Equity as a Light Unto the Nations

My commitment to equity within our community is profoundly influenced by my journey as an immigrant, Jewish woman of color, activist, and bridge builder. Throughout my life, I’ve experienced the transformative power of equity-centered initiatives, both as a recipient and as a leader. These experiences have cemented my belief that equity is vital for creating a world where individuals transition from merely surviving to thriving, inspiring them to leave the world a better place than they found it. Despite the politicization of “equity,” which has led some to view it as a source of division, I am resolute that now is the moment to reaffirm equity as a core Jewish value that informs our leadership and actions.

In the realm of bridge-building, equity is indispensable. When we engage in philanthropy or community leadership, acknowledging the unique experiences of each individual allows us to provide support that meets them where they are, not where we assume they should be. This involves not simply removing barriers to create environments where everyone can flourish but also living out our deep commitment to justice and mutual responsibility — tzedakah, kavod, and arevut — as tangible actions that strengthen our Jewish community and the broader world. This approach not only empowers individual community members but also reinforces our collective fabric, making us stronger together.

Centering equity means preparing our community to not only respond to today’s challenges but also to anticipate and shape tomorrow’s opportunities. It requires recognizing and valuing the diverse narratives that make up our collective history and identity, and modeling adaptive and compassionate leadership. This path of equity is deeply rooted in our Torah. From the commandment to leave the corners of our fields for the stranger and those in need, to the wisdom of King Solomon, who demonstrated profound fairness in his judgment between two mothers, our tradition has long understood the importance of equity. Even Joseph, who ensured the fair distribution of grain during a famine in Egypt, embodies the principles of equity in ensuring survival and dignity for all, regardless of their status or origin.

While some may express “equity fatigue,” or the feeling of being overwhelmed by the continuous discussions and initiatives focused on addressing inequity, I urge a different perspective. Our journey toward equity is not a fleeting trend but an ongoing evolution toward fulfilling our deepest Jewish values. This is our historical mandate and our present calling — to be a light unto the nations, not just in spirit but in action, ensuring that our community embodies the justice, compassion, and equity that have guided our people for millennia.

“Moving Through the Wilderness: Recommitting to Equity After 10/7” is a collection of brief essays born out of Elevate: An Executive Leadership Equity Accelerator. Elevate launched in May 2023 and its first cohort consisted of eleven CEOs of influential Jewish institutions, who are committed to the Jewish value and responsibility of equity within our community. The idea for this project emerged in Montgomery, Alabama during one of Elevate’s in-person convenings in early 2024. To learn more about Elevate and the program’s co-founders and leaders, Gamal J. Palmer and Catherine Bell, click here .

Moving Through the Wilderness is presented in partnership with the Forward, the leading voice in Jewish journalism . Read more essays in the collection.