BJ Employers for Justice
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.
Background
Manhattan Together Hevra – Domestic Workers’ Rights Team
We are members of Panim el Panim, the social justice group in BJ and are in the Manhattan Together Hevra. We began our work focusing on general issues concerning immigrants and have narrowed that to issues about domestic workers. This interest became clear as we learned about the work being done by Jews for Racial and Economic Justice (JFREJ), Domestic Workers United (DWU) and other organizations to work for passage of the Domestic Workers’ Bill of Rights in Albany.
Why is the campaign to create a BJ Employers for Justice Group important for B’nai Jeshurun?
• BJ members play crucial roles as employers – as well as employees. We want to have just and healthy places of employment for all. Through this effort, we can support one another and share experiences of being an employer.
• The network sends a message to other synagogues that this work has merit and carries a strong connection with our Jewish faith. In addition, it reinforces to Manhattan Together and other communities with whom we collaborate, as well as elected officials, that our concern, caring and outreach goes beyond issues that affect just BJ members.
• It is a way to acknowledge that the work done by our employees enables us to do our work. The work of domestic workers affects the safety and security of our families and homes.
• It is a wonderful way to experience a sense of authenticity by bringing together our values and actions; by really being able to make a difference at home and for many other households in New York State.
Please contact a member of the Domestic Workers’ Rights Team to learn more about what it means to be a BJ Employer for Justice and how you can join us.
Contact:
Judith Trachtenberg, (212) 362-6681, jtrachte@aol.com
Paula Galowitz, gpaula11@hotmail.com
Jennifer Hirsch, jsh2124@mail.cumc.columbia.edu
Judith Felsenfeld, Jf3695@aol.com