Social Action/Social Justice Update | Upcoming Events
A commitment to justice and peace (tzedek vshalom) is a defining characteristic of B’nai Jeshurun and is rooted in the prophetic vision of Judaism. Our task is to hear the wisdom of our tradition and to make that message meaningful in these days and in this place.
We must continually ask ourselves as individuals and as a community “Ayekah – where are you?”
Our challenge is to be able to answer with honesty “Hineni, here I am.”
Each of us has the responsibility to do our part to help repair the world. Our tradition demands that each of us work to eliminate the occurrence and effect of poverty, to speak out against injustice, and to shape a more caring society and a more peaceful world.
Being a member of B’nai Jeshurun means continuously striving to create a kehillah kedoshah, a sacred community, within our congregation as well as within our global community. The Social Action/Social Justice Department creates opportunities for congregants to respond effectively to social injustices in our local, national, and global communities and to develop meaningful relationships with our neighbors.
Through Panim el Panim, B’nai Jeshurun’s Community Organizing and Advocacy Initiative, we utilize community organizing strategies to build deeper relationships among congregants, identify issues of shared concern, and advocate for social change in partnership with other communities.
Our four direct-service programs, the BJ/SPSA Homeless Shelter, Judith Bernstein Lunch Program, BJ Reads, and the BJ/Ralph Bunche School Partnership – offer concrete ways to address the immediate needs and improve the lives of others in our community.
Under the name “BJ Responds,” we take additional opportunities to “pray with our feet” through one-time events and by responding to global and national crises including the genocide in Darfur.
We invite each of you to carve out your own path at B’nai Jeshurun, to serve God and to live the mitzvot of our tradition.
Social Action/Social Justice Department
Contact: Channa Camins, Director of Social Action/Social Justice, x259.
Chair: Rochelle Friedlich
Contact: Channa Camins, Director of Social Action/Social Justice, x259.
The Social Action/Social Justice Steering Committee brings together our direct-service programs, community organizing and advocacy work, one-time events and responses to crises. The Committee seeks to integrate our work into a comprehensive whole and maximize our impact by fostering relationships among our volunteer leadership and deepening the Jewish spiritual foundations of our work together.
BJ’s Social Action/Social Justice Update connects BJ members and congregants to action opportunities in support of our service projects and advocacy campaigns. As an e-activist, you will be able to stay on top of local social justice issues, find out about volunteer needs, take action in support of our advocacy campaigns, and much more. Updates and special action alerts will be sent no more than twice a month.
Sign up for Social Action/Social Justice Update
For more information about Shelter Advocacy call Director of Social Action/Social Justice, Channa Camins at x259.
BJ is starting its very own CSA! CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. It is a partnership between city residents and a local farmer that allows city dwellers to enjoy fresh produce straight from the farm. Free Bird Farm will deliver organic vegetables and eggs to BJ Hazorim CSA members every Tuesday evening from June 1 until October 27 at 88th Street. Registration is open! Don’t miss this opportunity to ensure a summer full of fun, healthy eating. Learn more.
Sunday, March 21 | 9:00AM-4:30PM | Location given upon R.S.V.P.
Join a group of 20 BJ volunteers for a day of service! Through Habitat for Humanity, we will be working on family condo units in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn. Our team will be completing tasks such as painting and flooring installation. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Ariel to R.S.V.P.