June Newsletter
New starts, big wins, community actions. Here’s what’s happening at CJJ.
I’m thrilled to share some personal and professional news: beginning June 4, right after Shavuot, I will be stepping into the role of Executive Director of Carolina Jews for Justice.
This transition marks a new chapter in my journey — a chance to lead an organization that lives out the core values of our tradition. CJJ’s work is rooted in the belief that every human being is created in the image of the Divine — and thus worthy of dignity, voice, and belonging. Our tradition compels us not just to care about our neighbors, but to love them as ourselves. That means showing up for one another, especially in a time when the rights and well-being of so many are under attack.
Over the past four years, I’ve had the honor of serving as the inaugural Director of Racial Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Reconstructing Judaism. Now, I carry much of what I've learned into a new space — one where I can help grow a movement grounded in the belief that none of us are free until all of us are free.
CJJ has been doing incredible work across the state — organizing around voting rights, economic equity, and the dignity of every North Carolinian. North Carolina is our home — Susan, our pups Bridget, Simon, and Stella, and I have built a life here; and we truly love this state. That deep connection deepens my commitment to CJJ’s mission. CJJ creates space for Jews of all backgrounds to live out the Torah’s call to protect the stranger and repair the world. I’m excited and honored to join this work.
I am also deeply grateful to have you alongside me on this path. The work ahead is holy work. I can’t wait to begin this new chapter with you, and I hope you’ll continue walking with me as we work to build a more just and compassionate North Carolina.
With gratitude and hope,
R’ Sandra
Griffin FINALLY Concedes; NC Supreme Court Race Over
Six months after Election Day, Jefferson Griffin’s attempt to overturn the 2024 North Carolina Supreme Court race he lost is over.
On May 7, Griffin finally conceded his defeat, but only after a federal court rejected his baseless attempt to throw out thousands of lawful ballots and overturn the will of the voters.
This historic win for North Carolina's democracy comes after Common Cause NC’s six-month The People v. Griffin campaign that rallied North Carolinians from every corner of the state against Griffin’s baseless attacks. The campaign hosted dozens of events, spurred volunteers to make hundreds of calls and send thousands of letters, and organized hundreds of influential jurists from all across the political spectrum to demand Griffin do what he, finally and belatedly, did: concede.
Throughout Griffin’s shameful attempt to overturn the election, the people of North Carolina clearly proved that we will not be silent when a politician attacks our voting rights or those of our family members, friends, and neighbors.
CJJ on The UPLift Podcast
Lisa Forehand, CJJ Statewide Organizer from WNC, joined Tzedek Social Justice Fund's podcast, The UPLift, for a timely conversation about solidarity, antisemitism and the role of ritual and identity in justice work.
Check out Lisa's appearance alongside Abby Levine, Executive Director of the Jewish Social Justice Roundtable and Ashley Lasher, Executive Director of the Asheville JCC as they discuss what it means to repair the world, especially as Jewish identity, community and democracy come under threat.
Blueprint NC Faith Table Launches in Raleigh
On May 7, nearly 100 faith leaders from across North Carolina came together in Raleigh to help launch a new formation of progressive communities. This new interfaith coalition aims to align faith communities around shared values, reclaim the religious moral voice, and organize impactful actions to counter the corrosive impact of white Christian nationalism on our state.
“This moment requires us to stand up to regressive, authoritarian forces that erode the democratic foundation of our state and country,” says Rev. CJ Brinson, Pastor at Umoja Church in Greensboro, NC. “Today is a powerful demonstration of what is possible when faith communities unite in action.”
To learn how you and/or your congregation can become a part of the Faith Table, please email Rev. Brinson at: [email protected].
IAN Workday with NECHAMA
On May 14, members of the Interfaith Action Network (IAN) joined NECHAMA - Jewish Response to Disaster and Indivisible WNC to help folks still struggling to recover after Hurricane Helene.
CJJ-WEST
- Jun 4 - Screening of Preconceived
Congregation Beth HaTephila and the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville invite you to this special, free screeing of Preconceived, a film about "crisis pregnancy centers" and the anti-abortion movement.
- Jun 5 - Conflict De-Escalation in Protest Spaces
Join this 60-minute interactive training from Right To Be to learn how to de-escalate hate and harassment at protest sites so that it doesn’t turn into violence.
Conflict de-escalation requires patience, a willingness to listen, and an ability to see the humanity in everyone, even those we don’t agree with or who seek to hurt us. Using Right To Be’s Observe-Breathe-Connect methodology, this training can teach you how to identify potential conflict before it escalates using our “pyramid of escalation” and how to assess whether intervening is the right action.
- Jun 14 - NO KINGS: WNC Rise Together
Our partners at Indivisible are inviting us to join NO KINGS: Rise Together — a celebration of collective power, community care, and purposeful action that will feature small scale activities for making a difference. Whether you’re showing up for justice, relief efforts, or simply to be in community, this day is for you. Expect joy, creativity, and movement—not just in spirit, but toward a better future.
- Jun 14 - No Clowns, No Kings
Good Trouble WNC is holding a kid-friendly event with satire, games, king and clown costume contest and a short protest march.
- Jun 27 - CJJ-W Shabbat Potluck Gathering
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!
CJJ-TRIAD
- Jun 5 - School Employee March & Rally @County Budget Hearing
Join public school workers and community members in a march to the Board of County Commissioners to demand local funding for public school staff pay increases.
- Jun 9 - Guilford/Rockingham Legislators Town Hall
This year's long legislative session is in full swing with the North Carolina General Assembly considering many bills affecting voting rights, civil rights, education, immigration, the environment, the economy, and much more.
Join Common Cause for a town hall with North Carolina state legislators representing Guilford and Rockingham counties — a unique opportunity for the public to ask their lawmakers directly whether they're keeping (or breaking) their promises to their constituents.
- Jun 14 - NO KINGS Mass Protest
Join a national day of action and mass mobilization in response to increasing authoritarian excesses and corruption from Trump and his allies. On June 14th, we’re showing up everywhere he isn’t — to say no thrones, no crowns, no kings.
- Chavurah Potluck
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. Email Anne Parsons for details: [email protected].
CJJ-TRIANGLE
- Jun 14 - NO KINGS Triangle Rallys
In America, we don’t put up with would-be kings. This June 14, we’re taking to the streets nationwide. We’re not gathering to feed Trump's ego. We’re building a movement that leaves him behind.
Sign up for one of these Triangle area marches:
- Community Safety Organizing Team
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.
STATEWIDE
- Jun 14 - NO KINGS Events All Across North Carolina
There are dozens of NO KINGS rallys being planned across our great state, from Asheville to Wilmington. Join thousands of North Carolinians as we take to the streets for our democracy on this day of action. Find a rally near you!
Help Carolina Jews for Justice do more! Your financial support powers our shared mission to realize a more just, fair, and compassionate North Carolina. Donate here today!
L'tzedek,
Carolina Jews for Justice