On March 24, at the first of Havurah’s L’hitraot Joey events to honor Rabbi Joey for his 30 years as our spiritual leader, Rabbi Joey led a short Tikkun Olam Shabbat service followed by a conversation with Charles McGee, founder and CEO of Black Parent Initiative.

Joey and Charles have been friends for many years, and Joey was one of Black Parent Initiative’s first board members. The sanctuary overflowed with new members, old members, former members (such as Rabbi Me’irah Iliinsky), and visitors (including Charles McGee’s wife and sons). Steve Goldberg did a great job as moderator, and the conversation between Charles and Joey was insightful, heartwarming, and inspiring.

The end of the evening was especially moving, when Steve spoke on behalf of Havurah. “Joey has consistently been the conscience of Havurah,” Steve said. Turning to Joey he added, “You should never underestimate the impact that you’ve had not just for the old people here but for our younger people and our children who are here today.” Which led to a standing ovation that Joey valiantly tried to dismiss.

Which was when Charles took the microphone and stated that a huge percentage of Americans thought Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a rabble-rouser when he was alive.

You can watch the video of the March 24 service and conversation at https://youtu.be/QnWATTvnBtg.

Photos taken by Barbara Gundle.