News

The past few weeks have been overwhelming for all of us. In this time of anxiety and uncertainty, many of us have found great comfort in our virtual Central community. We write to you now to share the continuing work of Central in Action and to let you know that our efforts are more important than ever in the face of this unprecedented crisis. Below are some updates on our social justice initiatives and opportunities for you to engage in some of our work. Read more

Central Synagogue has added its name to a growing list of NY faith leaders who want to Turn on the TAP. Central is part of a coalition to restore the public Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) to men and women who are incarcerated in New York State. The Turn on the TAP campaign supports a bill that would grant thousands of men and women access to higher education. College-in-prison programs have proven to ease returning citizens’ reentry into society and increase safety within prisons. Read the letter that will be delivered in person to legislators onTurn on the TAP Advocacy Day in Albany on March 17. Read more

On Thursday, February 13, 2020,Central Synagogue launched its newest advocacy campaign: the reinstatement of the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) for men and women who are incarcerated in New York State. Over 100 members gathered for a night of revelation and storytelling, and learned about ways in which access to higher education in prison has the power to transform lives. Read more

We have been horrified by the recent rise of anti-Semitic attacks against Orthodox Jews in Crown Heights, Monsey and elsewhere. Central has shown our support and solidarity through security advice, financial donations and presence at the recent No Hate No Fear rally. We will continue to fight for all Jews against this alarming rise of anti-Semtism coming from many directions, through education, coalition building and advocacy. Read more

On Thursday evening November 21st, under the leadership of Central member Miriam Herman, along with Suzanne Maltz, Paul Aronoff, and Rich Ostroff, a group of volunteers had the pleasure of leading Central’s 8th Annual Pre-Thanksgiving dinner at PS 188. This event, the result of an ongoing partnership with the Educational Alliance, is always a special day on our calendar. Read more

Central Synagogue and New York's leading churches and synagogues launched a campaign for their members to monitor courthouses on Tuesday, October 29, 2019. We aim to reduce the number of people sent to jail, advocate for racial justice, and monitor how prosecutors and courts in New York City will implement the pretrial criminal law reform legislation enacted last Spring that will be go into effect on January 1, 2020. Read more

On Yom Kippur, Rabbi Hilly Haber moderated a panel discussion between Terrance Coffie, Topeka K. Sam, and Kempis “Ghani” Songster whose lives have been directly impacted by the criminal justice system, and who have dedicated themselves to creating social and political change in America. Read more

We are thrilled to share that the NY State Governor, Senate, and Assembly have enacted historical criminal justice reform in our next State budget. Central Synagogue was proud to be part of a group of NY's largest faith communities that worked to bring the first meaningful reform to criminal justice legislation in 50 years. Click to read our interfaith statement about the reform. Read more