"To live a lifetime of audacity, dwelling in the place where joy meets justice, year after year, can only be sustained by being so in love with a vision of what’s possible that we no longer flirt with despair." - Tai: A Yom Kippur Sermon by Aurora Levins Morales
Aurora Levins Morales is a poet, essayist, historian, and activist who works “to change the stories we tell and help us imagine a world where greed has no power, the earth is cherished and all people get to live safe and satisfying lives.” Rimonim is an opportunity to support Aurora’s gifts as she helps us build an expansive, hopeful Jewish future that puts Jews of Color at the heart of our communities.
Aurora’s poem “V’ahavta” and her Yom Kippur sermon on joy and social justice are already treasured by many Jewish communities. Rimonim will build on this foundation. Working with Aurora’s Palabrera Press, Rimonim will publish a book of Aurora’s liturgical writings. Aurora will shape these writings in collaboration with partner organizations who host her as a poet-in-residence.
Partner Organizations
Rimonim is a collectively funded project supported by synagogues, Jewish organizations, and community members (you!). Rimonim receives support from partner organizations and a paid intern will begin supporting the project in Fall 2019.
Current partners include:
- Jewish Voice for Peace New Orleans
- Kehilla Çommunity Synagogue (Piedmont, CA)
- Tzedek Chicago
- Kol Tzedek (Philadelphia)
- Congregation T'chiyah (Detroit)
- Hinenu (Baltimore)
What We Need
Aurora needs a living wage to create Rimonim, which will be a two year project. Our overall fundraising goal is $40,000.
- $34,000 as a half time salary for Aurora for the first year
- $5,000 for travel to work in person with partners
- $1,000 for books and reference materials
Our target for this campaign is $27,000, and we will raise the balance from individual donors and grants.
If we don't meet our goal, our priority will be to pay Aurora enough to begin the work. If we pass our goal, we'll have less work to do raising the rest of the money, and can put our energy into the work itself.
Other ways to support Rimonim:
- Spread the word! Share our link, with a personal note from you, as widely as you can.
- Ask your synagogue, organization, household, havurah or other group to become a partner in Rimonim and take part in shaping our new liturgy. Email us at rimonimliturgy@gmail.com.
- Become a “booster” and help amplify the campaign via email and on social media on designated days. Just email us your contact information at rimonimliturgy@gmail.com for next steps.
