Jews for a Secular Democracy

Q&A | Minneapolis Rabbi Eva R. Cohen Stands with the Stranger The Humanistic rabbi has been a public-facing voice among clergy involved in the ICE Out movement, stressing the importance of standing with immigrants and loving the stranger.

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“So many times in Jewish history, Jewish people have been targeted, marginalized and discriminated against, and we are committed to the ethical notion that we do not want this to happen to other people.” — Rabbi Eva R. Cohen from Or Emet, a Humanistic Jewish congregation in the Twin Cities MN.

Promotional graphic for a virtual webinar titled “Health Under Siege: Sex Ed Erosion in Florida and Beyond.” The event takes place Thursday, February 12 at 7:00 pm Eastern via Zoom. Speakers listed with headshots include Takeata King Pang, Executive Director of the Women’s Foundation of Florida and co-founder of the Florida Healthy Youth Alliance; Pascale Alcindor, sexual health and curriculum expert and FHYA co-founder; Dr. Amy Weiss, pediatrician; and Jaclyn Friedman, founder and executive director of EducateUs. A “Learn More & Register” button links to https://bit.ly/healthedjfasd. The event is sponsored by the Eula Mae & John Baugh Foundation and Jews for a Secular Democracy, with cosponsors including NCJW Miami, Congregation Beth Adam South Florida, Florida NOW, Temple Israel of Orlando, the Society for Humanistic Judaism, and Or Adam Congregation Phoenix.

Sex education isn’t just a health issue, it’s a religious freedom issue. One religious ideology is increasingly shaping what all students are allowed to learn. Join JFASD Feb. 12 at 7 pm ET to learn why and how Florida is a warning sign for the entire country. Register today at: bit.ly/healthedjfasd

Graphic with navy and peach background promoting Repro Shabbat. Text reads, “Because reproductive freedom is a Jewish value.” Repro Shabbat logo appears with Shabbat candles, challah, and a kiddush cup, noting February 13–14, 2026, hosted by the National Council of Jewish Women. Logo of Jews for a Secular Democracy appears in the lower left.

Reproductive freedom is a Jewish value & a church/state separation issue! That’s why JFASD is proud to partner w/ the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) for #ReproShabbat on Feb 13–14. Attend one that’s already scheduled, or celebrate in your home — whatever’s right for you! ReproShabbat.org.

Graphic promoting an urgent online advocacy event titled “Urgent Call With Us! Hold ICE Accountable!” The flyer lists the event date and time: January 22 at 12:30 PM Eastern. A call-to-action reads “Tell Congress” with a registration link: bit.ly/cwunoice. The left side includes bullet points explaining that participants will receive timely context on congressional efforts to fund or defund ICE, learn how ICE’s actions destabilize and terrorize communities and why this is a religious freedom issue, and receive straightforward talking points grounded in pluralism, dignity, and constitutional values. Text at the bottom states, “Then we’ll make our calls together.” The right side shows a photo of a person’s hands cuffed behind their back, symbolizing detention. Logos indicate the event is hosted by Jews for a Secular Democracy, generously funded by Jews for Freedom, and co-sponsored by multiple organizations including Detroit Jews for Justice, Florida NOW, NCJW Arizona, NCJW Miami, VAAC, Or Adam Congregation–Phoenix, Congregation Beth Adam, Society for Humanistic Judaism, Secular Humanist Jewish Circle Tucson, and The Shalom Center.

Silence enables harm.
We’re standing with immigrant communities and demanding change.
Join this urgent call-in event.

Register at: bit.ly/cwunoice

#ICE #takeaction

Martin Luther King Jr.’s Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech, Oslo, 1964 Your Majesty, your royal highness, Mr. president, excellencies, ladies and gentlemen: I accept the Nobel Prize for Peace at a moment when 22 million Negroes of the United States of America are engaged...

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s words couldn’t be more appropriate now.

“When our days become dreary with low-hovering clouds and our nights become darker than a thousand midnights, we will know that we are living in the creative turmoil of a genuine civilization struggling to be born.”

#MLKday

Amid raids, vitriol and violence, the great replacement theory rears its head in Minneapolis In Minneapolis, the poisonous mix of antisemitism and anti-immigrant rhetoric of the great replacement theory is becoming newly clear.

I wrote about ICE relying on Great Replacement rhetoric in their media messaging, and why fighting ICE needs to be seen as part of the fight against antisemitism. forward.com/opinion/7983...

Today on Trans Day of Remembrance we remember and honor those taken from us by anti-trans violence! May their memories be a blessing.

To the trans community- we see you. We stand with you. We support you - every single day!

Banned Book Bingo shines spotlight on censorship 'It will be fun-heavy with a dash of education'

📢 Pittsburgh friends!

Join us for Banned Book Bingo on November 23rd!

jewishchronicle.timesofisrael.com/banned-book-...

