First-Annual Jewish Justice Giving Day Raises Over $200,000 for Jewish Organizations
The Jewish community came out in force this week for the first annual Jewish Justice Giving Day, a new initiative highlighting the importance of giving, tzedakah, as a way of participating in justice, tzedek. The event, which was aimed at uplifting the importance of investing in Jewish social justice as a core expression in Jewish life, resulted in more than 35 organizations that are part of the Jewish Social Justice Roundtable collectively raising over $200,000 with more than 900 total gifts.
“The tradition of social justice is as essential to the American Jewish community as any other value we have,” noted Abby J. Leibman, President & CEO of MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger. “Jewish Justice Giving Day made explicitly clear that our people stand for true justice, with real commitment and compassion towards those in need. At this time in particular, it is vital that we shine a spotlight on the values that we and our partners share and on each of the critical causes we all represent. Inspired and uplifted by these values, we will meet this moment together. We are so proud to have played a leading role in launching this new initiative, and we look forward to seeing it continue and grow in the years to come.”
“We put a spotlight on progressive Jewish values when they’re most needed,” said Robert Bank, CEO & President of American Jewish World Service. “At a difficult moment for social justice, our community’s investments sent a clear message: the fight against hunger, poverty, and prejudice will outlast this political administration and its inhumanity. Because AJWS works in a global context, we learn about perseverance from partners around the world accustomed to adversity but expert at building movements to repair our broken world.”
“This inaugural Jewish Justice Giving Day demonstrates the energy, vitality, and importance of Jewish social justice work as we face unprecedented threats to democracy, equity, human rights, and more,” stated Abby Levine, Executive Director of the Jewish Social Justice Roundtable. “I’m inspired today, as I am every day, by the Roundtable-affiliated organizations and hundreds of stakeholders embodying the Jewish tradition of justice.”
“Jewish Justice Giving Day demonstrates our Jewish values in action; tzedek (justice), chesed (loving-kindness), and kavod (honor) are at the foundation of this effort to resource our efforts towards a better world,” stated Rabbi David Jaffe, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Kirva. “As we approach Shabbat Shekalim, a time when our tradition calls us to collective giving and communal responsibility, we are reminded that resourcing justice work is not just a moral obligation but a sacred act. At Kirva, we are proud to stand with our partners at over 35 organizations in this communal effort to sustain the vital, ongoing work of Jewish justice.”
Inspired by the ongoing success of Giving Tuesday, Jewish Justice Giving Day was an opportunity to connect and uplift Jewish nonprofit organizations focused on social justice causes, amplifying the sector as a whole and highlighting the work that is being done on a daily basis. The event coincides with Shabbat Shekalim, when we recall that Jewish ancestors were asked to contribute half of a Biblical shekel to meet the needs of the community as a whole.
To learn more about Jewish Justice Giving Day, as well as to see a full list of participating organizations, please visit https://www.jewishsocialjustice.org/jjgd.