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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

B’nai Israel & Social Justice – All-Hands Meeting!
Monday, March 11
7:00-8:30 PM
In-Person at B'nai Israel
Have you attended an Action in Montgomery (AIM) event or supported a Jews United for Justice (JUFJ) activity? Were you a SEA Change participant? Did you sign up for the BI Social Justice email list? Or are you just interested in learning more about social justice work at B’nai Israel?

Please join us as we explore how to build on our past successes to address a range of social justice issues in our community. We will strengthen our commitment to Jewish values, look at the history of organizing in our community, review B’nai Israel’s recent social justice work and continue to build relationships with one another.

Interested? RSVP here. Questions? Contact Mona.

P.S. You can read about B’nai Israel’s commitment to social justice in this recent Washington Jewish Week article: https://dmag.washingtonjewishweek.com/February-1-2024/index.html

More Upcoming Events and Meetings in March

JUFJ Maryland Community Meeting
Wednesday, March 6, 7:30-9:30 PM
Zoom
Join us to discuss campaign updates and how we can best move our work forward! For those newer to JUFJ, there’s a JUFJ 101 at 7:30; or join the schmooze session if you’re a returning JUFJer. The full meeting will begin at 8:00 PM. All are welcome! RSVP here to get a zoom link.

We’re on our way to Universal Pre-K!
Sunday, March 17, 2:00-4:00 PM 
Harmony Hills Elementary School, Silver Spring
Study after study shows that children who go to Pre-K perform better academically, have higher high school graduation rates, and have more opportunities to go to college. Now, imagine a Montgomery County where every single child has access to a quality Pre-K education. Together, we can make it happen! Join us for a high energy Action, together with Montgomery County officials, Local organizations, Early childhood teachers and parents from across MoCo to discuss finding creative solutions for expanding Pre-K in our county. More info and Register here.

One to One Campaign Training
Tuesday, March 19, 7:00-9:00 PM
Zoom
Having One to One meetings are a key item in the Relational Organizing toolkit. The goal of the conversation is to build a relationship with another person by understanding their issues, interests, amd values to identify common ground for collective action. If you’ve never had One to One training or just want a refresher, please participate in this training led by JOIN For Justice’s Jeannie Appleman. Register here.

Hope for a Shared Future: Beyond Antisemitism and Racism
NEW SEA Change Training with Megan Black and JOIN for Justice

Wednesday, March 27, 7:00-8:30 PM on Zoom
We are experiencing an increase in antisemitism in American society, even as we have only begun to comprehend the ongoing impact of systemic racism. More than ever, we need a clear understanding of the relationship between antisemitism and racism and the role both play in strengthening authoritarian and anti-democracy movements. This workshop will examine the unique history of antisemitism and how it shows up in our communities today. We'll come away with a better understanding of how addressing the relationship between modern American antisemitism and race and racism can help us collectively work toward a better future for all of us, free from the bigotries that affect us today. Register here.

JUFJ and Purim
JUFJ will be packing 250 gift bags to deliver statewide and in Montgomery County to elected officials. You can join by delivering bags to legislators (Tuesday, March 19), donating supplies, or donating money to offset the cost of making all of this happen. Click here for details on delivering bags or making donations.


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.

Thu, March 28 2024 18 Adar II 5784