Empowering Leaders.
Inspiring Change.
Empowering current and future leaders to build a more compassionate and just society
The Jewish Center for Justice is a distinguished social justice, education, and leadership development platform that meets each individual where they are in their journey to inspire change.
The Micah D. Bycel Fund for Legislative Fellows
On August 27, 2022, the Jewish Center for Justice community suffered a devastating loss with the sudden and untimely death of Board Member Micah Bycel (z”l).
The JCJ community has created a special fund to honor Micah’s memory and secure his legacy. Micah was a kind and compassionate soul. He saw a broken world and was determined to make it better for his kids and the next generation. In his honor, The Micah D. Bycel Fund for Legislative Fellows will help shape the next generation of Jewish justice activists.
In addition to the Fund, we have renamed the program, The Micah D. Bycel Legislative Fellowship. All future fellows will learn of Micah’s memory and advocate for justice in his honor.
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Four Justice Questions for Passover
Each year at Passover, we ask the Four Questions to spark reflection and dialogue.
This year, we bring our justice values to the table with four modern questions—grounded in JCJ’s mission to protect the vulnerable, uplift the oppressed, and pursue equity for all.
These questions are meant to supplement your Seder, inviting us to reflect not only on our ancient journey from slavery to freedom, but also on today’s ongoing struggles for liberation in communities around the world.
1. Why on this night do we remember the liberation from Egypt, but too often forget those still fighting for liberation today?
As we retell the story of our ancestors’ journey from slavery to freedom, we must also ask: Who remains bound by systems of oppression today?
From mass incarceration to voter suppression to economic insecurity, LGBTQ discrimination, and pay inequality—we recommit to building a world where freedom is not reserved for a few, but guaranteed for all.
2. Why on this night do we eat the bread of affliction, while so many go to bed hungry in a land of abundance?
Passover calls us to remember scarcity and struggle. Yet today, millions face food insecurity, poverty wages, and limited access to affordable healthcare. So we ask: What are we doing to ensure economic justice and dignity for all?
From local initiatives to state bills to federal policy, we are called to act.
3. Why on this night do we welcome the stranger to our table, while policies continue to close doors to immigrants and refugees?
The Torah teaches: “Love the stranger for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.” Our Seder guides us through that painful journey, and reminds of our responsibility today. As refugees seek safety and immigrants pursure opportunity, we ask: Are we building a society that reflects our values of compassion and welcome? And if not, how will we rise to meet the moment?
4. Why on this night do we celebrate freedom, while so many still live in fear simply for being who they are?
True freedom means the ability to live without fear—whether you’re trans, Black, Brown, undocumented, disabled, or Jewish. So we ask: How are we standing up for the civil rights, dignity, and safety of all people, especially those under attack?
Our freedom is not complete until everyone can live fully and safely as themselves.
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Passover is not just a story of the past—it’s a call to action in the present. This year, may these questions guide your conversations, inspire your activism, and deepen your commitment to the sacred pursuit of justice.
Chag Sameach from all of us at the Jewish Center for Justice.
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