Nov. 19, 1965
This statement from the Board of Rabbis of Northern California was issued in response to the city of Oakland’s refusal to grant a protest permit to the Vietnam Day Committee. In the end, the Nov. 21 protest went forward, drawing 10,000 protesters — and counterprotesters.
The Board of Rabbis of Northern California affirms the right of American citizens to peaceably assemble and demonstrate whether in support of the policies of government or in protest thereof.
Government, whether local, state or national, should not silence dissent, however unpopular or controversial it may be, by resort to exercise of police power.
Without taking a position on the controversy surrounding American foreign policy in Vietnam, the Board of Rabbis of Northern California is of the opinion that the request of the Vietnam Day Committee to demonstrate peaceably on the issues on the streets of our area with proper safeguards is a legitimate assertion of basic American liberties and poses no threat in and of itself to civic safety. The possibility of notorious ruffian gangs counter demonstrating is not reason enough to bring about a denial of American rights and liberties.
Sept. 13, 1985
Though they are now common in liberal denominations, female cantors were a novelty in 1985; the Reform movement ordained the first just 10 years earlier, in 1975.
E. Bay cantors have become non-traditional role models
Many would say they have no right to stand before the congregation, leading the prayers. Some would even banish them to the back of the synagogue.
They are Jews. They are cantors.
They are women.
But Cantor Sylvia Wishnov says she received a warm welcome when she came to San Leandro’s Temple Beth Sholom eight years ago, and so did Cantor Elyse Cherry-Cheever of Congregation B’nai Tikvah, Walnut Creek, in 1983.
“Halacha [Jewish law] says a person who is obligated to pray can’t be represented by a person who is not obligated to pray,” Wishnoff explains … “That will change, of course. It will have to,” she says with confidence.