Labor on the Bimah weaves together labor issues, social justice and Judaism, in an effort to bring meaning and reflection back into Labor Day. The program is a part of Labor in the Pulpits, an annual nationwide program of Interfaith Worker Justice that takes place on Labor Day Weekend. Each year, JUFJ supports dozens of local synagogues in reflecting on Judaism's commitment to justice and workers' rights. 

Congregations and local Hillels get involved by hosting speakers at Shabbat services, incorporating labor issues into sermons and Divrei Torah, and participating in community-wide events such as an Interfaith Forum and Havdalah ceremony organized by JUFJ. The effort is made possible every year through the dedication of JUFJ volunteers! 

In September 2011, Labor on the Bimah will focus on the importance of organized labor and the challenges facing workers who come together to seek dignity on the job. With laws being proposed around the country that threaten workers' rights to bargain collectively, we want to explore Judaism's focus on the fair treatment of workers. The topic is especially timely given that this year marks the 100th anniversary of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire, which catalyzed a largely Jewish labor movement that ultimately won safer working conditions and reasonable hours for all Americans.

Labor on the Bimah will take place on the weekend of September 2nd-5th, and there are many different ways you can get involved during and before the event. Sign up here to let us know how you'd like to volunteer. To help JUFJ take action or for more information, contact Lizzie Busch at lizzie@jufj.org.

In 2010, JUFJ partnered with the Restaurant Opportunities Center to focus on the challenges facing restaurant workers, a theme that complements and enhances the Jewish community's current focus on food and sustainability issues.

In the modern restaurant industry, even here in the DC area, there are still many employees who do not receive the wages or sick leave they are legally entitled to, nor the vacation time and health insurance that they deserve. Though many people enjoy the fantastic array of restaurant options in the DC area, these workers' struggles remain largely invisible to the average diner. 

Through Labor on the Bimah, local rabbis, JUFJ volunteers and other community leaders educated congregations and gave them tools to take action. To learn more about restaurant worker injustice, click here.