Register here. 

Each year, Jews United For Justice's Labor Seder highlights a current workers' rights struggle and brings together the Jewish and labor communities in a shared commitment to social and economic justice.

This year's seder - set for Sunday, April 11 -- will focus on our region's social safety net crisis, as city and state budgets are cut in ways that disproportionately affect working families and low-income residents. The seder will feature singing, storytelling, discussion, reflection, and action, as well as local workers, activists, rabbis, and an original haggadah. Planning for the seder is now underway; email seder@jufj.org if you'd like to be involved. 

Have you heard about the Purple Line and wondered how it will affect life in the DC region?  Or been to Woodlands or Udupi Palace in Langley Park and been curious about the community?  Or are you someone who's fascinated by urban planning and transportation?  If so, our Fair Purple Line education forum is for you!  On February 17th, we're organizing a unique opportunity to help community members understand the sometimes-complicated issues surrounding the Purple Line and associated redevelopment in Langley Park-- once a predominantly Jewish area.  Cheryl Cort, Policy Director at the Coalition for Smarter Growth, and residents of the Langley Park community will be our guest speakers.  They'll discuss what's happening in Langley Park and regionally, share their perspectives on the community, and leave plenty of time for your questions.

Sponsored by the AJWS-AVODAH Alumni Partnership!

More photos here.

Who inspires you? 

The 2nd annual Inside the Activists' Studio event will feature an impressive panel of local Jewish activists, networking opportunities, and skills-share workshops.  Join us on Sunday, January 17 from 2:30-7:00 pm to learn from and be energized by local Jewish change-makers, and to celebrate the ways we are all working to create a more just and equitable world. 

Free registration and more info at whoinspiresyoudc.eventbrite.com. 

Hosted by the AJWS-AVODAH Partnership, Jews United for Justice, HIAS Young Leaders, Moishe House, and Sixth & I, and co-sponsored by Hazon, Jewschool.com, and Zeek.

Click here to donate to JUFJ now.

Dear Friends:

Last week was my first day back in the office since the birth of my son in mid-November. The last month has been a rollercoaster ride: commuting daily to the NICU, and learning the finer arts of burping a baby and how to function on less sleep. But it's also provided an opportunity to reflect on the world that I want my son to grow up in. And while I'm treasuring the time that I get to spend at home as a father, I couldn't wait to get back to the office -- because I'm privileged to be able to work with amazing volunteers and supporters like you every day to make that world a reality. 

This week, the DC City Council passed ground-breaking legislation legalizing same-sex marriage in the District.  JUFJ applauds this measure.  To read our full statement, go here.

"We are so pleased that love won out yesterday," said Rabbi Elizabeth Richman, JUFJ's Program Director and Rabbi in Residence.  "Winning marriage equality is an important step toward a more fair and just city, and an affirmation of the fact that we are all equal, both in the eyes of God and under the law.  As Jews, our sacred texts teach that all human beings are created b'tzelem elohim (in the image of God) and must therefore be treated as equals, deserving of dignity. "

Rabbi Elizabeth Richman is part of DC Clergy United for Marriage Equality, a coalition of more than 200 DC area clergy members who advocate equality for people of all sexual orientations as an important part of their faith.

Celebrate Eight Ways to Have a "Kosher" Hanukkah!

Traditionally, Hanukkah commemorates the miracle of hope, renewal, and possibility in the face of adversity.  Oil, found by the Maccabees in the Second Temple after a difficult fight for political independence and religious freedom, lasted eight times longer than expected.  The oil then kept the eternal light aflame.  Hanukkah celebrates that miracle, reminding us that even in the face of despair or seeming impossibility, hope must still burn.  With hard work, perseverance, and community support, justice is within our reach. 
 
In today's difficult economic times, and as we enter the "season of consumption," we can continue to live out our values and work for justice through our actions: through civic engagement, ethical consumer choices, and a focus on personal connections.  In that spirit, JUFJ presents Eight Ways to Have a "Kosher" Hanukkah.  Adapted from our friends at Progressive Jewish Alliance in California, Eight Ways is designed to kindle opportunity and hope for all this holiday season by ensuring that your gifts are "kosher," ethically created, and ethically consumed. 

Sa 12/12 @ 6:30-8:30pm

Location: Moishe House Silver Spring, 639 Mississippi Ave, Silver Spring, MD

R.S.V.P. & for more info.: BenBech@gmail.com

Moishe House Silver Spring is throwing a house party to raise money for Jews United for Justice (JUFJ) on the second night of Hannukah!  Come light the second candle and ignite our community with sustainable social justice programs by supporting JUFJ.  We will be offering many creative ways to donate money, including a cash bar with wine and beer, an organic, fair-trade pastry walk, a silent auction,...and, of course, dreidle games!  There will be lots of yummy food as well. 

A representative from JUFJ will speak about the future of the organization and their current work throughout metropolitan DC. 

JUFJ is pleased to announce that it has received a $25,000 capacity-building grant from the Partnership for Equity, a fund of the Community Foundation for the National Capital Region. JUFJ is one of 9 organizations receiving funding from the Partnership for Equity. The grant will enable JUFJ to deepen relationships with organizations working directly with vulnerable communities and strengthen its campaigns to win justice and equality for these communities.

We are extremely excited for this opportunity to deepen our work for equality in the region, and to build partnerships with other organizations engaging in this important work.

A high school History teacher who helped community gardeners gain land to grow on.  A former volunteer coordinator for Amnesty International in Israel who is now a writer.  An executive director of a national nonprofit.  A former journalist who now works at a think tank.  A fisheries biologist who loves poker and Torah.  All of them dedicated to spending the next nine months gaining the skills and tools they will need to be part of the next generation of Jewish social justice leaders.  These are just some examples of the broad range of experiences and interests the first DC-based class of Jeremiah Fellows brings to the mix.