We Will Not Go Back: It’s Time to Pass the Respect for Marriage Act
The following blog post is adapted from remarks given by Cantor Jason Kaufman (Beth El Hebrew Congregation, Alexandria, VA) at the Faith Voices for the Respect for Marriage Act Press Conference on November 17, 2022.
Every Voice, Every Vote: Reflections on the 2022 Midterms and What Comes Next
As the votes continue to be counted in the 2022 midterm elections and we look ahead to the Georgia runoff, I am full of deep gratitude. With so much at stake, including the integrity of our democratic institutions, Reform Jewish activists showed up in record numbers to make sure every voice was heard, and every vote was counted.
Native American Heritage Month: Continued Support for the Indigenous Population is a Necessity
In November, we celebrate Native American Heritage Month. Unfortunately, much of North America is just beginning to recognize the contributions of Indigenous peoples.
Congress Must Expand the Child Tax Credit, a Powerful Tool Proven to Reduce Poverty
In the American Rescue Plan of 2021, Congress temporarily expanded the Child Tax Credit (CTC). This measure significantly reduced child poverty during a time of economic fallout and uncertainty, but the expansion expired at the end of 2021. As families continue to struggle to make ends meet, with inflation on the rise, Congress must urgently make the CTC expansion permanent in year-end tax legislation.
Why New Yorkers Should—and I will—Vote “Yes” on New York’s $4.2 Billion Environmental Bond Act in the Next 7 Days
RAC-NY undertook a comprehensive and robust effort to educate our congregations and the broader community about Proposition 1 - the Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Bond Act - and encourage a "Yes" vote on November 8. We were thrilled to join the "Vote Yes for Clean Water and Jobs Coalition," a wonderfully effective and very broad coalition of advocate agencies led by The Nature Conservancy.
Supporting Survivors of Domestic Violence in the Jewish Community
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) in the U.S. This year, the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) chose the theme of #Every1KnowsSome1 to highlight how common domestic violence is. Each of us may (or likely) knows someone, either in our Jewish community or our secular communities, who has been impacted by or is a survivor of domestic violence.
Support Safer Roads and Immigrant Rights. Vote YES on Question 4!
About five years ago, my husband and I volunteered for a simple task: driving several undocumented residents who were budding activists to a meeting hosted by Cosecha Massachusetts to build support for their campaign for "Licencias Para Todos" (Licenses for Everyone) in Massachusetts.
Muslim, Jewish and Christian Solidarity after the Tree of Life Massacre
I remember my visit to Pittsburgh, to the Tree of Life and Dor Hadash Synagogue just hours after the tragic massacre, the worst incident of violence against Jews in American history. It was also weeks before the 2018 midterm elections.
Hispanic Heritage Month Ends, but the Recognition Must Continue
How will you celebrate Hispanic Heritage after the month ends on October 15th?
The Concept of “Home" Defined Through Chuseok and Sukkot
When I lived in South Korea, my Korean family celebrated and taught me about Chuseok, the Korean fall festival holiday. During Chuseok, many Koreans travel back to their hometowns, spend time with their families, and cook and eat a lot of traditional foods. Chuseok is often referred to as "Korean Thanksgiving," but I think Chuseok more strongly resembles Sukkot.