Shavuot and the Book of Ruth
Most of us associate the holiday with the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai and the custom of eating delicious dairy foods and staying up late to learn Torah. There's another side to Shavuot: its origins as the spring harvest festival, when the community shared a collective sigh of relief, knowing there would be food for the coming year.
The Book of Ruth, which we read on Shavuot, echoes this theme.
Read more about JUFJ's Ruth Fellowship ...
Strategy and Soul and Bagels: May 23 Lunch
We're hosting veteran organizer Daniel Hunter for lunch on May 23 and an intimate conversation about his work with multi-year organizing project Casino-Free Philly.
12:30pm, AJWS offices
1001 Connecticut Ave (Farragut Square)
How can we take on uphill campaigns against powerful opposition, and organize our community to fight and win? Sign up here - feel free to bring your own lunch, or for $5 we'll order you bagels, spreads, and veggies (all kosher).
This Week's News: Separate Is Not Equal
- We want comprehensive immigration reform for all who are Yearning to Breathe Free!
- DC offers undocumented immigrants drivers licenses, but they'll be marked. It's classic "separate but equal" nonsense.
- Lunch w/ veteran organizer Daniel Hunter 5/23.
Learn more in this week's news.
MD Community Meeting & Campaign Selection
Huge change happens when our Jewish community takes action together. After winning LGBTQ Marriage Equality and the DREAM Act, what will we do next in Maryland?
On Sunday June 2, from 4-6:30pm, join us at Temple Shalom in Chevy Chase to catch up on current work, learn how to get involved, and vote on the next Maryland campaign. RSVP so we can get enough food, bring friends and family, and email Katie Ashmore, katie@jufj.org, for more.
A Tremendous Loss - Elissa Froman, z"l
We at JUFJ are heartbroken to share the news that Elissa Froman (Jeremiah '09-'10 and JUFJ board member) died in April after a long illness.
Elissa was a powerful force for love and justice in the world and a devoted JUFJ leader. Click here to read more about her life and work. Elissa will be honored at a June 2 service at Sixth and I Historic Synagogue.
A Fast Rise for JUFJ Director Jacob Feinspan
JUFJ Executive Director Jacob Feinspan came to DC in his early twenties to work for the Religious Action Center, and then he became American Jewish World Service's first DC staffer. The same way AJWS' Washington presence quickly bloomed, JUFJ has expanded rapidly under Feinspan's leadership. Feinspan's Jewish values have motivated him both globally and locally. As he once learned under Rabbi David Saperstein, he now sits in coalition alongside him. Read more about Jacob on the RAC's blog.
A little copy of your conscience in your wallet
Do you have a wallet tallis? US News has picked up on our little creation, saying it "encourages shoppers to pause and reflect on the true value and impact of their purchases before going through with them." Read more and email us at info@jufj.org for a wallet tallis of your own.
