The Shul Justice Project
Welcome to the Shul Justice Project (SJP), the Shul of New York’s initiative to take an active role as a community in causes and issues that are of importance to us, to the health of our democracy, and to our planet.
Caring about justice is a core Jewish value and part of our Shul culture. The words in the SJP logo, “Do Not Stand Idly By,” come directly from Torah, urging us to act for justice, compassion, and inclusion for the vulnerable, the disenfranchised, and for all life on earth.
The SJP will direct you to concrete actions concerning the critical issues of our time: from voting rights to reproductive rights; from environmental justice to housing justice. The SJP also helps us strengthen and grow our Justice in June project on racial justice, and makes it possible to bring in speakers on important topics.
So, scroll down to the Take Action section for steps you can take right now to make this world a better place, or use our Resources section to stay informed. Whether you are a part of our Shul family, or just checking us out, “do not stand idly by”… please join us!
Take Action
Resources for the Upcoming NYC Elections
The November 2025 elections are rapidly approaching, and it turns out that participating in elections is strongly encouraged by Jewish tradition. For example, there's a midrash that says:
“A person who sits in their home and says to themselves, ‘What have the affairs of society to do with me? Let my soul dwell in peace!’, such a person effectively overthrows the world.”
This means that staying on the sidelines is tantamount to an act of destruction. We each must do our part to repair the world - and voting is a good place to start!
Important Dates
Election Day: Tuesday, November 4, 2025
(Polls are open from 6am to 9pm)
Early Voting Period: October 25, 2025 through November 2, 2025
(Early Voting poll site hours)
Vote Early by Mail: The last day to apply for a Vote Early by Mail ballot online or by mail is October 25, 2025. Everyone in NYS can vote early by mail, no excuse needed!
(Apply for a Vote Early by Mail ballot)
Find your Early Voting or Election Day poll site, and view your Sample Ballot (Here)
Who's on the ballot?
In addition to electing a new mayor, New York City residents will also be choosing comptroller, public advocate, and members of the city council. Ballotopedia lists information on the candidates for all of these races (Here)
What are the ballot proposals?
On the back of the NYC ballot are 6 ballot proposals. A description of those proposals and voting recommendations from the League of Women Voters can be found (Here)
Watch the Mayoral Debates
Watch or rewatch the Mayoral Debates on NYCVotes.org
Further Voting Resources
Additional questions? Consult the following websites:
NYCVotes.org – Ballot Information
LwvNYC.org – League of Women Voters of the City of New York
Resource Library
The Workers Circle: Use this link to check your voter registration status, find your polling place, and view your ballot.
League of Women Voters: A nonpartisan grassroots organization working to protect and expand voting rights through advocacy, education, and litigation at the local, state, and national level.
Democracy Docket: Providing information about voting rights and pursuing litigation where and when voting rights are abrogated or curtailed.
A More Perfect Union: The Jewish Partnership for Democracy Coalition working to organize and mobilize the American Jewish community to protect and strengthen democracy.
National Council of Jewish Women/Fund for Abortion Access is the Jewish communal response to the ever-complicating healthcare landscape. Funds are used to:
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Mobilize rapid response action if medication abortion is banned nationally.
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Help families navigate restrictions on IVF, fertility treatments, and embryo storage.
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Prepare multi-faith amicus briefs in specific lawsuits that arise.
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Help women access abortion services with financial assistance.
Center for Reproductive Rights - Using the power of law to advance reproductive rights around the world.
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Everytown For Gun Safety - Everytown starts with you, and it starts in your neighborhood by introducing evidence-based solutions in every town to end gun violence.
Sandy Hook Promise - Sandy Hook Promise envisions a future where children are free from shootings and acts of violence in their schools, homes, and communities.
The IRC (International Rescue Committee): Providing cash support to vulnerable families, winter items, medical supplies, and other forms of humanitarian support in Ukraine, as well as with partner organizations in Poland.
The Ukraine Children's Action Project: Providing mental health and educational support to Ukrainian children in Poland or internally displaced in Ukraine.
HIAS is now providing emergency humanitarian assistance to displaced Ukrainians in Poland, Moldova, Romania, as well as in Ukraine.
Friends of the JCC Krakow: Providing essential services to Ukrainians displaced in Poland and inside Ukraine
National
New York State
New York City
Contact Elected Officials (USA.gov) – Find and contact your local elected officials