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Social Justice


B’nai Israel is a proud SEA Change Congregation. 
SEA Change means Study, Engage, Act, Change. B’nai Israel and Washington Hebrew Congregations in partnership with JOIN for Justice organized the first SEA Change cohort. The goal was to engage in meaningful conversations and critical education to become change agents addressing racial inequity in our congregational communities and in the broader community. Today, there are 10 SEA Change congregations across the DMV addressing racial equity issues based on our shared Jewish values.

As we move on to Action, SEA Change Congregations are partnering with three local organizations – AIM (Action in Montgomery) and JUFJ (Jews United for Justice), and IPL (Interfaith Power & Light).

SOCIAL JUSTICE EVENTS

Please join B’nai Israel for these upcoming Community Juneteenth celebrations!

The Scotland Interfaith Breakfast
Sunday, June 16
10:00 AM–1:00 PM
Bethesda Marriott, 5151 Pooks Hill Road
Come and hear from leaders from a number of area faith communities, including our own Rabbi Berkowitz, as the Scotland AME Zion Church and Community brings us together to celebrate the diversity of Montgomery County.

After the service, tickets include breakfast. There is also a Zoom option available at no charge. Click here for tickets.

Juneteenth Community Screening: The Big Payback
Monday, June 17
7:00 PM
Edlavitch DCJCC
Join the entire DMV Jewish community for a screening of The Big Payback, a powerful account of the first tax funded reparations bill targeted for Black Americans in the US. The film follows the fight of rookie alderman Robin Rue Simmons as she leads the community of Evanston, IL in an uphill battle to obtain this ‘big payback’. The film also recounts the fight to pass HR 40, a national bill to examine the merits of introducing reparations for slavery to African Americans by Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. 

The screening will be followed by a conversation with Robin Rue Simmons and Nkechi Taifa, a national reparations activist, moderated by Linda Adams, a leader and racial justice activist in the DMV’s Jewish community. Click here for tickets.

The Scotland Juneteenth Heritage Festival, Interfaith Pavilion
Wednesday, June 19
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Cabin John Village Shopping Center 
B’nai Israel members have been hard at work as part of the Interfaith Outreach Committee, planning this extravaganza of community spirit. Like last year, the Interfaith Pavilion will house the many participating faith community and non-profit organizations. Also returning this year is Neighbor to Neighbor BINGO, an opportunity for ALL ages to meet, greet, and get to know their neighbors. No sign-up or advance tickets needed.

In addition to the Interfaith Pavilion, the festival will feature health and wellness and history pavilions, and so much more, and children’s activities will be hosted at Cabin John Park. Visit juneteenthscotland.org for all the details. 

JUFJ MOCO MEETINGS

Get Involved with Local Issues
What local issues are important to you? Join one of JUFJ’s Montgomery County team meetings to learn more about current advocacy efforts. All are welcome! You can find information about upcoming meetings here.

JOIN US

Be sure you never miss a social justice opportunity with B’nai Israel! Join the email group, and receive notices about all upcoming events right in your mailbox. Click here to add your name and email.

Questions about AIM? Contact Mona Levine.

Questions about JUFJ ? Contact Deedee Jacobsohn.

Questions about SEA Change and other ways to get involved? Contact Marla Schulman.

Sat, July 27 2024 21 Tammuz 5784