Tzedek Blog

Dear Social Justice Friends,

We hope you are enjoying a fun, healthy and safe summer season. Elizabeth Connolly and Arlene Pressman are now at the helm as Co-Chairs of the Tzedek Committee and we are grateful!

This newsletter includes information about educational programs, as well as advocacy and action opportunities for you to engage in. Enjoy the lovely days of August!

Marion Pollock
Tzedek Newsletter Editor



Gun Violence Prevention

Announcing the Newton Gun Violence Prevention Collaborative
The Newton Gun Violence Prevention Collaborative (formerly Stop Gun Stores in Newton) formed out of concern about a gun store opening in Newton. NGVPC successfully advocated for the passage of effective zoning to make Newton one of the most restrictive cities in the nation for gun stores. Moving forward, NGVPC aims to harness the voices of Newton residents to advocate for common sense local and state level policies that are aligned with state and national gun violence prevention strategies and legislative priorities.
Website: www.newtongunviolenceprevention.org.
Contact: info@newtongunviolenceprevention.org

Massachusetts Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence Quarterly Meeting, August 3, 7:00 on Zoom
Learn about the legislative process and improve your advocacy skills with training from Beach Bloc , get updates on ghost guns, and learn about the Coalition's advocacy on the American Rescue Plan funding for violence prevention. Register here .

Learn about Ghost Guns and submit a comment to the ATF here .
Watch a short video about ghost guns (DIY, homemade guns that are not subject to federal gun regulations) and submit a comment to encourage the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to support a proposed rule that will help stop the spread of these dangerous weapons.

Learn more about Extreme Risk Protection Orders here .
Extreme Risk Protection Orders allow family and other household members to petition the court to temporarily remove firearms from an individual who has demonstrated a risk of harm to themselves or others. This website, launched by the Massachusetts Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence and Stop Handgun Violence provides in-depth information about what an ERPO is and how to file one.


Racial Justice

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)
There is still time to register for the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Community Training Series on August 4, August 11, and August 18. This series will teach us how to create a DEI Working Group, so that we can establish action plans towards creating an inclusive community for individuals and families from a wide range of backgrounds

Mosaic Visions
Mosaic Visions , a group founded by Jews of Color, is launching a three-part civil rights conversation from a unique perspective which is designed to teach our community how to show up as a faithful ally.  https://urj.org/calendar/mosaic-visions-presents-i-pray-my-feet-part-1-movement-and-freedom-summer-1960-1964?utm_source=RACWeekly&utm_medium=email&utm_content=2021_7_29

Voting Rights
The Religious Action Committee for Reform Judaism (RAC) is continuing to organize around and advocate for the protection of voting rights and we are working to support the For the People Act (S1) and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. ( Learn details of these bills here .)

On July 27, we had a very successful virtual visit with the staff of Senator Markey, at which leaders of the RAC spoke. We are proud to say that of the 91 people on the call 13 were members of Temple Shalom! There will be another virtual meeting with the staff of Senator Elizabeth Warren on Friday August 6 at 1:30PM. Simply by being present on the call, you will send a message that this issue is important to us and critical to our country’s future. Both Senator Warren and Senator Markey have said they support these laws, but we need them to make sure that this is at the top of their agenda and to thank them for continuing to make these bills a priority. To register for our meeting with Senator Warren’s office on 8/6 at 1:30 pm, please click here.

RAC-MASSACHUSETTS
While several states have RAC affiliates which work to mobilize and engage the Reform communities in their states, Massachusetts has not been among them. There is a campaign to make RAC-MA one of these states, and you are invited to an informational meeting on launching RAC-MA on 8/19 at 7:30 pm. To register please click here.

Immigration Rights
The Work and Family Mobility Act is before the MA legislature this legislative session. As described in the Action Network website, this
“legislation would enable all qualified Massachusetts residents, regardless of immigration status, to apply for a standard license or identification card, while keeping our Commonwealth in full compliance with REAL ID requirements.” Legislation like this has had positive impacts in other states, and we can help get it through in Massachusetts. Click on the link below to read more about the legislation and to generate an email to your representatives in the MA House and Senate – it only takes a minute! Email Your State Representative and Senator Now to Co-Sponsor the Work and Family Mobility Act! - Action Network



Food Insecurity

JF&CS Family Table
Family Table (the food pantry at Jewish Family & Children's Service) needs people to volunteer on-site and to help deliver food to people who need it.  Families are welcome to volunteer together!  Click  here  for more information.  Also, now that the temple is open again, please remember to bring whole grain crackers and tuna (low or no sodium when possible) when you come to the building.

The Newton Community Freedge is busy with volunteers and clients. With the first days of August approaching, we still have available spots open for volunteers. Please consider taking a shift if you are in town. You can find the sign up list here .

Planning for the High Holiday Food Drive is in the works, please stay tuned.


Donation and Service Projects

Do you have children's books to donate? Service Stars campers will be collecting books in August to set up a children's library in Ghana through the African Library Project! We need to collect 1,000 books that are preschool-middle school level! This project has been generously sponsored by Newton Community Pride .

Lego Recycling-Service Stars will be collecting and recycling Legos. You can drop your Legos off at our collection boxes at Henry Bears Park in Newtonville, Learning Express in Newton Centre, and Just Next Door in Auburdale.

Rotary Club Clothing Collection
Have clothes that don't fit? Too ratty to wear? Just not "you" anymore? Don't throw them away - recycle them! Textiles like comforters, blankets, sheets, towels, are also welcome. Even old shoes, handbags, and stuffed toys. You'll keep them out of the waste stream AND help raise money for the Rotary Club of Newton's Scholarships! All clothing and textiles in any condition are welcome, but please be sure they're clean. Saturday, August 7th,8:00am–Noon The Shops at Chestnut Hill(formerly the Chestnut Hill Mall) Back Parking Lot - Enter by the Hammond Pond Entrance Rain or shine! Can't come on the 7th? You'll have one last chance on September 11th so save up your stuff! Questions? Email RotaryNewtonMa@gmail.com .


UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS FALL 2021

If COVID restrictions permit, the Tzedek team is planning a couple of field trips for small groups. We'd like to visit the Edward W. Brooke Courthouse to see "The Long Road to Justice" exhibit and learn about the history of the African American Experience in Massachusetts. 

We would also like to visit the Newton Historical Society and learn more about the history of African Americans in Newton.