Social Justice

SEA Change Event: "Ain't No Back to a Merry Go Round" Documentary and Panel Discussion
Sunday, February 23
2:00-4:30 PM
Tikvat Israel
SEA Change DMV congregations are sponsoring a screening of the documentary, AIN’T NO BACK ON A MERRY-GO-ROUND. The film, by Emmy-award winning director, Ilana Trachtman, examines the important story of the 1960 Civil Rights protests that resulted in the integration of the privately owned Glen Echo Amusement Park. The protests, initiated by five Howard University students and joined by the Jewish community near the amusement park, resulted in history-making interracial demonstrations.
The screening will be followed by a panel discussion to consider the relationships and other factors that made the initial boycott possible, where similar coalitions exist today, what unites and divides Black and Jewish communities, and what might be done to renew and repair such relationships. 

Future programs will promote dialogue and help us build relationships with our neighbors, especially in light of the antisemitism and racism in our communities. We want to understand why our relations have frayed, and how we can better work together to ensure equity and social justice at a time of great uncertainty. 

There is no charge for the event, but registration is required. Donations of $18 per person are appreciated to help offset the cost of showing this timely and important film. Register here.

Finding Hope Together: 
How the Jewish Community Organizes through Relationships in Challenging Times
Presented in a collaboration between Avodah DC and SEA Change DMV
Moderated by Rabbi Emmanuel Cantor, Community Rabbi at The Den Collective
Wednesday, March 26
7:30-8:45 PM on Zoom
Prepare to be inspired by this panel presentation highlighting potent, real-life examples of leaning into relationships inside and beyond the Jewish community and organizing to bring more justice and equity to our world.

There is a litany of issues of social and moral consequence that matter for our Jewish and larger community, including antisemitism, threats to reproductive health, immigration, economic justice and more. Working through a Jewish lens, Avodah and SEA Change DMV have identified relationship building as an essential tool for successfully addressing these issues. 

Join in conversation with our panelists as we learn together from the successes and challenges Avodah and SEA Change DMV have experienced while leveraging relationships for the meaningful and hard work of social change. 

Panelists:
Linda Adams, Member, Washington Hebrew Congregation and SEA Change
Maya Goldenberg, Avodah DC Corps Member, HIAS
Millie Landis, Volunteer Coordinator, Affordable Homes & Communities and Avodah DC Alumna
Cynthia Marshall, Executive Director, Action in Montgomery
Moderator 
Rabbi Emmanuel Cantor, Community Rabbi at the Den Collective and Avodah DC Alumnus
Register here.

Avodah develops social justice leaders who inspire the community to work toward a more just and equitable world. SEA Change DMV is a dynamic network of DMV synagogues working toward racial justice, equity and inclusion for all. The Den Collective builds intentional Jewish communal spaces of self-exploration and belonging in partnership with 20s, 30s, and 40s with a focus on one-to-one rabbinic relationships, intimate gatherings for deep learning and ritual, and leadership empowerment and development.

Other Social Justice Activities

Sign a petition to recommend that the Montgomery County Board of Education name a school for Julius Rosenwald. B'nai held several programs about Rosenwald and his schools. Read more about the petition effort here.

Send your address to AIM. Action in Montgomery (AIM) is holding a statewide campaign this fall and winter to advocate for affordable housing, climate justice, and universal pre-K in the Maryland state legislature. In order to be as effective as possible in this work, AIM is building a database of residents who support this campaign. Legislators want to hear from people in their districts, and having supporters' addresses is key to showing them our political power. We're asking that you please provide AIM with your address so that we can be more effective and provide you with opportunities for action. To submit your address, email Katie Wenger, AIM's Communications Manager, at: katiew@actioninmontgomery.org (tell her you're a member of B'nai Israel).  
 

JUFJ MOCO MEETINGS

Get Involved with Local Issues
What local issues are important to you? Join one of JUFJ’s Montgomery County team meetings to learn more about current advocacy efforts. All are welcome! You can find information about upcoming meetings here.

Be sure you never miss a social justice opportunity with B’nai Israel! Join the email group, and receive notices about all upcoming events right in your mailbox. Click here to add your name and email.

Questions about AIM? Contact Mona Levine.

Questions about JUFJ ? Contact Deedee Jacobsohn.

Questions about SEA Change and other ways to get involved? Contact Marla Schulman.