Interfaith Civil Rights Journey to the American South

Join B’nai Jeshurun and St. Paul & St. Andrew United Methodist Church for a four-day interfaith journey through the American South, exploring the history and enduring legacy of the Civil Rights Movement, and what it asks of us today.

For decades, our two congregations have stood alongside one another in the pursuit of justice. This journey offers an opportunity to deepen that partnership by learning, praying, reflecting, and building community together in the places where people of faith helped shape one of the most significant social movements in American history.

Led by Tzedek America educators alongside BJ and SPSA clergy and staff, we’ll travel through Atlanta, Birmingham, Montgomery, and Selma, visiting historic sites, museums, memorials, and faith communities that illuminate the Civil Rights Movement and its enduring impact. Along the way, we’ll learn from local educators and community leaders, reflect on the role of faith in movements for justice, and consider how this history continues to shape our own commitments today.

Through shared learning before the trip and reflection afterward, we’ll continue building relationships across our congregations while exploring what this history teaches us about solidarity, allyship, and our shared responsibility to pursue justice in New York and beyond.

Program cost: $1,960 per participant, plus airfare.

The fee includes three nights of shared hotel accommodations, meals, ground transportation throughout the journey, educational programming, admissions, speakers, and guided experiences, as well as includes pre-trip orientation and learning session, and a post-trip reflective gathering

Limited need-based financial assistance is available. BJ members should email Kiana Davis and SPSA members should email Reverend Lea Matthews to inquire. We encourage anyone for whom cost would be a barrier to reach out to as early as possible.

Participants will also have the opportunity to make a donation to the Civil Rights Trip Fund to help others participate in this meaningful experience.

Payment Methods

• You may pay online by ACH or credit card; if paying by credit card, an additional 3% will be added to the total cost.
• If paying by check, please select pay later at the end of checkout and mail your check immediately upon registration to:

Congregation B’nai Jeshurun
Attn: Danielle Freedman Wald
270 West 89th Street
New York, NY 10024

Checks should be made out to: Congregation B’nai Jeshurun
In the Memo, please write: Civil Rights Journey 2027

Cancellation Policy 

Cancellations must be made in writing to  Kiana Davis.

Cancellations prior to December 1 will receive a 50% refund. Cancellations made between December 1–22 will receive a 30% refund. We are not able to provide refunds for cancellations made after December 22.

Who can participate?

This trip is open to adult members of B’nai Jeshurun and St. Paul & St. Andrew United Methodist Church. Space is limited, and registration may be capped to ensure a balanced representation from both congregations.

Whether you are a brand new member of our congregations, or have been a member for ages, experiences like this retreat are some of the best ways to meet new people, strengthen relationships, and find new meaning in your community. 

Can teens participate?

Teens are welcome to participate when accompanied by a parent or guardian, provided they are mature enough to engage with the themes of the trip and participate alongside a predominantly adult group. If you’re considering registering with a teen, we encourage you to reach out first so we can discuss whether this trip is a good fit. 

Why is this an interfaith trip?

BJ and SPSA have partnered in social justice work for many years. Experiencing this journey together allows us to learn from one another’s faith traditions, strengthen relationships across our communities, and reflect on the role faith has played and continues to play in movements for justice. 

Just as importantly, it equips us to return to New York with stronger relationships, a shared understanding of our history, and a renewed commitment to working together and alongside our broader interfaith and community partners to advance justice in our city.

What cities will we visit?

The itinerary includes travel through Atlanta, Birmingham, Montgomery, and Selma. 

What will the itinerary include?

While our final itinerary is still being developed, anticipated experiences include:

• Visiting landmark Civil Rights sites in Atlanta, Birmingham, Montgomery, and Selma
• Exploring the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, 16th Street Baptist Church, and Kelly Ingram Park
• Visiting the Equal Justice Initiative’s Legacy Museum and Freedom Monument Sculpture Park
• Walking the Edmund Pettus Bridge and learning about the struggle for voting rights in Selma
• Visiting the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park
• Learning from Civil Rights Foot Soldiers, local leaders, and faith communities whose stories bring this history to life
• Kabbalat Shabbat and a Shabbat dinner with a local congregation
• Engaging in interfaith learning and reflection throughout the journey

Highlights are based on Tzedek America’s sample itinerary; specific sites, speakers, and activities are subject to change. 

The final, detailed itinerary will be available closer to the trip.

What is included in the program cost?

The $1,960 program fee includes:

• Three nights of shared hotel accommodations*
• Meals throughout the program (meals will be vegetarian, unless a kosher meat option is available. If you need fully hekhshered meals for the trip, you will have the option to purchase an add-on during registration for an additional $100)
• Ground transportation during the trip
• Educational programming
• Admissions to scheduled sites
• Local guides, speakers, and facilitators, as well as tips

Airfare to and from Atlanta is not included and will need to be booked by each participant independently. 

* Single rooms may be available for an additional $200 per night. Please indicate if this is your preference during registration, and we will notify you and request the additional fee if single rooms become available.

Will financial assistance be available?

Yes. Limited need-based financial assistance is available. BJ members should email Kiana Davis and SPSA members should email Reverend Lea Matthews to inquire. We encourage anyone for whom cost would be a barrier to reach out to as early as possible.

Do I have to attend the pre-trip sessions?

Participants will be expected to attend one pre-trip orientation on Zoom January 11 6:00-7:30 PM and one learning session in person on Thursday January 28 from 5:30-7:00 PM.

A post-trip gathering will take place on Sunday, February 28, in the afternoon. 

What are the hotel accommodations?

Participants will stay in shared (double-occupancy) hotel rooms. If a limited number of single rooms become available, they will be offered for an additional fee. Please note your interest in a single room during registration, and we will follow up once the number of rooms available are confirmed to request payment. 

When should I book my flight?

Participants should book flights that arrive in the Atlanta airport (ATL) by no later 3:00 PM on Friday, February 5 and should book flights that leave from Atlanta no earlier than 5:00 PM on Monday, February 8.

We will share specific flight recommendations in the coming weeks.

What if I need to cancel?

Cancellations must be made in writing to Kiana Davis.

Cancellations prior to December 1 will receive a 50% refund. Cancellations made between December 1–December 22nd, 2026 will receive a 30% refund. We are not able to provide refunds for cancellations made after December 22.

Who is leading the trip?

The program will be led by Tzedek America educators, together with BJ’s Rabbi Alex Braver and Director of Social Action and Justice Kiana Davis and SPSA’s Rev Lea Matthews and Pastor Sally Rausch. 

What if I still have questions?

We’re happy to help! If your question is not addressed above, please contact Kiana with any questions before registering.