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MLK & Eisendrath

Martin Luther King, Jr. and Maurice Eisendrath, President of the UAHC
(Click on photo to enlarge)
“…The next thing we must be concerned about if we are to have peace on earth and good will toward men is the nonviolent affirmation of the sacredness of all human life. Every man is somebody because he is a child of God."
- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

On Martin Luther King, Jr. Day we honor the life of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. On this day, we can celebrate the strides our country has made in the ongoing struggle for civil rights; we can pause and remember all of those who sacrificed their lives for the sacred cause of equality; we can pray for a world to come that is truly “free at last.” Genesis teaches us that we are all created b’tzelem Elohim, “in the Image of God.” Dr. King’s faith was, too, guided by this principle. While the Christianity of Dr. King and the Judaism of the Reform Jewish Movement may speak through different words, they share a common vision, grounded in the Godliness of each and every human life and committed to the pursuit of a more just society. Inextricably, we are partners in this struggle.

We offer the following program ideas and resources – pertaining to both Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and African-American/Jewish Relations – to help Temple Youth groups, NFTYites, and NFTY Regions celebrate this partnership:

NFTYcastNew! Listen to a special podcast from NFTY and the Religious Action Center
Many of the leaders of the UAHC (now the Union for Reform Judaism) and the CCAR (Central Conference of American Rabbis) were arrested with Martin Luther King, Jr., in St. Augustine, Florida, in 1964 after a challenge to racial segregation in public accommodations. Prominent among these was Rabbi Maurice Eisendrath, a tremendous figure in American Reform Judaism, who served as the UAHC President from 1943 until 1972, and who was very much of a spiritual partner to King in the struggle against racism. In this NFTYcast - produced with the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism - hear the story first hand from Rabbi Israel Dresner. Rabbi Dresner was one of those sixteen Rabbis who marched, and was later arrested, in St. Augustine.
Listen now on your computer or mp3 player!

Program Ideas
Article Fly on the Wall Video Tape Project
This program is adapted from a program by the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, and originally created by Rabbi Carol Glass at Boston University.
Article Organize a Bone Marrow Drive
This program is based on a program created by Jeremy Feit at Columbia University, and adapted from a program by the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism.
Bookmark Religious Action Center Program Bank
For examples of congregational programs for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, visit the Religious Action Center's Program Bank.
Writings and Speeches
Bookmark VIDEO: "I Have a Dream" Speech
A 10 minute, 17 second Real Video clip of Rev. King, Jr. on the steps of Lincoln Memorial giving his famous speech.
Bookmark Nobel Prize Acceptance Speech
Bookmark A Letter from Birmingham Jail
Websites and Resources about MLK, Jr.
Bookmark The King Center
The official, living memorial dedicated to the advancement of the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., leader of America's greatest nonviolent movement for justice, equality and peace.
Bookmark Martin Luther King Jr. Website: educationplanet.com
Bookmark Ten Minutes of Torah: Martin Luther King, Jr. (2005)
Bookmark Kansas City Star, Martin Luther King Jr. Website
Bookmark Religious Action Center Civil Rights Issue Page
Consult this page for information on the Reform Jewish Movement and Civil Rights
Bookmark The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People – NAACP
Bookmark The Leadership Conference on Civil Rights


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