September 2025 Newsletter
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Dear Community, How great that so many of you in Western NC came out to meet our new Executive Director, Rabbi Sandra, during her visit to Asheville last month! I deeply regret missing it due to a bout with COVID, but I am inspired by the enthusiastic response and look forward to meeting you soon (see upcoming events below or reach out for a one-on-one meeting!) All across the state, we are excited about the skills and vision that Rabbi Sandra brings to her new leadership role and for the possibilities for CJJ statewide.
We heard at each of the events in Asheville about how you are yearning for CJJ to provide a much-needed, nuanced space in our Jewish communities around what is happening in the Middle East. We have responded by crafting (thanks to Detroit Jews for Justice’s example) and adopting a CJJ Israel/Palestine policy. We heard that some of you are looking to CJJ to give you hope and a chance to work together with Jewish or Jewish supporting community friends to pursue justice. You said that our 2024 focus on preserving democracy is as relevant today as it has ever been. As you shared your desire to work for immigrant, gender, racial, and climate justice, we are reminded about CJJ’s ongoing commitment to collective liberation for all and especially in NC.
At a time when we are bombarded with injustices on a daily basis, it will take all of us to assess where we can contribute right here and right now. It’s a time for CJJ members to rise up, speak out, and use the resources we have to work for change. As we near the anniversaries of Hurricane Helene and October 7th, and as we prepare to enter 5786, I am reminded of our shared faith that guides us through troubled times. We, in the Western part of the state, have weathered a devastating storm (and many still are struggling even a year later) and yet have experienced the power of community, realized how we are all connected, and have learned to flex our resiliency muscles. The work continues for all of us involved with Carolina Jews for Justice. When we come together we have greater impact. Whether you are a planner/visionary, a worker bee, a lover of Jewish ritual, or are looking for other like-minded folks - we invite you to join us and add your talents and treasures to our growing CJJ community! Bruchim Habaim— All Are Welcome!
In solidarity and hope, Lisa Forehand
Dear Friends, The month of Elul is a season of reflection and renewal, a time where we are invited to ask ourselves: What truly matters? For Carolina Jews for Justice, what matters is building a North Carolina where justice, compassion, and dignity are lived realities for all. Every day, our staff, volunteers, and community members organize across the state—speaking out for democracy, fighting systemic injustices, and advocating for fair policies. We ensure that Jewish values of fairness and equity shine in public life. From advancing voting rights, fighting antisemitism, advancing LGBTQIA rights, immigrants' justice, reproductive rights, and more, CJJ continues to be a powerful Jewish voice for justice in North Carolina. Now is the time to give. Elul is about preparing for transformation—the transformation of ourselves, our communities, and our world. Your gift today ensures that CJJ can continue this vital work. Together, we can enter the High Holidays knowing that we are doing our part to build a more just and compassionate North Carolina. Our suggested donation is $180, but please contribute what you can—whether it's $36, $180, $500, or more. Every gift sustains this movement and makes our shared vision possible. May this season of teshuvah inspire us to return to our highest values, and may we all be inscribed in the Book of Life. With gratitude, Rabbi Sandra Lawson
Naser Family in Greensboro Still Needs Support CJJ was honored to host Mohamed Naser and his family at the ICE OUT event on August 9 at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Greensboro.
Moh, a refugee from Libya, was unlawfully detained in July due to mistaken identity. Thanks to an immediate, community-wide effort, he was released on bond and is now awaiting his hearing in Immigration Court. However, this traumatic experience has created lasting effects on Moh and his family. His work permit was revoked, and he is waiting for reauthorization. While the Naser family waits, they are without his income and need $1,790 to cover their rent. Please contribute, if you can, through the FaithAction International website. Put “Help for Moh Naser Family” in the comments section. Blueprint NC Faith Table Launches Website
The Blueprint NC Faith Table introduced the first cohort of members at its inaugural Quarterly Meeting on September 4. During the online call, the formation introduced its new website, which will make it easier to recruit potential members, and inform, engage and mobilize the quickly growing network. NC Politicians United in Condemning Political Violence Roiling US
People across the US are still coming to terms with the latest episode of political violence to impact our divided nation. The killing of conservative media personality Charlie Kirk comes nearly three months after the assassination of Melissa Hortman, the former Democratic speaker of the Minnesota house, and her husband, Mark.
Leaders of both major US political parties have condemned the deadly attack on Kirk. However, some leading conservative figures and media influencers responded with divisive, partisan rhetoric, blaming liberals and Democrats for Kirk's death, before the identify and political leaning of the shooter was identified. Here, in North Carolina, Democrats and Republicans are uniting in their condemnation of the troubling rise in political violence. NC's Republican Sen. Thom Tillis denounced divisive language coming from other conservatives, saying he was disgusted by "a couple of talking heads that sees this as an opportunity to say we’re at war." The North Carolina Federation of Young Republicans and Young Democrats of North Carolina released a joint statement, "rejecting political violence in all forms."
CJJ-WEST
What better thing is there to do in difficult times than come together in community?! So, let's break bread, talk about how to stay sane, share ways to take action, and enjoy each other's company!
Join members of CJJ-West as we gather to meet and great and commemorate the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Helene. We'll drink coffee, have some pastries, sing, share stories, and get to know each other better before working together. Let's take some time for reflection and Jewish joy, before we take tangible steps to clean our waterways post-Helene.
Join members of the Jewish Secular Community of Asheville (JSCA) and CJJ-West for eight montly chapter-based discussions, July through February, about the book Safety Through Solidarity by Shane Burley and Ben Lorber.
CJJ-TRIAD
Join a group of Triad Jews and allies aligned around values of anti-racism, peace, and justice in the United States, Israel/Palestine, and the world. For details, please email: [email protected]. CJJ-TRIANGLE
The Community Safety Organizing Team works to build a Durham that is safe and healing for both Jews and non-Jews alike. We work with our political allies to build and use power at the municipal and county levels of government to enact policies promoting the safety and well-being of all neighbors, with an emphasis on marginalized communities in Durham.
Join the Community Safety Team for a Rosh Hashana potluck in Durham. For more information and to RSVP, please contact Max Parish at [email protected].
Your support is the cornerstone of our work. It powers our commitment to justice across North Carolina. Your gift is more than a donation; it’s a declaration that justice, compassion, and liberation must guide our state’s future. Make your contribution today and stand with us in building that future. L'tzedek, Carolina Jews for Justice |
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