Community News
#LessIsMoreNYC: Community Supervision Revocation Reform Act
Posted July 20, 2020
There are approximately 35,000 people under active parole supervision in New York State who at almost any time can see their efforts to successfully rejoin the workforce and reintegrate into their families and their communities disrupted by reincarceration for a technical violation. This not only harms individual lives and families without commensurate public safety gains, but also drives up the population in the state prisons and local jails, wasting taxpayer money. The Less is More: Community Supervision Revocation Reform Act would fix this problem. Read more
Action Items You Can Take in Response to Recent Protests
Posted June 7, 2020
This letter was sent to the congregation on Thursday, June 4, 2020
As Rabbi Buchdahl so beautifully said, "The work of fighting racism cannot be left only to the Black community, just as we know that antisemitism cannot be fought only by Jews. As we look at these recent turbulent days, we have to separate the violence and looting from the call for change echoing across the country. We must hear the groundswell of voices and listen to the pain and protest emanating from every corner of our beloved nation."
Our Central community is committed to fighting racism in America and helping to make our city, state, and country more just and equitable for every person. We are stronger when we learn and work together.
Below, please find just a few ways we can take action, advocate, and learn together... Read More
Central in Action: Here’s What We’ve Been Up To
Posted April 20, 2020
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
Continuing the Work in Criminal Justice Reform During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Posted March 25, 2020
Central sees our work in criminal justice reform as part of our commitment to ending the tools of systemic racism in our country. We have continued to engage in advocacy work on this issue during the pandemic. Read more
Central and Other NY Faith Leaders Turn on the TAP
Posted March 5, 2020
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
Central Launches Newest Advocacy Campaign: Turn on the TAP
Posted February 13, 2020
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
Combating Anti-Semitism, Striving for Justice
Posted January 16, 2020
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
Volunteers Serve Pre-Thanksgiving Dinner at PS 188 to Deserving Students
Posted November 26, 2019
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 and Leading Churches and Synagogues Sponsor Training for Volunteers to Watch NYS Courthouses
Posted November 20, 2019
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.
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Rabbi Hilly Haber Moderates Panel of Social Justice Advocates on Yom Kippur
Posted October 10, 2019
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
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