Purim is a joyful Jewish holiday that is often celebrated by passing out mishloach manot (bags of sweet gifts). This year, the first vote on the Street Vendor Advancement Act falls on Purim, and we’re headed to the Wilson Building to deliver mishloach manot to the vendors who are pushing for this bill to pass, to demonstrate our community’s support for their dignity and safety.
Our sages teach us that to deny an employee the time and wages they need to care for themselves and their family is to take their very life from them. Nobody should have to choose between their job and caring for their family. Join us in Annapolis or on Zoom at the House Economic Matters Committee hearing for HB988. The bill would clarify details of the Time to Care Act to ensure the paid time off it guarantees to Maryland workers is accessible and equitable.
Jewish sacred texts declare that destroying even one life is akin to destroying a whole world. Unfortunately, we know that in Maryland, lives are destroyed every day, especially Black and brown lives, by our system of policing. Join us in person (or tune in on your own virtually) at the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee hearing for HB853, which would restore control of the Baltimore police department to Baltimore City residents and their elected representatives in the City Council.
JUFJ is guided by the Jewish concept of tzelem elohim, which teaches that all people are created in the Divine image, with inherent and equal dignity and value. Prerelease programs help people nearing the end of their prison sentences secure employment, housing, drug treatment, mental health services, and family support. There are multiple facilities for men in Maryland, but none for women. Join us in Annapolis (or tune in on your own virtually) for the Senate Capital Budget Subcommittee's budget hearing to advocate that the funding we won last year (but was struck from the FY24 budget) be put back in the budget and that the women's prerelease facility be fully funded to avoid any further delays in implementation.
JUFJ is guided by the Jewish concept of tzelem elohim, which teaches that all people are created in the Divine image, with inherent and equal dignity and value. Prerelease programs help people nearing the end of their prison sentences secure employment, housing, drug treatment, mental health services, and family support. There are multiple facilities for men in Maryland, but none for women. Join us in Annapolis (or tune in on your own virtually) for the House Capital Budget Subcommittee's budget hearing to advocate that the funding we won last year (but was struck from the FY24 budget) be put back in the budget and that the women's prerelease facility be fully funded to avoid any further delays in implementation.
Jewish sacred texts declare that destroying even one life is akin to destroying a whole world. Unfortunately, we know that in Maryland, lives are destroyed every day, especially Black and brown lives, by our system of policing. Join us at the House Judiciary committee hearing for HB1071, which would reduce unnecessary, harmful interactions with the police.
Thousands of Montgomery County residents are at risk of being pushed out of our community or becoming unhoused by uncapped rental increases. Join us for the Montgomery County Council's hearing on two key rent-stabilization bills: the HOME Act (16-23) which would stabilize rent at a max of 3%, and the “Anti-Rent Gouging” Bill (15-23) which would codify unaffordable double digit rent increases. Join us in the afternoon in person or in the evening either in person or online.
Jewish sacred texts declare that destroying even one life is akin to destroying a whole world. Unfortunately, we know that in Maryland, lives are destroyed every day, especially Black and brown lives, by our system of policing. Join us at the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee hearing for HB1071, which would reduce unnecessary, harmful interactions with the police.
Nearly everyone needs time away from work at some point to care for a relative, deal with a serious personal illness, or welcome a baby. Our Torah understands this reality, and our sacred texts implore employers to do right by their employees. Join us in Annapolis at the House Economic Matters Committee hearing for SB828, which would implement paid family and medical leave strongly and equitably.
Jewish tradition teaches that in a just world, all people would have resources sufficient for their needs. That's why JUFJ and many community organizations every year advocate for a moral Baltimore city budget. Join us as we and our partners testify to the Board of Estimates at their annual Taxpayer Night and remind them that our city budget should meet all residents' needs all year round.
Shavuot is a Jewish holiday celebrating the Torah and the beginning of the harvest, and it reminds us to reaffirm our communal values. It is often observed by eating dairy foods, studying all night, and reading the Book of Ruth. This year, Baltimore City Council's Taxpayer Night begins just before Shavuot. Join us as we and our partners celebrate Shavuot and testify to the City Council to remind them that, as the Book of Ruth points out, the bounty of the harvest should be used to meet everyone’s basic needs.
Join us and our partners at the County Council to pack the room for the first Council worksession on rent stabilization and support the HOME Act!
Join us and our partners to pack the hearing room for the second Council worksession on rent stabilization -- this worksession will likely include key votes and therefore our presence is critical!
Join us and our partners to pack the hearing room for the second Council worksession on rent stabilization -- this worksession will likely include key votes and therefore our presence is critical!
Join us at the Montgomery County Council building in Rockville for an important hearing on Bill 32-23, which would significantly weaken Montgomery County's Civilian Police Advisory Commission. It is crucial that we show up to let our Councilmembers know that we oppose any effort to roll back hard-fought police accountability measures.
Join us at the Montgomery County Council building in Rockville for an important worksession on Bill 32-23, which would significantly weaken Montgomery County's Civilian Police Advisory Commission. It is crucial that we show up with our partners to let our Councilmembers know that we oppose any effort to roll back hard-fought police accountability measures.
We passed historic renter protection legislation in Montgomery County, and now it's time to make sure our county has the funds to implement it! Please join JUFJ and our partners in the movement for rent stabilization at the public hearing to fund the implementation of rent stabilization.
Join JUFJ and our partners for one of two upcoming budget forums where we'll ask for investment in funds for rent stabilization and restorative justice staffing and implementation! Let us know in the signup form whether you're interested in asking a question or passing out flyers at the event.
Join JUFJ and our partners for the second of two upcoming budget forums where we'll ask for investment in funds for rent stabilization and restorative justice staffing and implementation! Let us know in the signup form whether you're interested in asking a question or passing out flyers at the event.
Jewish tradition teaches that only when our bodies are safe from harm can we nurture and sustain our souls. Allowing police to harm our friends, family, and neighbors is a choice we don’t need to keep making. Join JUFJ and our partners at a Baltimore City Council hearing on legislation to help restore control over the Baltimore police to local legislators, rather than state legislators.
