Social Justice

The core values of Judaism b’tselem Elohim, that we are all created in God’s image, and mirdaf tzedek, the pursuit of justice, are the inspiration for HJC’s Social Justice Task Force.

The Committee’s mission is to create educational opportunities to help raise our congregation’s awareness and understanding about race, ethnicity, diversity, and inclusion; to facilitate dialogue and reflection; and to encourage action in the pursuit of justice.

About us:

The HJC Social Justice Committee was formed in the summer of 2020 in the wake of the events of the day and the outcry for racial and social justice.

We are a small committee that plans activities and distributes resources related to social justice, and in doing so, have lively and thoughtful discussions that we all find enlightening. We often collaborate with other HJC committees and we welcome new members.

Our accomplishments include:

•  The installation of sign on HJC’s front lawn that read:
  “Justice, justice you shall pursue.” Deuteronomy 16:20
  Huntington Jewish Center Stands Against Racism
• Film viewings followed by discussion:
  'Sugarcane"
• Programs:
  We Refuse to be Enemies: How Muslims and Jews can make peace, one friendship at time, with Sabeeha Rehman and Walter Ruby, based upon their book.
  Reflections from a Charlottesville Rabbi: Anti-Semitism, Social Justice and a Way Forward, with Rabbi Tom Gutherz. 

  Panel discussion about challenges facing our Immigrant community on Long Island with representatives from Helping Hands Rescue Mission and CARECEN and a DACA recipient. Presentation and Q & A with students from and one of the co-founders of Hand in Hand, a network of multicultural and bilingual Israeli public schools attended by Arab and Jewish children founded over 20 years ago. 

• Resettlement of a Ukrainian refugee family through HIAS in cooperation with 11 other area congregations of various faiths.
• Activities for PRIDE month 2023