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!
Action is the antidote to anxiety!
Volunteer Opportunities
No Kings Protest (March 28th)
In 2025, million of Americans came together in nonviolent protest under the banner of No Kings to affirm that this nation belongs to its people, not to kings. No Kings organizers are planning the next nationwide march for March 28, 2026. Shul Justice Project members and friends will be there. For updates, be sure to subscribe to SJP emails below.
Contact your local reps in support of the New York for All Act!
SCRIC, the Synagogue Coalition on the Refugee and Immigrant Crisis (of which the Shul is a member), is urging people to contact state and local leadership and representatives in support of the New York for All Act (NY S2235/NY A3506).
Not sure who your State reps are?
Check here for: State Senate or Assembly
Help prep food for New Yorkers living with serious illnesses!
God's Love We Deliver is looking for volunteers to help their dedicated kitchen team with food preparation for individuals living with serious illnesses. Spots open from 9am - 12pm on March 10th and April 14th.
Help Unhoused New Yorkers
It is estimated that more than 4,500 New Yorkers are living on NYC's streets. While these bone-chilling winter temperatures continue, if you come across an unsheltered person and are concerned about their wellbeing you can call 311 even if you/they are skeptical about some of the 911 first responders to whom those calls will be rerouted.
You might ask the unhoused person the following questions:
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Are you staying warm?
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Can I pick you up some hand warmers or blankets?
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Have you had enough to eat?
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What’s your plan for tonight if it gets colder?
Your call to 311 could literally mean the difference between life and death.
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
New York State
New York City
Contact Elected Officials (USA.gov) – Find and contact your local elected officials
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