Jews for a Secular Democracy Blog - Jews for a Secular Democracy

Christian Nationalism and the 2024 Elections

In this thought-provoking and insightful one-hour webinar, Dr. Bradley Onishi, co-host of the Straight White American Jesus podcast and author of the acclaimed book “Preparing for War: The Extremist History of White Christian Nationalism – And What Comes Next,” brings a wealth of knowledge, subject expertise and personal experience to the discussion. In this timely webinar, Dr. Onishi will explore the historical roots and contemporary manifestations of White Christian Nationalism, shedding light on its impact on the upcoming 2024 elections....

Jewish Legislators Defending Religious Freedom

15 Dec 2023

JFASD

Events, Secular Democracy, Webinars and Podcasts, White Christian Nationalism

On Tuesday, December 19, we were joined by State Senator Dafna Michaelson-Jenet and State Representative Daniel Grossberg to discuss their experiences serving as Jewish legislators in Colorado and Kentucky, respectively. Paul Golin of JFASD interviewed them about their work combatting white Christian Nationalism and fighting for separation of church and state through a Jewish lens.

Religion & State: America & Its Jews

23 Oct 2023

JFASD

Events, Jewish History, Judaism, Michigan, Webinars and Podcasts

Rabbi Denker weaves together ancient Jewish texts and US historical documents to tell the story of the separation of religion and government from a Judaic perspective. Rabbi Steve Denker retired after over 40 years of service to Reform congregations in the Chicago and Cleveland areas and served Temple Kol Ami, West Bloomfield as Interim Rabbi in 2022-23. He taught at several universities including Loyola and DePaul. Rabbi Denker teaches adult learning with an emphasis on bringing Jewish tradition to bear...

Save the Date, Jewish Women and Religious Freedom

Jewish Women and Religious Freedom: Knowing & Fighting for Our Rights!

10 Oct 2023

JFASD

Events, Florida, Webinars and Podcasts

We were honored to host a transformative day of empowerment and enlightenment at the “Jewish Women and Religious Freedom: Knowing & Fighting for Our Rights!” conference, on December 3, 2023, at the Temple Beth Emet in Cooper City, Florida. This in-person gathering brought together passionate advocates, thought leaders, and inspiring voices to explore the intersection of religious freedom, personal power and public policy. Our esteemed lineup of speakers included retired Supreme Court Justice Barbara Pariente, Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, and...

Trampling Our Rights: Jewish Women and Religious Freedom in Florida

10 Oct 2023

JFASD

Events, Florida, Webinars and Podcasts

On Tuesday, October 17th, our esteemed panel of speakers—Florida State Senator Lauren Book, Dr. Cori Baill, and Rabbi Rachael Jackson, along with our moderator, Vice Mayor Broward County and former State Senator Nan Rich— delved deep into critical issues at the intersection of religious freedom and public policy, including reproductive rights and LGBTQ+ rights. Step into the heart of Florida’s religious freedom battleground.

Repro Revolution Through The Ballot: How You Can Help No Matter Where You Live

13 Sep 2023

JFASD

Events, Florida, Media, Voter Suppression, Webinars and Podcasts

What happens when We The People get to decide, democratically, whether abortion should be legal? Voting to keep abortion legal is happening in several states in the coming months. In this webinar, three panelists from three battleground states with upcoming ballot initiatives shared updates and helped us understand how to make a difference no matter where we live. Speakers were Dr. Laura Beene, Executive Director, Ohio Physicians for Reproductive Rights; Cathy Nichols, Executive Director, Arizona List; and Laura Rodriguez, Florida...

Reclaiming Real Religious Freedom: The 1st Amendment’s Significance for Jewish Women

29 Aug 2023

JFASD

Events, Florida, Media, Reproductive Rights, Secular Democracy, Webinars and Podcasts

We believe “religious freedom” as defined by the U.S. Constitution means the right for all to live free from discrimination based on religious belief or identity. Unfortunately, the term has been dangerously flipped on its head by those using it to strip freedoms from other people. Women and LGBTQ+ folks are being disproportionately targeted and, as a minority religion, Jews have a unique voice in defending the separation of religion and government. Please join us for this webinar and our...

JFASD Podcast Ep #6—Keshet and the Fight for Jewish LGBTQ Equality

22 Jun 2023

JFASD

Media, News and Press, Webinars and Podcasts

On February 17th 2022, Sarah Levin and Paul Golin of Jews for A Secular Democracy joined John Cohen and Shannon Saul of Keshet, a Jewish LGBTQ Equality Organization. They discussed the fight for representation and how LGBTQ rights is a separation of church and state issue.

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