SOCIAL JUSTICE
“Do not be daunted by the enormity of the world’s grief. Do justly now. Love mercy now. Walk humbly now. You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it.” -from the Talmud, Pirkei Avos (Ethics/Chapters of the Fathers) 2:16
Tikkun olam (“Repairing the world” in Hebrew), is an essential foundation of the BHS community. The Social Justice Committee meets monthly to explore ways to activate and inspire social action — from advocating for climate change and criminal justice reform legislation, to protecting reproductive rights, volunteering to support refugees, organizing clothing drives, operating the BHS Homeless Shelter, and much more. The Committee addresses and is open to a wide range of interests, partnering with mission-driven organizations and engaging congregants to work together on initiatives and fulfill the vision of a fair and just world for all.
ONGOING INITIATIVES
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Working with Religious Action Center New York (RAC/NY) and other organizations BHS lobbied local legislators to pass key climate legislation, advocated for the passage of the first Environment Bond Initiative in 25 years, and urged our City Council (with Council Member and BHS Member Lincoln Restler) to approve an NYC climate protection resolution.
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In response to the Dobbs decision, BHS members have partnered with other organizations including the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW), to ensure that NY remains a place where women's reproductive rights are protected.
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From lobbying elected officials to donating needed items to helping settle newcomers, BHS congregants are deeply involved in supporting immigrants and refugees. We often partner with HIAS and the Synagogue Coalition on the Refugee and Immigration Crisis (SCRIC).
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We work on parole reform, prison reform and other initiatives that seek to reimagine our criminal legal system. We’re proud to be a member of the Jewish Coalition for Criminal Justice (JCCJR).
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Our activities include joining with partners at Center for Common Ground and Reclaim Our Vote on postcard-writing campaigns to get out the vote, often in black and brown communities where turnout is low, and other actions that protect this fundamental right.
JOIN THE EFFORT
The BHS Social Justice Committee works to organize events, to communicate opportunities for involvement, and amplify the social justice concerns and interests of our individual members. We welcome you to share your interests and get involved by emailing co-chairs Andrea Feller or Cliff Fonstein.
Members joined a protest demanding the closure of Rikers Island. Cliff Fonstein pays tribute to Tarz Youngblood – a father of three who could not afford bail while awaiting trial and one of the 19 prisoners who died at Rikers in 2022.
MISSION STATEMENT
The Social Justice Committee plans and sponsors actions and initiatives to promote our progressive Jewish values to pursue justice and enhance civil and human rights in our broader community and the world. Our focus is wide-ranging, broadly encompassing racial equity and economic justice, and may address such topics as criminal justice reform, immigration rights, reproductive justice, efforts to combat discrimination, including anti-Semitism, voting rights, and gun control. Initiatives include educational programming, legislative advocacy, and community action. The Working Group often partners with URJ’s Religious Action Center (RAC), other like-minded faith-based organizations, such as other Synagogues and houses of worship, and unaffiliated advocacy groups. We seek feedback and ideas from BHS members concerning topics and initiatives. Consistent with legal and policy requirements, our endeavors are conducted in a non-partisan manner.