Ruach - Spirit Day Thursday 10/20 in School and Work
- Wear Purple
Today is National Day of Spirit - Congregation Simchat HaLev encourages all people to wear purple.
Spirit Day occured for the first time last year as a result of the tragic effects of the bullying and hated towards G/L/B/T/Q - Gay, Lesbian, Bi, Transgender, Queer people.
This year on Thursday 10/20 in many synagogues, liberal churches, schools, youth centers and businesses, millions of Americans will wear purple on Spirit Day as a sign of support to speak out against bullying.
Spirit Day was started in 2010 by teenager Brittany McMillan.
Why purple? Purple symbolizes spirit on the rainbow flag.
Getting involved is easy -- participants are asked to simply "go purple". Learn more & go purple at www.glaad.org/spiritday.
In addition to wearing purple on Thursday 10/20, celebrate Spirit Day at Congregation Simchat HaLev during services this Friday. Rabbi Jay and the staff of Congregation Simchat HaLev is committed to the vision of welcoming all people equally under our tent. To do this, we must all understand the definition of diversity and how it relates to synagogue life. We will continue to pray and will work hard together to bring about a time when all in our midst will embrace diversity regardless of race, culture, gender, ethnic background, social status, sexual preference, language spoken, mental capacity, learning style and physical ability. And then, diversity will no longer need a defintion. It begins with each and every one of us.
There is much to be done. Wearing purple today says " I believe that all people should not be judged" and wearing purple at Simchat Torah services says, "I have spirit and I support the inclusion of all people".
I believe they are inter-related.
