Good night Moon, Good night JCA…

As I sit here on this rainy, second-to-last afternoon in my office, I’m extremely pensive. Half of my brain is jumbled with my move, travels and to-do list, while the other half is struggling to digest my transition.

Where was I two years ago, before I came to Minnesota and JCA? I had just returned from Thailand where my eyes were opened to the injustices of the world and more importantly the role that I had to play. But, I was lost. I knew that there were changes to be made, but not how to make them. Then I found JCA. Well, I should clarify- google found JCA!

Now, I know. It takes meetings and conversations. It takes asking. It takes passion and energy. It takes a willingness to know when to be serious and when to be silly. It takes people.

My hands are shaking as I type this. It is the all too familiar feeling that I get from caffeine after too many one to ones at coffee shops. I’ll miss this feeling.

I’ll miss coalition meetings that seemed long and intense, but always ended with great next steps towards action.

I’ll miss shabbat dinners that were brought people together for laughs, justice and great food.

I’ll miss our bustling office, which is either busy because we are working crazy hours or because we are just making fun of current policy or each other.

I’ll will even miss Minnesota nice.

I know that I am leaving Minnesota, but that Minnesota will never leave me. I know it’s overly sentimental, but somehow true. All of you have made an impact on my experience here. For those of you who are allies, thank you for your partnership. For those of you who are members, thank you for your relationship.

-Alyse Erman

Mr. Rosenthal Goes to Postville

Last week, I had the opportunity to tour the Agriprocessors Plant in Postville, Iowa as part of a commission appointed by the Rabbinic Assembly and the United Synagogues of Conservative Jews led by Rabbi Morris Allen. This visit was spurred on by an article in the Forward which severely criticized the plant for violations of worker health and safety, among other problems. This is the largest Kosher meatpacking plant in the United States.

We spent nearly two full days there, meeting with government officials, workers, lay and religious leaders in the community, union reps, and the owner and key staff from the plant itself. For the first time, I had the chance to tour a meatpacking plant. It is clear to me that it is impossible to make this work easy or neat. It is very hard work, the pay is low, the hours are long and there are dangerous tasks to be performed. It is amazing how hard the work is, and how dedicated the workers are. It is important to note that 80% or more of the workers are from Guatemala and Mexico, many of whom are undocumented and speak little English. Anyone who wondered whether these workers are trying to improve their lives so they can stay in the US should have the chance that I had to meet these workers and talk to them.

Most exciting about this visit, and the work of the commission of which I am a part, is the opportunity to work on an issue that is very important to the Jewish community - kosher meat; is strongly rooted in Jewish values, respecting the dignity and well-being of workers and the stranger; and building relationships with immigrant workers as part of JCA's work on immigrant rights.

I expect we will be going back soon and we are committed to working with the plant management, workers and people in town to meet the challenges of producing quality Kosher meat while improving the conditions for workers and protecting their rights. More will be reported as we visit again.

-Vic Rosenthal