By Leah Sternberg
My name is Leah Sternberg and I am JCJ’s Manager of Jewish Engagement and Advocacy and a 5th year rabbinic student at Hebrew Union College. I am thrilled to be joining the JCJ team this year and will use this amazing opportunity to fuse my passion for Judaism and justice together with such an inspirational and dedicated team. We are currently living in a time of political, moral, economic and social uncertainty. As we navigate this uncertainty together, I remain inspired by our Prophets who too were living in a time of similar societal uncertainty. They teach us that God demands of us moral and ethical righteousness and that upholding the covenant with God does not just mean doing mitzvoth; it’s equally important that we answer the moral call to that commands us to care for others and the world around us.
The words of Amos and Isaiah and Micah remind us to let justice flow through our words and actions, to devote ourselves to a life of righteousness, and to walk humbly with God. JCJ works tirelessly to uphold these teachings around some of the most important issues affecting our society today. Doing this work through a lens of pluralism and inclusivity, JCJ has the ability to give each and every Jewish person, regardless of affiliation, the tools and resources to become change makers in their communities and discover their own prophetic voice. As part of the JCJ team, I hope to continue to build bridges and cultivate partnerships with other communities who share our passion and desire for advocacy. At the same time, I’m looking forward to growing the community of students, professionals, families, and individuals who are dedicated to pursuing justice and infusing our tradition with the urgent and important work of our time to make our world a more righteous and just place.
Leah Sternberg is a 5th year rabbinic student at Hebrew Union College and Manager of Jewish Engagement and Advocacy at the Jewish Center for Justice.