Education, leadership development, and advocacy from a progressive Jewish platform
The Jewish Center for Justice is a distinguished social justice, education, and leadership development platform that empowers current and future leaders to build a more compassionate and just society.
A diverse movement and community spanning generations and denominations, JCJ connects Jewish justice activists with unique opportunities to formulate their voices and make a real impact on issues such as immigration, gun violence prevention, economic justice, climate change, and more.
“Engaging with JCJ on campus has enriched my college experience by providing the tools and confidence I needed to raise my voice for justice, as well as a better understanding of how my activism is intrinsically linked to my Judaism.”
— Kevin Gibson, UC Berkeley
Advocacy
Recent Blog Posts
How to Take Action on ‘The Freedom to Vote Act’
“Do you have time to make good trouble?”
Early in this congressional session, the House of Representatives passed two key Voting Rights Bills — The For the People Act (H.R. 1) and The John Lewis Voting Rights Act (H.R. 4).
With attention now on the Senate, this week the legislative body will take up a voting rights bill that combines key elements of both House bills and is being called The Freedom To Vote Act. The Senate version was introduced on September 14, and it is seen as a compromise bill.
Included in this bill are reforms such as:
- Requires same day voter registration at all voting locations by 2024
- Ensures two-week early voting for all federal elections
- Restores the right to vote for formerly incarcerated people
- Eliminates extreme gerrymandering
The Jewish Center for Justice is mobilizing Jewish communities and pro-democracy people of faith in support of The Freedom to Vote Act, which would make it easier to vote in federal elections, end congressional gerrymandering, overhaul federal campaign finance laws, increase safeguards against foreign interference, strengthen government ethics rules, and more.
As a Jewish community, we have long supported the bills and measures aimed at expanding (and not limiting) the right to vote, from our ancient texts which called for the need for every voice to be heard and counted in the community to our modern belief that societies in which all are granted the unobstructed right to vote are safer for all.
Take action by contacting your Senators to urge them to support this important piece of legislation.
U.S. Capitol Switchboard: (202) 224-3121.
Here are a few articles which provide important background information about The Freedom To Vote Act and what events led to the creation of this bill.
Sample call script:
Hello my name is [YOUR NAME], and I am calling to urge Senator [NAME] to support The Freedom to Vote Act. As a member of the Jewish community, I believe that the ability to vote is one of the most essential rights of any thriving democracy. The Freedom To Vote Act would protect the right to vote, regulate federal elections, and defend the democratic process, transforming our democracy to make it fairer, stronger, and more inclusive. Thank you in advance for your consideration.
Check back to the JCJ website and social media for updates on the progress of The Freedom To Vote Act.
Take Action on these two bills awaiting Newsom’s signature
The Jewish Center for Justice is currently supporting dozens of bills that are awaiting Governor Gavin Newsom's signature. This week, we want to highlight two critical bills that all of us can act on: Hate Crime Legislation (Assembly Bill 57), which unanimously passed...
JCJ Responds to Texas Abortion Ban
Following the passage of SB8 in Texas, a law that bans abortion after 6 weeks, Jewish Center for Justice Board Chair Julie Bank issued the following statement: “The Jewish Center for Justice leadership and community are horrified by the passage of SB8 in Texas, a bill...
"Why are we called the 'Jewish Center for Justice,' and not just the 'Center for Justice?'" When we face hurdles and roadblocks... when we get knocked down, we rely on our faith and the words of our tradition to keep moving forward.
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Yesterday, The Freedom to Vote Act failed to get enough votes in the Senate to open up a debate, which means Senators couldn’t even vote on the bill. In response, we affirm our stance taken this July to abolish the Senate filibuster, which was organized by JCJ summer fellows — the next generation of leaders.
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JOIN US by taking action to urge your Senators to support the abolition of the filibuster, which is not only historically flawed but has also become an obstacle to debate and progress (link in bio).
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#filibuster
#senate
#senatefilibuster
#abolishthefilibuster
#takeaction
#judaism
#jewish
#advocacy
#voting
#votingrights
💥 VOTING RIGHTS ACTION OPPORTUNITY 💥 The Jewish Center for Justice is mobilizing Jewish communities and pro-democracy people of faith in support of The Freedom to Vote Act, which would make it easier to vote in federal elections, end congressional gerrymandering, overhaul federal campaign finance laws, increase safeguards against foreign interference, strengthen government ethics rules, and more. Action link in our bio. #votingrights #voting #vote #gotv #elections #democracy #advocacy #freedomtovoteact #votingrightsnow #judaism #campaignfinance
JCJ's statement on the passing of Former Secretary of State General Colin Powell. #colinpowell
Executive Director Rabbi Joel Simonds provides a legislative update following the end of the California legislative session. We had wins in affordable housing, criminal justice reform, and environmental justice. We remain committed to fighting for paid family leave. Watch the full video on the JCJ YouTube channel (link in bio).
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#california #sacramento #governor #newsom #legislation #legislativeupdate #advocacy #activism #affordablehousing #criminaljusticereform #environmentaljustice #climatechange #paidfamilyleave