In our climate, it is imperative that we nurture as many existing relationships with allies and do what we can to foster new ones. It was in that spirit that Cantor Wallach informed me that Millburn Township has officially appointed its next Superintendent of Schools. I reached out to colleagues at our fellow synagogues in the township, and together we penned the following letter to Dr. Kate Diskin:
Dr. Diskin,
On behalf of our synagogue colleagues and the Township’s Jewish community, we wish to extend our congratulations to you on your recent appointment. We wish you discernment, fortitude, and courage as you – with wisdom and conviction – guide our celebrated schools from strength to strength.
Even prior to October 7th, 2023, Jewish clergy in our township were always available to the schools in every way needed – as a resource, as support, as guest teachers, or as a sounding board. It is that much truer, and perhaps even more of a need, since October 7th. Your Jewish students and families continue to reel from a year of global anti-Semitism at levels never before experienced in our lifetime. Though Millburn is mostly a shelter to the most egregious forms of Jew hatred, the year has not gone by without incident. Our pledge today is that we are here for you, especially to assist you in the most delicate of moments if incidents of intolerance arise.
We were moved by your statement that, together, “we will work toward a district that honors Millburn’s legacy of excellence, embodies innovation, inclusivity, and compassion”. This is a noble vision and sacred mission. You have our full support.
With warm wishes for a very Happy Thanksgiving,
Millburn Township’s Jewish Members of the Clergy
