We are launching a new Criminal Justice Cohort for a small group of members who want to engage more deeply in learning, witnessing, and action around the urgent need for justice reform. Led by Rabbi Shuli Passow and Kiana Davis, BJ’s Senior Manager of Social Action and Social Justice, this group will gather throughout the year to explore the Jewish values that guide our justice work, learn about criminal justice reform efforts in New York, and participate in ongoing advocacy, coalition work, and reflection. Members of the cohort will also attend Jewish prayer services at jail facilities on Rikers Island, offering spiritual support and witness to those in custody and raising awareness about the urgent need for advocacy around the conditions at Rikers.
Cohort Gathering Dates: Wednesdays October 29, 2025, January 14, March 18, and May 20, 2026 @ 6:00–8:00 PM.
Cohort members will:
Bear witness to the harms of mass incarceration and provide spiritual support and comfort by joining visits to Jewish prayer services at Rikers Island.
Study Jewish texts that compel us to seek justice and engage in the work of Tikkun Olam.
Learn about the local and statewide efforts to reform the criminal legal system.
Represent BJ in coalition spaces and advocacy campaigns.
Build meaningful relationships with one another and with those most impacted by incarceration to advocate for change.
Participation Expectations:
Attend all four cohort sessions
Commit to two to three prayer service visits at Rikers (schedule based on cohort availability)
Join at least one advocacy campaign or coalition meeting as a BJ representative
Stay connected through a cohort WhatsApp or email group for mutual support and updates
Optional: participate in holiday gatherings and additional text study
This is a unique opportunity to learn, build relationships, and take meaningful action—together.
