Panim el Panim: BJ’s Community Organizing and Advocacy Initiative
Since its inception in January 2003, Panim el Panim has brought the congregation together in conversation around social justice issues and provided a collective base of ideas and individuals from which we are deepening and expanding BJ’s efforts towards tikkun olam, healing the world. More about the History of Panim el Panim. ReadPanim el Panim: Our Story.
Panim el Panim Task Force
Co-Chairs: Judith Trachtenberg and Jenny Eisenberg
Contact:Channa Camins, Director of Social Action/Social Justice, x259
Panim el Panim aims to transform our congregation by facilitating deeper relationships among our members and between our BJ community and our citywide neighbors. Using community organizing principles and techniques, including one-on-one community conversations, house gatherings, leadership trainings, and strategic campaign development, we work in coalition with community organizations and faith-based groups to create lasting social change. This year, our four action hevras (friendship groups, or working committees) and their action campaigns are as follows:
Marriage Equality Hevra
Contact: Dale Bernstein and Marlene Halpern
Campaign: Marriage Equality: Speaking out for equal rights and benefits for same-sex couples.
Manhattan Together Hevra
Contact: Judith Trachtenberg and Robert Buxbaum
Campaign: This hevra will provide a central hub for communication, community, and strategy for all BJ congregants working with interfaith social justice coalition Manhattan Together on the development of two campaign areas including affordable housing and immigrants’ rights.
Domestic Workers’ Rights: B’nai Jeshurun Employers for Justice
The Panim el Panim Domestic Workers’ Rights Team has launched a campaign to form a BJ Employers for Justice Group. Our goal is to have 30 BJ members who are employers of domestic workers, including housecleaners, childcare givers, and eldercare workers, join this group.
10% is Enough
Contact: Judith Trachtenberg and Channa Camins, Director of Social Action/Social Justice
Affordable Housing Team
Contact: Josh Weisstuch
Haggadah Insert
Adding new rituals and texts to the Passover Seder is a way to connect this ancient holiday of the liberation to contemporary struggles for freedom. This year we ask you to consider adding this ritual and text to your Seder to bring attention to the fight for marriage equality. You can download a copy of BJ’s Marriage Equality Haggadah Insert.