Why California’s Primary Matters More Than You Think
California’s primary election is coming up on June 2, and it plays a bigger role than many people realize. Unlike traditional primaries, California uses a “top-two” system. All candidates appear on the same ballot, regardless of party, and the two candidates who...
Working on Election Day? California Has a Law for That.
California’s primary election is Tuesday, June 2. In California, eligible workers may be entitled to up to two hours of paid time off to vote if they do not have enough time outside of their work schedule. This policy is designed to ensure that work does not prevent...
It’s May 4th: Ballots Are Out, Early Voting Is Open
Monday, May 4th marks an important milestone for California voters. Vote-by-mail ballots are now officially being sent out to every active registered voter across the state, and early voting sites are open. That means the June 2 primary is no longer something off in...
California’s Primary Election: What to Know
California’s primary election is Tuesday, June 2. It is one of the first chances voters have to shape what the general election will look like. In California’s “top-two” system—which applies not only to the governor's race but to most statewide and legislative...
Check Your Voter Registration on Tax Day
Every year, on April 15, Americans pay their taxes, gather their documents, and double-check the details that keep everything in order. It’s a routine we can't afford to forget. But while so many of us are focused on getting our refunds, many overlook something just...
The SAVE Act doesn’t save democracy. It shrinks it.
The Jewish Center for Justice stands in firm opposition to the so-called SAVE Act currently moving through Congress. Despite its name, this bill is not about safeguarding democracy. Based on our reading of the legislation and our longstanding opposition to voter...
Rabbi Simonds on Tzedakah as Justice
This article was originally posted in Vocal Media on Saturday, January 31, 2026. *** Rabbi Joel Thal Simonds on Tzedakah as Justice: Torah, Dignity, and Public Policy in Los Angeles How does Rabbi Joel Thal Simonds frame tzedakah as justice—not optional charity—while...
Meeting the Moment: JCJ’s 2026 Legislative Priorities
The challenges facing California in 2026 are not abstract or distant. They are already shaping daily life: from rising antisemitism and threats to LGBTQ+ safety, to housing insecurity, healthcare interference, climate disasters, and difficult budget decisions that...
JCJ Statement on the killing of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis
The killing of Renee Nicole Good at the hands of ICE was not an isolated incident. It is simply one of the few that was caught on camera. Across this country, we are witnessing a disturbing pattern: people shot in the streets, individuals violently detained, and...
Resources for Those Impacted by SNAP Delays and the Shutdown
As we near the one-month mark of the federal government shutdown, we know this has been an incredibly stressful and uncertain time for many. So we want to make a few things clear. If you’ve missed a paycheck — or are about to — we are here for you. If you’re among the...