Rabbi Jonah Pesner, Senior Vice President of the Union for Reform Judaism and Director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, will present a talk entitled: 
“Prophetic Power & Politics: How Reform Jews Can Confront the Fierce Urgency of Now and Covenant to Create a More Just World.” Rabbi Pesner will tell the inspiring story of the historic decision by the Reform Movement to launch the Religious Action Center nearly sixty years ago, at the peak of the Civil Rights Movement. He will lay out the compelling challenges we continue to confront as we seek a world of wholeness, justice and peace, especially during the current political context and rise in white supremacy and bigotry. He will deal with racial disparities, voting rights, mass incarceration, and more. He will describe the challenges that vulnerable communities are confronting, and he also will reflect on the political polarization in our culture and the need to honor diverse perspectives and find common ground around shared values. With the approaching mid-term elections, Rabbi Pesner will offer some analysis and lay out opportunities going forward. He will close with a call to action, with concrete steps we can take as individuals, as a congregation, and as a movement for Tikun Olam.