SOCIAL JUSTICE
Rabbi Bassin pursued the rabbinate from an early age largely because she was raised in a religious community centered around the core value of human dignity. She believes that when taken seriously, religion and religious community hold us all accountable to living out our higher ideals. Her approach to social justice is community-driven. Rather than dictate the efforts and causes that she personally values, she has helped foster a culture that is both nimble and responsive to the community’s concerns.
Whether focused on refugee assistance,
immigrant reform, gun violence prevention, LGBTQ rights, or improving internal synagogue culture on racial justice, Rabbi Bassin believes it is important to expand these efforts beyond a small group of motivated congregants by providing access points for all ages and any level of commitment and by leveraging partnerships with other organizations.
As one example, Temple Emanuel expanded another synagogue’s successful program to help Syrian civilians caught in the violence of civil war by convening a dozen faith-based organizations. The efforts collected 2.5 tons of food, clothing, toys, and medical supplies for a children’s hospital in Idlib, Syria.
Media Coverage of Rabbi Bassin’s Social Justice Work:
Temple Emanuel hosted two public forums on gun violence prevention, with Rabbi Bassin interviewing Representative Adam Schiff at one program and interviewing Representative Ted Lieu at another.