Inspiring Words in a Perplexing Time

These are perplexing times, as unsettling as they have ever been in our country. Armed insurrection in the Capitol, deep-seated racial hatred, a devastating pandemic, and the massive loss of life. We remain saddened by the death of one of the dearest friends of the Beerman Foundation, Rev. George Regas, whose words and deeds inspired so many along the path of justice.

As we seek our way in this dark moment, we are heartened by the prospect of meaningful change. And we find inspiration in the words of Leonard Beerman. Like his beloved brother in justice, George Regas, Leonard knew how to use his magnificent oratory to challenge and move us toward justice.

In the clip below from a Yom Kippur sermon from 2000, Leonard urges us to be both “trustful and distrustful”—trustful of our fellow human beings, especially those in most desperate need, and yet distrustful of those possessed of power who are routinized to abusing it. Leonard’s message has never been more fitting than now.

We are also delighted to offer this video of another great friend of the Beerman Foundation, Rev. Ed Bacon, who succeeded George Regas as rector of All Saints Church in Pasadena. Ed offers wonderful reflections on inheriting Leonard as Rabbi-in-Residence at All Saints and on the importance of his friendship with Leonard. He recalls Leonard as “an incendiary prophetic witness” and speaks of what he calls the “Beerman Process.”

George Regas, Ed Bacon, Maher and Hassan Hathout, and Jim Lawson were Leonard Beerman’s partners in an extraordinary interfaith moment in Los Angeles. We need the wisdom of their shared genius to guide us in this moment of fragility and promise.