Notes from your President, May 20, 2025: I spoke for the Jews

 A moving tour of the Holocaust exhibit reminds us why our advocacy matters. Coming together at the Governor’s Mansion for a meaningful Yom HaShoah Commemoration

From President Heidi Doyle

Reform Jews are committed to social justice. Even as Reform Jews embrace ritual, prayer, and ceremony more than ever, we continue to see social justice as the jewel in the Reform Jewish crown. Like the prophets, we never forget that God is concerned about the everyday and that the blights of society take precedence over the mysteries of heaven. A Reform synagogue that does not alleviate the anguish of the suffering is a contradiction in terms.

—Rabbi Eric Yoffie, speech to the UAHC Executive Committee, February 1998

On April 23, I was a member of a delegation that traveled to Carson City from throughout Nevada on behalf of Jewish Nevada for Community Legislative Day. I had the opportunity to learn about legislation that impacts the Jewish community and meet personally with elected officials to share the concerns of our members. This engagement ensures that our elected officials understand the importance of these issues, not just for our Jewish community, but for all. Specifically, we focused on addressing the rise in antisemitism and advocating for legislation that protects Jewish communities. One key initiative is Senate Bill 179, which aims to incorporate antisemitism definitions into the Fair Housing Act and ensure investigations by the Nevada Equal Rights Commission consider antisemitic motivations. We also had the opportunity to tour a traveling exhibit on the Holocaust by the founder of declaring January 27 as Nevada Holocaust Day. This historic event was witnessed by 18 Holocaust survivors.

The presence of Jewish leadership throughout Nevada provided presence, passion, and advocacy. Together, we elevated the voices of our Jewish community, educated legislators on critical issues, and stood united in support of Holocaust education, combating antisemitism, protecting religious freedoms, and securing our institutions.

 Thank you again for standing with us.