Victory

In the world of organizing, it is often hard to see tangible symbols of success or victory. Meetings come and go, coffee is sipped and policy is debated. We often lose sight of the goals and accomplishments because of the common frustrations of the day. But, last Friday night with the Indie Jews was quite a different story.

Just over a year ago a tiny group of unaffiliated Jews sat around a kitchen table to discuss the many conversations they had had with unaffiliated peers through JCA’s Inreach. There was a common consensus (and slight shock) that there were other Jews in the Twin Cities area that had a strong desire to have a Jewish community based on social justice, but not through a congregation.

A year later, nearly 30 people gathered to celebrate the one year anniversary of our first Indie Shabbat with a special Indie Jew birthday party- complete with cake, ice-cream and party hats!

The energy was celebratory and feeling was real. A true victory. Not of policy or government, but of community: Relationships, common ground, Judaism and justice.

Together we have built community. Together we have made change. Together we look to a future of social justice.

Thank you to ALL of the Indie Jews who have come to be a part of this movement.