#SCOTUS refused Kim Davis’ request to overturn #Obergefell. Great news 🎉 but not a guarantee. Opponents of marriage equality are already preparing the next challenge. Tomorrow hear from #Michigan AG @dananessel.bsky.social about what comes next.

Flyer titled “Threats to Marriage Equality: A Conversation with Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel.” The image features two people holding hands in wedding attire behind the text. The event details read: Tuesday, November 11 at 6:30 pm EST, held via Zoom. A small circular photo of Attorney General Dana Nessel appears in the bottom right corner, framed in blue. Below, bold text says “Learn More & Register” with a link: https://bit.ly/jfasdnessel. The Jews for a Secular Democracy logo is displayed at the bottom left, next to a list of sponsoring and co-sponsoring organizations.

If #Obergefell falls, marriage equality vanishes in multiple states overnight.
This is a coordinated strategy driven by religious nationalism.
Nov. 11 at 6:30 pm ET - #Michigan AG Dana Nessel explains what comes next.
Register: bit.ly/jfasdnessel
@dananessel.bsky.social

What Was Brandi Carlile Reciting on ‘SNL’? How Thomas Jefferson’s Proclamation About Separating ‘Church & State’ Made It Into a Blazing Rock Song Singing 'Church & State,' 'Saturday Night Live' music guest Brandi Carlile recited a letter by Thomas Jefferson, along with musically referencing U2.

What she said! ❤️💯

variety.com/2025/music/n...

On this #YomKippur, we wish you a meaningful and reflective day. May the coming year be filled with healing, justice, hope and real religious freedom for all.

Graphic for Orlando Pride. Background features bright rainbow colors with a heart motif. Text reads: “Come Out With Pride Orlando – October 18, 2025 – Lake Eola Park.” Logos at the bottom include Jews for a Secular Democracy, Keshet, Temple Israel, and The Workers Circle, showing their cosponsorship of the event.

#Orlando Peeps!

Come see us at Orlando Pride on Oct. 28th! We’ll be tabling with @workerscircle.bsky.social, Temple Israel of Greater Orlando, & @keshetlgbtqjews.bsky.social - not to fundraise, not to sell anything, but rather just to support & stand for the LGBTQ+ community! Come find us!

Wishing you a good year filled with love, hope, peace and true religious freedom!

Promotional flyer for a webinar titled “Confronting Religious Extremism in Medicine and Science: The First Amendment and the Fight for Facts,” part of the Jewish Women and Religious Freedom in Pittsburgh Project. Event date: September 16 at 5pm ET / 4pm CT on Zoom. Featured speakers: Dr. Peter Hotez, physician-scientist, vaccine expert, and author of Science Under Siege, and Dr. D.J. Kleinbaum, PhD, co-founder of Emerald Cloud Lab and Emerald Therapeutics. Moderator: Allyson Feldmann, Pittsburgh Organizer for Jews for a Secular Democracy. Sponsored by the Jewish Women’s Foundation of Greater Pittsburgh and Jews for a Secular Democracy. Co-sponsors listed include: Red, Wine and Blue Pennsylvania, NCJW Pittsburgh, NCJW Miami, Temple Israel Orlando, Society for Humanistic Judaism, Congregation Beth Adam, Or Adam Congregation–Phoenix, and Rabbi Joseph H. Gumbiner Community Action Project (Tucson Jewish Museum & Holocaust Center).

Religious extremism is fueling attacks on science, medicine, and freedom. Join Dr. Peter Hotez and Dr. D.J. Kleinbaum tomorrow, Sept. 16, for “Confronting Religious Extremism in Medicine and Science: The First Amendment and the Fight for Facts!”

Free registration: bit.ly/jfasdmeds

Purple promotional graphic for an event titled "Critical Crossroads: In conversation with journalist and author Emily Tamkin." The event features headshots of Anthony Russell (left) and Emily Tamkin (right). Text notes that Anthony Russell of the Workers Circle will be in conversation with Emily Tamkin, author of Bad Jews and The Influence of Soros, about the past, present, and future of American Jewish identity and politics. Event dates are September 9 and September 16 from 7:00–8:00 PM ET. Attendees will have a chance to win a free copy of one of Tamkin’s books. The Workers Circle logo is displayed at the bottom.

Politics. Identity. Power.

In a time of rising authoritarianism and deep division, what does it mean to be Jewish in America?

Proud to cosponsor this critical conversation! 9/9 & 9/16 at 7pm ET.

Register at us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...

Two leading voices take on religious extremism in science + medicine. Sept. 16: Dr. Peter Hotez + Dr. D.J. Kleinbaum on facts, freedom, the First Amendment and the connection between antiscience and antisemitism.
Free webinar → bit.ly/jfasdmeds

Jews for a Secular Democracy

You can find it on our YouTube channel at m.youtube.com/@jewsforasec...

Jews for a Secular Democracy

Absolutely! It’s available on our YouTube channel at m.youtube.com/@jewsforasec...

YouTube video by Joshua Neely August 2 2025 Devarim 5785 Christian Nationalism

Christian nationalism ≠ patriotism. Christian nationalism ≠ Christianity.

