A strategic priority of the Social Justice Committee is to develop partnerships with the larger community. At the February 7 meeting, we were joined by two special guests: Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo and Allen Edson, President of the Pasadena NAACP. After a welcome by Rabbi Carrier, we spent an hour exploring the broad issues facing the city and the particular challenges faced by the African-American community, with the objective of finding ways that the SJC can participate in advancing progressive goals in line with our mission and values: “To respond to societal conditions and contemporary issues based on traditional Jewish values and the prophetic admonition--Tzedek, tzedek tirdofe, Justice, justice shall you pursue.”
The SJC Webinar “Climate Change: The Future is Now” focused on youth responses to the climate crisis. crisis. Marine ecologist Dr, Carlos Robles, an active member of the Citizens Climate Lobby Pasadena chapter, was joined by panelists presenting youth perspectives: Simon Aron, the co-founder of the non-profit Green Schools Campaign; Ozzy Simpson, an active member of the Sunrise LA movement; and Alex Posner, a founder of Students for Climate Dividends, a movement that has attracted over one hundred leaders from college campuses across the country. Several young members of the PJTC community responded to the presentations, asking questions and commenting on the issues via the Q & A.
Upcoming Events & Activities:
- On March 7 at 10:00 a.m. our community will join over two hundred other Jewish organizations in the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS) Shabbat. The SJC panel discussion on refugees and asylum-seekers, “Vamonos,” will include breakout rooms with representatives with organizations serving the needs of people enmeshed in the difficult process of seeking resettlement in the United States. Please zoom in for this event at http://bit.ly/pjtcsjc-asylum21. See the flier on the PJTC eblast and web or Face Book pages for more information.
- Reminder: In conjunction with HIAS, PJTC is participating in the post card campaign for which you signature is requested.
- A Social Justice Committee Meeting at 7 p.m. on March 11 is scheduled to plan future events. All are welcome. Here is the zoom link: https:// us02web.zoom.us/j/89492111158.
Carl Selkin, Committee Member
