Ashrei Founder Featured for Jewish Heritage Month
Ashrei Foundation Founder, Rabbi Susan Talve of Central Reform Congregation, was featured in the May 12th Newsletter of our partners at St. Francis Xavier (College) Church:
Jewish Heritage Month & Recognizing Rabbi Susan Talve Jewish American Heritage is celebrated in the month of May, so designated by President George W. Bush, in 2006, to celebrate the contributions of Jewish Americans to our nation. Jewish people were among the earliest European residents of North America. In 1654, fleeing persecution from Portugal, a group of 23 Jews arrived in New Amsterdam, now known as New York City. While seeking the same religious liberty as other settlers, they faced obstacles and restrictions and were often the target of bias and scapegoating as they experienced in Europe.
Over the past 370 years, Jewish Americans have served in government and the military, won Nobel prizes, headed universities and corporations, advanced medicine, created and performed in enduring works of performing and visual art, written great American novels, and served as civic, spiritual, and social leaders.
Rabbi Susan Talve is a leader in the St. Louis community whose ministry demonstrates a commitment to social and racial justice. She is the founding rabbi of Central Reform Congregation, the only Jewish congregation within the city of St. Louis. This community is committed to the practice of radical hospitality, interfaith partnerships, and creating solutions to racism and poverty. Through these efforts, many individuals that have been marginalized have found welcome and belonging within their congregation.
Rabbi Talve is also working to support the wider St. Louis community. She has built collaborative organizations such as the Ashrei Foundation and Missouri Healthcare for All to confront systems of economic disparity and injustice, deepen the social justice work of the faith community, and advocate for issues of access to healthcare, housing, and education.
“Tikkun olam” is a Hebrew phrase that represents the Jewish call to heal and repair our broken world. Not only does Rabbi Talve work to repair what is broken, she invites and supports all of us to do the same.
