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JUFJ engages Jews from across the Washington area in advocacy campaigns to improve the lives of everyone in our region. Hundreds of JUFJ volunteers choose the issues we work on, plan our events and programs, and mobilize fellow community members to take part.

Current Campaigns

JUFJ's Paid Sick Days campaign is working to ensure that workers never have to choose between their health and their jobs. DC’s sick leave law excludes thousands of tipped restaurant workers from this key benefit. This campaign brings together worker justice, food justice, and public health.

We are currently seeking a new campaign in Maryland! If you have any suggestions, please contact Katie Ashmore at katie@jufj.org or (202)-408-1423 ext. 5

Programs

A group of members formed the Anti-Racism Initiative to help JUFJ do our best as an explicit and effective anti-racist ally organization. We educate ourselves and the Jewish community, build relationships with organizations led by people of color, and create opportunities for JUFJ members to connect with a diverse group of allies.

 Launched in 2009, the Jeremiah Fellowship trains young adults to become Jewish social justice change makers. During this nine-month program, Fellows learn different models of putting values into action, talk with leaders in Washington's Jewish and activist worlds, study Jewish texts and traditions.

 JUFJ’s guide to responsible buying works to ensure that Jewish simchas/celebrations reflect Jewish ethics and values. The Green and Just Celebrations guide suggests ways to prioritize workers’ rights and minimize environmental impact when making purchasing decision. We distribute the guide, license versions for areas beyond DC, teach workshops in the Jewish community, and are undertaking a major revision.

The Ruth Fellowship is a new two-year program to train local synagogue lay leaders in cutting-edge community organizing techniques, focusing specifically on local food justice issues. Through classical text study and informal conversation with local experts about DC-area food issues, participants explore not just feeding the hungry but also the connections between food and the ethical treatment of workers, environmental sustainability, and nutrition.

For a description of our ongoing programs and events click here.

For a description of our past campaigns click here.