What is it about the holiday of Sukkot that makes it so powerful? Tradition teaches that the energy of Sukkot is so intense, so visceral and delightful, that seven mythic figures leave the Garden of Eden to join in the light of our earthly sukkot (temporary shelters). But why? What is it about the sukkah …
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AJWS’s small but mighty marathon team will soon embark on a journey that will test their physical and mental strength: the 2013 New York City Marathon. Inspired by the Jewish commitment to justice, these nine runners have already spent months tirelessly training to tackle 26.2 miles. In addition to training for the race on November …
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This post is also featured on the blog of the Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund. This July, I traveled to Lucknow in northern India with American Jewish World Service and a group of 17 rabbis from across the United States. Our goal was to personally see and understand AJWS’s important international work. And, as …
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Major initiative is building a national network of Jewish leaders to advocate for U.S. policies to improve the lives of the most marginalized people in the developing world NEW YORK, NY —American Jewish World Service (AJWS) today launched the Global Justice Fellowship, a major new initiative to engage key Jewish opinion leaders across the country …
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Trip is part of new year-long Global Justice Fellowship launched in LA by American Jewish World Service LOS ANGELES, CA — Today, the American Jewish World Service (AJWS) announced that 17 Jewish leaders from Los Angeles were selected to participate in the inaugural AJWS Global Justice Fellowship, a selective, year-long program designed to inspire, educate …
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$15.3 million grant from the Kendeda Fund will support work of Indian activists NEW YORK, NY—American Jewish World Service (AJWS) announced today that it is the recipient of a $15.3 million grant from the Kendeda Fund to address child marriage in India. As the leading Jewish organization working to realize human rights and end poverty …
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NEW YORK, NY — American Jewish World Service President Ruth Messinger released the following statement today after the Ugandan Parliament passed a bill earlier this week imposing wide ranging restrictions on public meetings and severely restricting free speech. The Public Order Management Bill was passed by the Ugandan Parliament on Tuesday, August 6, 2013. As …
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NEW YORK, NY — American Jewish World Service (AJWS) President Ruth Messinger released the following statement today after the U.S. Senate voted by an overwhelming majority to confirm Samantha Power as the U.S. Ambassador of the United Nations. “We are deeply gratified that the U.S. Senate confirmed Samantha Power as U.S. Ambassador of the United …
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Translated as “the ninth day of the month of Av,” Tisha B’Av marks the destruction of the two great Temples that once stood in Jerusalem, and over time it has come to mourn many of the tragedies which have befallen the Jewish people. Tisha B’Av embodies our collective history and struggles, and it is one …
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LOS ANGELES, CA — American Jewish World Service Los Angeles Executive Director Allison Lee released the following statement today commending Rabbi David Wolpe’s recent decision to perform same-sex marriages at his Los Angeles synagogue. “I applaud Rabbi David Wolpe’s decision to marry same-sex couples,” said Allison Lee, who directs AJWS’ office in Los Angeles. “More …
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