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Think Jewishly, Act Locally: DC’s Budgets are Moral Documents

DC
Edlavitch DC JCC
1529 16th St NW, Washington, DC

The DC budget says a lot more than any politician’s speeches about what is truly valued by the people we elect to represent us. Join us to learn about the budget process, past victories for social justice won through budget campaigns, and what you can do right now to ensure that next year’s budget reflects the Jewish social justice values that many of us share.

Think Jewishly, Act Locally: Speak Your Truth to Power in DC

DC
Edlavitch DC JCC
1529 16th St NW, Washington, DC

One of the most effective ways to speak truth to power is to testify before the DC Council. Hearing the stories and personal narratives of constituents helps move elected officials to take action on the issues that really matter. Join us for a workshop on how to create meaningful written testimony based on your personal story and values. We’ll practice connecting your story to specific issues that are before the Council, and how to make policy change through righteous storytelling.

Tot Shabbat for Justice with Hill Havurah + JUFJ

DC
Hill Havurah
212 East Capitol Street, NE, Washington, DC

Families, come celebrate Shabbat with us! On Saturday, August 12, we’ll join Hill Havurah for a special Tot Shabbat for Justice.

JUFJ @ the Capital Jewish Museum’s Block Party

DC
Capital Jewish Museum
575 3rd St. NW, Washington, DC

Kick off the Jewish New Year at the Capital Jewish Museum's grand opening block party featuring live music, wares by artisans & makers, food trucks, a beer & wine garden, and more!

Free

Maryland Statewide Kickoff

Maryland State
Columbia Jewish Congregation
5885 Robert Oliver Pl, Columbia, MD

Join JUFJers from across Maryland either in-person (preferred) or virtually as we kick off our advocacy for the new Maryland legislative session!

JUFJ’s 25th Anniversary Celebration and Heschel Vision Awards

Montgomery County
Baltimore
DC
Maryland State
Montgomery College Cultural Arts Center
7995 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, MD

Jews United for Justice turns 25 this year, and a quarter century of work deserves celebration! Join JUFJ for our 25th Anniversary Celebration and the 2023 Heschel Vision Awards on Sunday, November 19.

Applesauce to Applesauce: A Chanukah Party

Montgomery County
Adat Shalom
7727 Persimmon Tree Lane, Bethesda, MD

Join JUFJ Montgomery County members at Adat Shalom for an in-person, apple-themed Chanukah celebration for the whole family! Bring your favorite apple dish, and we'll celebrate with songs, games, and community building.

Think Jewishly, Act Locally: Changemaking in DC’s Local Government

DC
Edlavitch DC JCC
1529 16th St NW, Washington, DC

As we head into an election year full of tension and controversy, it can feel like our voices aren’t always heard or meaningful. One of the most effective ways to have a real impact is making change at the local level though, right here in our city. Join us over brunch for an interactive workshop. We’ll learn about the structure and function of the DC government and concrete ways each of us can engage with local government officials to make real change for the lives of our families, friends, and neighbors.

Think Jewishly, Act Locally: DC’s Budgets are Moral Documents

DC
Edlavitch DC JCC
1529 16th St NW, Washington, DC

Jewish tradition teaches that in a just world, all people would have what the Torah calls dei machsoro, resources sufficient for their needs. A city budget reflects the priorities and promises of city officials much better than their words. Here in DC, the city’s resources are abundant, but they are not allocated equitably so that everyone benefits. In this workshop we will learn about the DC budget process, past victories for social justice won through budget campaigns, and what you can do right now to ensure that next year’s budget reflects the Jewish social justice values that many of us share.

Think Jewishly, Act Locally: Speaking Your Truth To Power in DC

DC
Edlavitch DC JCC
1529 16th St NW, Washington, DC

Research shows that simply providing statistics around an issue is not enough to move people to make change; personal stories and connecting the issue to real people’s lives is a necessary component. Sharing our stories with those in power is one of the best ways to move the needle on social justice issues we care about. One of the most effective ways to do this is to testify before the DC Council. Hearing the stories and personal narratives of constituents helps move elected officials to take action on the issues that really matter. In this workshop we will learn how to create powerful written testimony based on your personal story and values. We’ll practice connecting our stories to specific issues that are before the DC Council and get people ready to testify for just change.

Hamantaschen and Housing: A JUFJ DC Purim Extravaganza

DC
Edlavitch DC JCC
1529 16th St NW, Washington, DC

Join the Edlavitch DCJCC and JUFJ for an evening of Purim fun and festivities – featuring Purim carnival games (budget ring toss, anyone?), a hilarious Purim spiel, and a special drag performance by Manny Nuff! So come nosh some hamantaschen and shake your gragger while learning how we can push councilmembers to prioritize housing and put people over profit.

Capital Jewish Museum: DC Street Vending Workshop

DC
Capital Jewish Museum
575 3rd St. NW, Washington, DC

Drop in on Jews United for Justice  and Beloved Community Incubator for a workshop to learn about local history and the campaign to decriminalize street vending in DC. This Capital Jewish Museum Community Action Lab Takeover expands upon the notion introduced in "'I’ll Have What She's Having': The Jewish Deli" that street vending has historically […]

Not for Sale: Labor, Faith, and Community Organizing for an Equitable Baltimore City

Baltimore
Red Emma's
3128 Greenmount Ave, Baltimore, MD

Everyone in Baltimore City should have a say in how our city is run, and all of us should be able to thrive here. But some wealthy special interests and real estate developers are trying to use the ballot box to control Baltimore and slash City services and jobs. We won't let that happen.

Join faith, labor, and community leaders from the Baltimore City Is Not For Sale campaign, along with City Councilmember Odette Ramos, for a panel discussion on right-wing efforts to dismantle Baltimore's safety net and City Council and what we can do together to fight back. We'll learn about dangerous amendments that may be on the ballot this November, and how solidarity across communities can create a positive vision of Baltimore for everyone, not just the wealthy few.

Maryland Statewide Kickoff

Maryland State
Columbia Jewish Congregation
5885 Robert Oliver Pl, Columbia, MD

Join JUFJers from across Maryland at Columbia Jewish Congregation or virtually as we kick off our advocacy for the 2025 Maryland legislative session!

Columbia Heights Community Group: November Meeting

TBD

Connect with your neighbors, have fun, and build community resilience in Columbia Heights. If you are interested in local mutual aid - networks of neighbors sharing resources to take care of one another - get introduced to it here!

DC Chanukah Hangout

DC
Sonny's Pizza
3120 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC

Join JUFJ DC for a Chanukah hangout! You'll have a chance to take action, connect with community members, and enjoy donuts and pizza!

DC Autonomy and Home Rule Teach-in

TBD

DC faces a number of potential threats to our right to self-government from the incoming federal administration. Luckily, JUFJ and our partners have been preparing for this. Join us to learn about the history of DC's home rule and how to protect our democracy!