Friends,

Martin Luther King Jr. Day offers us the chance to celebrate the many people and organizations across Greater Washington who are working tirelessly to uphold civil rights, fight antisemitism and racism, and keep our systems of democracy intact to the benefit of us all. It also calls on us to deepen our relationships and our work together.

After all, the fight for justice is part of who we are as Jews. We are taught to pursue what is right, to stand alongside the most vulnerable in our society, and help ensure dignity for every individual. This legacy calls us to action now — especially as our country grapples with the rise in antisemitism and hate crimes.

As MLK described, “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” One of the best ways we can ensure a thriving Jewish future and a more just society for all human beings is by building and maintaining strong and authentic relationships with other communities and standing together against all forms of hate and discrimination, especially when the work and conversations get tough.

To that end, we are proud to share information below about a few of the national Jewish initiatives building important bridges and the local Jewish organizations engaged in social justice work. This MLK Day consider supporting one of these organizations through your donor advised fund. We also invite you to register for upcoming learning opportunities and explore MLK Day events in our area.

Investment Opportunities

These organizations are working to strengthen the Jewish community’s solidarity with communities of color and expand our fight against antisemitism, racism, and hate in all forms.

JOIN for Justice (EIN 04-3617885) — is a national organization dedicated to training, supporting, and connecting Jewish organizers and their communities. JOIN’s SEA Change program has supported three cohorts of regional synagogues in identifying and engaging in social justice work.

Facing History (EIN 04-2761636) — helps educators prepare students to participate in civic life and stand up to bigotry and hate in their own lives, communities, and schools. Special social studies curricula, including examining the history of the Holocaust, helps students tap into their empathy, ethics, and intellect.

Resetting the Table (through Jewish Council for Public Affairs EIN 13-1624104) — collaborates with strategic partners to build important channels of communication across difference and political silos in Israel and American life. Training programs are helping communities replace long-standing distrust or avoidance with a culture of healthy dialogue and deliberation.

These organizations are working directly with vulnerable individuals and marginalized communities of color in Greater Washington. Inherent in their work is being in solidarity with other communities and bringing about a more just world.

Anne Frank House – local! (EIN 13-4148824) — provides long-term housing to some of DC's most vulnerable people. The apartments are all located in Ward 3 in Northwest DC. Clients pay an average of 25% of their monthly income. Donations pay for the rest.

Tzedek DC – local! (EIN 81-2208907) — safeguards the legal rights and financial health of DC residents with low incomes dealing with the often devastating consequences of abusive debt collection practices and other consumer related issues.

Yachad – local! (EIN 52-1698588) — brings together local communities to make affordable housing safe and healthy, creating equity and wealth for families while preserving and revitalizing neighborhoods.

Learn Together

As part of the Wide River Project, a yearlong initiative of Moment Magazine (EIN 31-1801544) and Western States Center, audiences can explore Black-Jewish relations through a series of deep dives into art, history, and issues that both unite and divide the Black and Jewish communities.

Register now for upcoming lectures:

African American Roots and Resilience with Dr. Lillie J. Edwards

Wednesdays, January 10, 17, 24, 31 | 3:30 PM ET / 12:30 PM PT

Join Dr. Lillie J. Edwards for a four-part lecture series exploring the broad landscape of African American history from its African origins to the 21^st century. The class will highlight how African Americans shaped and defined America while resisting white supremacy and systemic dehumanization based on race, gender, and class.

Black-Jewish Relations: Coming Together to Fight Racism and Antisemitism with Dr. Rochelle L. Ford

Tuesday, January 16 | 4:30 PM ET / 1:30 PM PT

Join Dr. Rochelle L. Ford, President of Dillard University in New Orleans, for a conversation about why she made the decision to revitalize the university’s National Center for Black-Jewish Relations which was first founded in 1989 and how the two communities can build relationships to fight hate.

The Wide River Project: The Importance of Storytelling in the Black and Jewish Communities with Eric K. Ward, Nadine Epstein and Adam Mansbach

Tuesday, January 23 | 4:30 PM ET / 1:30 PM PT

Storytelling and folklore help us understand history, impart cultural values, and imbue us with wisdom. Join Civil Rights Strategist Eric K. Ward, Moment Editor-in-Chief Nadine Epstein and Screenwriter Adam Mansbach, author of The Golem of Brooklyn, for a conversation about the importance of folklore in both the Black and Jewish communities from the golem to Anansi the Spider. 

For information about additional opportunities, including our community’s MLK Day of Service, please visit Federation’s upcoming events page.

As always, we are so grateful for your continued support and commitment to these vital causes. As your partner in philanthropy, the Jewish Community Foundation is here to support your philanthropic goals and we welcome your questions about ways to invest in and build solidarity at this crucial moment.

Wishing you a meaningful Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day,

Sara and Debby

Sara Brenner

Executive Director

Jewish Community Foundation

Deborah Ratner Salzberg
President
Jewish Community Foundation

The Jewish Community Foundation
by The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington
6101 Executive Boulevard Suite 100 | North Bethesda, MD 20852 US

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