Rabbis to shave heads to raise cancer awareness

CHICAGO (Press Release)- During the 125th annual Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR) Convention, over 60 Reform rabbis will shave their heads to raise awareness of and funding for pediatric cancer research. As the religious leadership of Reform Judaism, the CCAR Rabbis strive for justice and health in the world for all people.

The “Shave for the Brave” event will take place on April 1st, 2014, at the CCAR Convention, which will be held at the Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park. The Convention brings together members of the CCAR, whose over 2,000 Reform rabbis serve in all walks of life, be it congregations, organizations, College campuses or the military. Through the CCAR, the rabbis support one another in their rabbinic and personal lives.

The rabbis’ “Shave for the Brave” fundraiser benefits St. Baldrick’s, a charity committed to funding childhood cancer research. So far, the CCAR rabbis have raised over $325,000, and hope to reach their goal of $360,000.

“We are proud and honored that the CCAR Convention could host this inspiring event, which fosters our goal of rabbis supporting rabbis and building relationships throughout our communities,” said Rabbi Steven A. Fox, the Chief Executive of the CCAR. “One of the many roles of the rabbi is to strive to change the world for the betterment of all peoples, be it the health and well being of members of our society or social justice for all. The ‘Shave for the Brave’ event allows rabbis to do that, by raising awareness of pediatric cancer and helping to work towards a cure.”

‘Shave for the Brave’ has been a catalyst in uniting members of the rabbinic community who have lost children and brought the entire community together to support each other. The connection between the Reform Rabbinic community and pediatric cancer advocacy began with the story of Samuel “Superman Sam” Sommer, the son of Rabbis Phyllis and Michael Sommer. Sam succumbed to leukemia in December 2013. The Sommers documented Sam’s battle with cancer on their blog, Superman Sam. Rabbi Phyllis Sommer serves Am Shalom in Glencoe, IL, and her husband has served Congregation B’nai Torah in Highland Park, IL, and North Shore Congregation Israel.

“Seven families lose a child to cancer each day, yet only 4% of US federal funding for cancer research is earmarked for all childhood cancers. We can’t bring Sam back, but we can help other families,” said Rabbi Rebecca Schorr, the “Shave for the Brave” organizer. “By taking such visible action, these rabbis are serving as role models in their communities and raising awareness among their congregants. It’s an amazing way to bring out the best in people and strengthen the community.”

The Shave will take place on the evening of April 1st at the CCAR Convention in Chicago following a service on Loss, Healing, and Hope led by Rabbi Rex Perlmeter.

Rabbi Fox noted that the CCAR has been at the forefront of religious leadership advocating for healthcare for all people everywhere. As early as the 1940s, the CCAR declared, “every individual should have access to medical care and the most advanced medical research regardless of his economic circumstances.” He added: “This event is an example of CCAR rabbis acting on our moral commitments.”

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Preceding provided by Central Conference of American Rabbis