On June 24th, the Avodah Justice Fellows in New York City gathered for their siyyum or graduation at the Kane Street Synagogue in Brooklyn to celebrate their eight months of learning and building community together. In the presence of friends and family, Fellows reflected on how they have grown as Jewish social justice advocates, and presented their Jewish Learning Opportunity projects, and received blessings from Rabbi Michelle Dardashti.
“This year’s group of fellows was deeply committed to wrestling with complex issues and expanding their connections to Jewish justice work,” said Sonia Alexander, the NYC Justice Fellowship Director. “They embraced the difficult work of building community not in spite of their disagreements, but through them.”
Throughout the eight-month program, Fellows came together on nights and weekends to explore the intersections of Jewish traditions and justice work. The curriculum included sessions on the connections between antisemitism and Islamophobia, the history of Jewish immigration and migrant justice, a panel on local politics with NYC elected officials, a walking tour of Jewish activism in Lower Manhattan, and non-partisan phone banking to encourage democratic participation. Fellows also had opportunities to deepen their relationships to Shabbat and other Jewish practices.
“Each fellow really took the invitation to be on a learning journey and grew in their leadership, and I’m proud of each of them,” continued Alexander. “They brought their authentic questions, their real struggles in this difficult year, and a willingness to challenge themselves. They tried things they were afraid or uncertain about, such as leading Jewish ritual, facilitating, public speaking, event planning, and taking creative and spiritual initiative.”
Putting Learning into Action: Fellow Projects
Here’s at look at the Jewish Learning Opportunity project from this year’s Fellows:
Lulu organized a text-study Shabbat dinner, focused on the parsha of Bamidbar. Lulu and her guests discussed the question “who gets counted” in the ancient Israelite society of the Tanakh and in the modern day United States. They ended the evening by creating resource bags for neighbors experiencing homelessness, as a way of providing direct support and emphasizing that despite their circumstances, they will still be seen and counted.
Sarie led community conversation on social justice with older adults through DOROT, where she serves as a Program Coordinator. In these lively discussions, Sarie made space for elders to discuss their experience with tenants rights organizing and interfaith work, and how those connect to Jewishness for them.
Justine organized a disability justice-centered Shabbat dinner. Her project explored the connections between ableism, productivity, and the concept of rest inherent in Shabbat. The event included a text study and an abbreviated version of traditional blessings.
Je’Jae created an art and wellness Shabbat for domestic violence survivors and their allies. This initiative was a response to the significant increase in domestic violence during the pandemic and aimed to provide a supportive “third space” for healing and empowerment.
Sally curated a gallery walk honoring the stories of powerful mothers, particularly Jewish mothers, who were social justice advocates. The project took place at the Upper West Side JCC and included biographies of these women.
Molly is developing a sensory-friendly access map. Her project addresses the challenges of navigating public spaces for people with sensory sensitivities by providing information on noise levels, lighting, and the availability of seating.
“We are so inspired by the work these Justice Fellows did this year, and are excited to see how their learning and connection will continue to support Jewish justice in New York and across the country for years to come” said Avodah CEO Cheryl Cook. “This program is a unique, and rare opportunity for early to mid-career professionals to connect and learn how to deepen their impact, and these Justice Fellows demonstrate that.”
A special thank you to Kane Street Synagogue for graciously hosting this year’s Fellowship program.
