGRAM
ByMenashe Uhr,Jacksonville Kollel
The Jacksonville Kollel had an amazing women’s brunch last month as we launched their new women’s Torah Partners study program! More than 25 women gathered for a fabulous morning of fun, inspiration, and of course, a delicious spread including a make-your-own yogurt bar! Women from a diverse range of affi liations - and neighborhoods - got to know each other with a fun and dynamic “ice breaker” game which everyone loved!
Rachelli Fisch, who organized this event and spearheaded this new women’s program, gave a short address with an inspirational message. After some more schmoozing, the women sat down to enjoy an empowering live address from international speaker and lecturer Gevurah Davis. Rachelli then introduced the Torah Partners program, which partners women with each other for twice monthly one-on-one learning. The book we’ll be using is called "Everyday Holiness" by Alan Morinis. "Everyday Holiness" provides an accessible and inspiring introduction to the Jewish spiritual path of Mussar, a highly practical set of teachings for cultivating personal growth and spiritual realization in our day-to-day life. It can be easy to feel overwhelmed with all of our day to day responsibilities that pull at us. Mussar allows us to pause, refl ect, and meditate on what truly makes life meaningful. This program creates a space for Jewish women in Jacksonville to get empowered together, through these timeless teachings of Mussar.
The women will study the book at whatever time suits them best, and can learn in person or on the phone or Zoom. The Kollel plans to follow up with periodical in-person social events for participants of this program, where we can have a good time and refl ect on what we’ve learned in the book. Join the over 25 women who have joined, and we’ll match you with a Torah Partner! Sign up at jacksonvillekollel.com/torahpartners
MILLER FAMILY VOLUNTEER DAY
ByDonna O'Steen,Jewish Family & Community Services
In late May, JFCS partnered with the Miller Family to provide support for those struggling to make ends meet by collecting hygiene supplies to be provided to students at George Washington Carver Elementary School, foster children in the care of JFCS, and the many clients who come to the Max Block Food Pantry for support.
After weeks of collecting generous donations, including a two-week drive at Brightway Insurance corporate offi ce, the Miller Family and their group of volunteers were able to assemble over 112 bags of hygiene items that included shampoo/conditioner, body wash or soap, toothbrush and toothpaste, lotion and many other items for JFCS clients.
“The past year has been tough for many families in Northeast Florida, and we wanted to come together and give employees at Brightway as well as others who want to give back an opportunity to do that,” said Director of Social Impact for the Miller families, Lior Spring. “The kits will benefi t so many children and families in need who are receiving essential services and support from JFCS.”
Co-founder and Executive Chairman for Brightway Insurance, David Miller, added, “We are thrilled at the success of the event, which we plan to be the fi rst of many in the community, “It’s so great to be part of a community that enjoys working together to make our neighbors’ lives better! It was truly inspiring to see our vision of bringing families together in service come to life, building relationships while strengthening our community.”
If your organization would like to do a collection drive to assist Jewish Family & Community Services, contact me for details at dosteen@jfcsjax.org. Together we can make a diff erence. #HereforJax
