BJ recognizes the need for systemic change to a discriminatory system rooted in racism that denies equal justice to all under the law.
New York Jewish Coalition for Criminal Justice Reform
BJ is a proud member of the New York Jewish Coalition for Criminal Justice Reform (NYJCCJR), a coalition of 31 Jewish member organizations across New York City committed to educating and activating the Jewish community to advocate for a criminal justice reform agenda in New York and to reimagine public safety for all communities. As a steering committee member of the NYJCCJR, BJ works in partnership with nonprofit organizations to amplify campaigns and advocate for change. Interested in joining coalition meetings? Email Kiana Davis.
Joining Jewish Worship Services on Rikers
Since 2023, BJ has been participating in a project through the New York Jewish Coalition for Criminal Justice Reform to facilitate bringing small groups of BJ members to Jewish worship services at jail facilities on Rikers Island alongside the Rikers chaplains. These visits offer spiritual support to those in custody and raise awareness about the urgent need for advocacy around the conditions at Rikers.
New in 2025: BJ’s Criminal Justice Cohort
In 2025-2026, we will deepen our engagement with criminal justice through a new cohort for those interested in joining worship services at Rikers Island, as well as participating in ongoing learning, reflection, and action throughout the year. This group will gather quarterly to explore the Jewish values that guide our justice work, and learn about criminal justice reform efforts in New York. Members of the cohort may also be asked to represent BJ in coalition spaces, share their experiences with the broader BJ community, and volunteer at criminal justice reform events and actions. Let us know you’re interested.
Justice Reimagined: Annual Holiday Gift Fair
Each December holiday season, BJ hosts the Justice Reimagined Annual Gift Fair, which was first developed as a partnership between BJ and Witness to Mass Incarceration in 2023. We invite all community members to support small business owners who have been impacted by the justice system by offering a gift fair featuring an exciting array of unique crafts, delicious treats, and thoughtful services, each created by vendors working with Witness to Mass Incarceration. Every purchase helps empower formerly incarcerated individuals. Stay tuned for upcoming events on the BJ website.