Sanctuary Movement

In December 2017, the B’nai Jeshurun Board of Trustees unanimously voted to declare BJ a sanctuary congregation, one that will stand by immigrant communities in this country. For questions on our sanctuary policies, please email Steven Melzer.

Refugee Employment Partnership (Active)

Formed in 2017 by members of B’nai Jeshurun and co-sponsored by Rutgers Presbyterian Church, The Refugee Employment Partnership (REP) is a group of volunteers focused on helping recently arrived refugees and asylees find suitable employment opportunities as they seek to establish new lives in the New York metropolitan area. The clients we assist all have full legal status to live and work in the US, with no visa sponsorship or other immigration assistance needed from their prospective employers.

How you can help: 

Visit the REP website to learn more

Contacts: David Coleman, Richard Fields, and Shirley Abraham.

Accompaniment

In partnership with St. Paul & St. Andrew, HIAS-NY, and Co-Counsel NYC, BJ launched a new interfaith court support initiative in 2025: Sacred Court Support. Through this program, trained volunteers accompany our immigrant neighbors to their immigration court hearings, offering moral support and a vital community presence. Their presence serves as a powerful act of witness—holding immigration authorities accountable and showing judges, ICE officers, and government attorneys that our community stands united against unjust deportation. If you are interested in getting trained and volunteering, please email Kiana Davis. Note that accompaniment is typically needed during the weekdays.

Synagogue Coalition on the Refugee & Immigration Crisis

In June 2016, BJ initiated and helped create the Synagogue Coalition on the Refugee & Immigration Crisis (SCRIC), which now compromises 31 synagogues and ten nonprofit organizations in the New York City area. The Coalition’s efforts include advocating for immigration reform and working to support immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. As active SCRIC members, we support the coalition through educating and raising awareness among our members, collaborating in advocacy and other efforts, supporting joint events and actions and providing opportunities for direct service.

Weekly Respite Dinners

Our Respite Dinner Initiative creates a warm, welcoming, and supportive space for newly arrived asylum seekers living in local migrant shelters. Each week, we serve 30–50 families, offering not only nourishing meals but also opportunities for connection, rest, empowerment, and access to vital resources. A cornerstone of this initiative is our group cooking program, which invites asylum seekers to prepare and share their traditional cuisines in our kitchen. During each Thursday evening dinner, families can relax, socialize, and build supportive networks. Children enjoy a safe space to play while parents access resources and strengthen interpersonal connections within BJ and the broader NYC community.

We rely on volunteers to help with the following tasks: setting up the room, helping cook or clean in the kitchen, serving food, playing with children, helping with school-aged kids’ homework, conversing with guests, helping practice English or answer basic questions, distributing donations, or more! We also need volunteers to drop off a (homemade or store bought) dessert each week. If you’d like to volunteer, please sign up here.

Note: We need both English and Spanish speakers and ask that you sign up for at least two dinners to help foster community continuity.

Show Your Support

Show your support for immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers as they build new lives here in the United States. Consider making a contribution to our Fund to Support Immigrants, Refugees, and Asylum Seekers.

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BJ's Immigrant and Shelter Support Initiatives Email List

If you’d like to be added to the ongoing email list about our efforts to support unhoused and sheltered New Yorkers, sign up for updates on BJ’s Immigrant and Shelter Support Efforts.

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