Congregation Sons of Israel Nyack (CSI Nyack) is an egalitarian Conservative synagogue that strives to be inclusive and create a safe, comfortable and, embracing space for all. We are a congregation that advocates for kindness, inclusivity, and peace. We encourage everyone to participate, learn, and grow.

CSI Nyack acknowledges that racism is a societal problem and that we need to listen to those most affected by racism.

We recognize that taking an anti-racist approach requires us to scrutinize the systemic racial bias that is endemic within our society and look within the culture, policies and, practices of our synagogue community to identify and uproot racial biases inherent in our practices and operations. We know that we must work to create a culture within our community that is truly embracing such that one day, our membership will reflect the true diversity of the American Jewish community.

We recognize that change begins with leadership.

The leadership of CSI Nyack (board members, clergy, committee chairs, staff) is committed to participating in anti-racism training and conducting ongoing opportunities for learning and growth for the broader CSI Nyack community. CSI Nyack’s leaders will work to dispel misconceptions, increase sensitivity, and implement policies to ensure equity within our CSI community. We will include anti-racism as a cornerstone of our education, programming, and partnerships.

We also recognize that change requires outreach to the greater community to support anti-racism efforts and confront systemic racism as upstanders.

We will identify and challenge the values, structures, and behaviors that perpetuate systemic racism and advocate for change to ensure racial justice and equity in society. We will connect and create meaningful bridges with Jewish and non-Jewish racialized communities and organizations to provide allyship and form strong relationships in recognition of the reality that, in the words of Indigenous Australian activist Lilla Watson, “our liberation is bound together.”

Our antiracism work grows out of Jewish values and is firmly grounded in our tradition that teaches that all people are created “B’tselem Elokim”-- in the image of G-d.

We must ensure a community and a society where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As Jews, we are commanded to seek justice (“Justice, justice you shall pursue” (Deut 16:20), and fighting against racism and discrimination is one vital way to pursue a more just world.

Anti-racism is based on our love and commitment to Judaism.

Contact Information

CSI Nyack welcomes your questions or comments regarding this Anti-Racism Statement.

If you believe that CSI Nyack has not adhered to this Statement, please contact CSI Nyack at:

Congregation Sons of Israel Nyack

300 North Broadway, Upper Nyack, New York 10960

Email Address: Rabbi Russo (Rabbirusso@csinyack.org) or the Main Office (Office@csinyack.org)

Office: 845-358-3767

Changes to this Statement

CSI Nyack reserves the right to change this from time to time based off the needs of the greater community and socio-economic issues.

Effective as of July 20, 2022