Creating Justice -- Together
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Dear Friends:
Last week was my first day back in the office since the birth of my son in mid-November. The last month has been a rollercoaster ride: commuting daily to the NICU, and learning the finer arts of burping a baby and how to function on less sleep. But it's also provided an opportunity to reflect on the world that I want my son to grow up in. And while I'm treasuring the time that I get to spend at home as a father, I couldn't wait to get back to the office -- because I'm privileged to be able to work with amazing volunteers and supporters like you every day to make that world a reality.
This year, JUFJ programs and campaigns directly touched more than 7,000 people, and countless more learned about our work through National Public Radio, the Washington Post, and other local media reports.
One of the year's most exciting developments was the launch of our Jeremiah Fellowship program. This dynamic year-long leadership training program for young Jewish adults was developed by our partners at the Progressive Jewish Alliance in California and adapted for local use by our new Rabbi in Residence, Elizabeth Richman. Our first cohort of 16 Fellows come from widely diverse backgrounds and are already developing the skills and relationships that will enable them to become the next generation of social justice leaders.
And we need those leaders right away -- because JUFJ's programs are expanding and we are reaching more people than ever. This year's sold out Labor Seder and the record-setting participation of nearly 50 congregations in Labor on the Bimah are just two examples of our growth.
Both initiatives focused on wage theft -- workers not being paid for their work -- and significantly advanced our campaigns to help these workers. In the past year, we have helped day laborers in DC win immediate victories, like the recovery of $10,000 in back wages, and policy changes that enable the DC government to better protect workers. Though much work remains to be done, we are closer than ever to winning a hiring site that will provide real protections for day laborers in DC.
In Maryland, where redevelopment near the proposed Purple Line threatens to displace low-income communities, our Fair Purple Line campaign has forced local leaders to focus on how they will protect affordable housing. And we've built a broad-based coalition with trusted partners like CASA de Maryland, the Coalition for Smarter Growth, and the Archdiocese of Washington to ensure that the residents of Langley Park have a say in their community's future.
Our Green & Just Celebrations Guide continues to give families the information and tools to plan a celebration that incorporates and celebrates their values. The first 1,500 copies were so popular that we needed a second print run of 5,000 copies. Over three dozen congregations across the region now distribute the guide to b'nai mitzvah students and engaged couples. And the guide is having impacts far beyond the Washington area -- thousands of people around the country have downloaded the guide or used it online, and we are partnering with the Progressive Jewish Alliance to create a California version.
Finally, across the region, cities and counties face budget and social services cuts that can make the difference between families putting food on the table or going hungry, between staying in their homes or not. These families need strong advocates to help them demand a strong safety net and keep themselves out of poverty. With your support, JUFJ can help lift up their voices and help them be heard.
As we celebrate Hanukkah and remember our ancestors' struggle for justice and freedom from oppression, I want to invite you to imagine what kind of world you want to leave for your descendents. As you light the Hanukkah candles this year, I hope you will join me in rededicating yourself to JUFJ and our shared work to make that world a reality -- for everyone in our community.
Thank you again for your continued support of JUFJ.
L'shalom,
Jacob Feinspan
Executive Director