How does Christian Nationalism threaten religious freedom? How does it threaten the Jew community? Take a listen to this sermon by Rabbi Joshua Neely of Temple Israel Orlando.

m.youtube.com/watch?v=6aEL...

Thank you for sharing. This was a very interesting and informative discussion. The video will be posted on our YouTube channel soon.

Flyer for a webinar titled “Tennessee: The Testing Ground for Christian Nationalism in America?” with the subheading “What’s happening in Tennessee won’t stay in Tennessee!” The event is on August 12 at 7:30 pm ET via Zoom. A button reads “Learn More & Register” with the link: https://bit.ly/jfasd-tn. Speakers include: Rebecca Markert, Vice President and Legal Director, Americans United for Separation of Church and State (headshot on left) Gabe Rutan-Ram, Executive Director, Change TN (headshot on right) Sponsored by: Jews for a Secular Democracy Co-sponsors listed below the speakers include: The Workers Circle, Temple Israel of Greater Orlando, Congregation Beth Adam (South Florida), Secular Humanistic Jewish Circle (Tucson), Rabbi Joseph H. Gumbiner Community Action Project of the Tucson Jewish Museum & Holocaust Center, Society for Humanistic Judaism, Arizona Faith Network, Folkshul (Philadelphia), and Or Adam Congregation (Phoenix). The Jews for a Secular Democracy logo is displayed.

Join us in August for
“Tennessee: The Testing Ground for Christian Nationalism in America?”
Hear from Gabe Rutan-Ram & Americans United’s Rebecca Markert about how Christian Nationalism is shaping law in Tennessee & beyond.
Register: bit.ly/jfasd-tn
#Project2025 #christiannationalism #tennessee

Jewish Earth Alliance Pre-Tisha B'av Virtual Lobby Day - July 23, 2025 - Registration Join the Jewish Earth Alliance for Tisha B'av Virtual Lobby Day on July 23, 2025. Please note that the Virtual Lobby Day takes place on July 23, which is BEFORE Tisha B'av. Register here to particip...

This Tisha B’Av, we’re not just mourning the past. Join Jews from your state for Jewish Earth Alliance’s Pre-Tisha B’Av Virtual Lobby Day for Climate Solutions on Wed, July 23rd. Participate online from wherever you are. No exp necessary! Register now: bit.ly/9avlobby

#JewishClimateAction #TishaBav

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Graphic for “Call With Us!” a new action-focused series from Jews for a Secular Democracy. Main headline reads: “TAKE ACTION. RAISE YOUR VOICE. DEFEND DEMOCRACY.” Subheading: “A monthly, action-focused series that transforms your values into real-time advocacy.” Highlighted section: “COMING UP: JUNE 25 • 12PM ET. This month’s topics: Immigration and the SAVE Act.” Link provided: https://bit.ly/callwithus1 Checklist section reads: Find your members of Congress Choose the best way to reach them and do it with us live! Speak effectively to a staffer, live person, or voicemail Includes image of a person holding a smartphone. Bottom logos show sponsorship by Jews for a Secular Democracy and the Eula Mae & John Baugh Foundation. Co-sponsors listed: Florida NOW, NCJW Greater Miami, Temple Israel Orlando, Congregation Beth Adam South Florida.

🚨 We’re launching something new! "Call With Us!" is our brand-new on-line action series where YOU make real-time calls to Congress—with us, live on Zoom.
Each month, we’ll tackle 1-2 urgent issues. We’ll give you the tools, talking points & support. You bring your voice.
🔗 bit.ly/callwithus1

Hanging at #Pittsburgh #Pride today. We’re here to celebrate Pride month, show up in support of the LGBTQIA community and have some fun. Come see us! Happy #PrideMonth 🏳️‍🌈 🏳️‍⚧️

👋 hey there Texas - the US Constitution would like a word!

Four Supreme Court Justices Refuse to Read the First Amendment The Supreme Court has deadlocked on the question of religious charter schools, thanks to four justices who didn’t bother reading what the First Amendment says about separation of church and state.

Sad to see 4 justices throw out the 1st - literally the 1st - Amendment to our constitution. The fact that it was saved by a tie vote is good in the moment, but clearly ominous for our future democracy.

newrepublic.com/post/195621/...

Proud to be a cosponsor of this important event!

🎓 Join educators, advocates, students, and community leaders as we explore how to confront racism at every level of education.

📅 Save your spot now!

Religious Freedom, Gender Justice, and the Fight Against Discriminatory Policies Across the U.S., laws and policies targeting LGBTQ+ rights, reproductive freedom, and gender expression are on the rise. But how do these policies relate to religious freedom? And why should the Jewis...

@jfasd.bsky.social & @keshetlgbtqjews.bsky.social host "Religious Freedom, Gender Justice, and the Fight Against Discriminatory LGBTQ+ Policies," May 14, 7:30pm actionnetwork.org/events/relig...