Year One Reflection: The First Jews of Color Cohort
As the Racial Justice LA, my work is rooted in my belief systems and experiences as a JOC. Not only do I get to be the person I never saw growing up, but I hope to help create more opportunities for those like me in the future. And as I finish up my first year at the RAC, I am eager to make my mark as I continue my work for another year to advocate to end the death penalty, pass legislation to study reparations for Black Americans, expand and protect the right to vote for all as we approach the primaries, and push for true policing reform. Those who are disproportionately harmed by these issues don’t have the benefit of growing up in communities who claim to be color blind. The world sees and treats us differently.
In a Time of Chaos and Concern, our Efforts are Not in Vain
Last week, President Biden issued his second Executive Order to improve access to abortion services since the Supreme Court's ruling overturning Roe v. Wade. This executive order is meant to support patients traveling out of state to receive abortion care, ensure health care providers comply with federal non-discrimination law, and promote research and data collection on maternal health outcomes.
This Tishah B'Av, Act as if There is No God
Tishah B'Av is a day of mourning, commemorating the destruction of the First and Second Temples. In recent years, it's also a day to mourn other tragedies that have darkened Jewish history - the Romans putting down the Bar Kochba revolt, mass murders of Jewish communities during the Crusades, expulsions from England, France, and Spain in the Middle Ages, and the Holocaust.
L'Taken Seminar Empowers Young Women's Political Ambitions
L'Taken is a transformational, innovative, and fun four-day program in Washington, D.C. that teaches high school students about the intersection of Jewish values and public policy. The program also trains them in leadership skills.
Celebrating the 32nd Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act
Today we celebrate the 32nd Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the landmark legislation that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in employment, transportation, public accommodations, communications, and access to state and local government' programs and services, and more.
Fear, Not Freedom
This year, July 4th was especially difficult to celebrate. As young leaders in the Reform Movement, we are troubled by the current state and future of the U.S.
Affirming Trans & Non-Binary Youth in Our Jewish Communities
This Pride Month, NFTY North American Board members Daniella Abbott and Cameron Samuels joined HUC rabbinical student Kelly Whitehead to discuss how their trans and non-binary identities have influenced their attitude toward systems of oppressions in the wake of new legislation aimed at attacking queer identities.
Harm Is Coming to Jewish Communities in States with Repressive Laws
In the spring of 2021, the Arkansas General Assembly adopted an anti-transgender law (House Bill 1570), criminalizing medical professionals when they provide or make referrals to colleagues to deliver gender-affirming health care to minors.
Finding Hope
Thursday night's passage of a bi-partisan gun bill filled me with hope, even as the Supreme Court ruled against New York, which forces some states to actually loosen their gun regulations.
Practicing Democracy
As we reflect on the United States' Independence Day, I am mindful that democracy also takes commitment and practice. Democracy takes practice because it still is not accessible to all.
