Jewish Voices on Democracy
JBI is pleased to be a part of A More Perfect Union, The Jewish Partnership for Democracy, a network committed to building and supporting a robust, well-resourced, transpartisan Jewish coalition working together to strengthen democracy. We will be continuing to add files to this page as they become available. Click below for downloadable braille files for use on a refreshable braille display. If you would like to receive any of these pieces in hard copy, please contact the library at 212-545-8025 or library@jbilibrary.org.
Helpful information about accessible voting: https://nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-access/national-center-nonvisual-election-3
Listen to the U.S. Constitution https://archive.org/details/usconstitution_1610_librivox/constitution_01_unitedstates_128kb.mp3
Listen to the Declaration of Independence https://www.monticello.org/thomas-jefferson/jefferson-s-three-greatest-achievements/the-declaration/audio-downloads-of-the-declaration/
With the election quickly approaching, we’d like to share the following podcast with you by the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) that offers several helpful resources for accessible voting. Below please find the links to the podcast transcript and audio:
Know Your Rights as a Blind Voter! Transcript
Know Your Rights as a Blind Voter! Audio
Below we share a spectrum of voices who speak about Judaism and democracy. JBI is dedicated to a full expression of Jewish life and culture. We are committed to serving our community and advancing our cause without engaging in political activities or endorsing any political parties or candidates. Our efforts are focused solely on exploring the Jewish responsibility to engage in civic matters, and we strive to maintain a neutral stance on political matters to ensure inclusivity and impartiality in all our endeavors.
We know that in these contentious times, readers will engage differently with each piece. We hope you find the discussions enlightening and challenging.
Below please find an audio recording from WRJ’s “Just for This” Podcast with Rabbi Liz P.G. Hirsch. As written by WRJ, “Just for This, a new podcast, inspires women in leadership to talk about women and leadership. Hosted by Rabbi Liz P.G. Hirsch, executive director of Women of Reform Judaism, Just for This is committed to sharing powerful stories of women who stand out in their fields.”
This podcast episode features Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) and is titled “We Will Not Be Silent”. As explained by WRJ, “We speak about antisemitism, abortion access, gun violence, and the war in Israel and Gaza. We highlight the importance of advocacy and voting, with Jewish values as our guide.”
This podcast episode was released on Sep 9, 2024.
Bringing Morality Back into Politics – Rabbi Adam Gillman, Morristown Jewish Center Beit Yisrael
Rosh Hashanah Sermon – Rabbi Barbara Goldman-Wartell, Temple Israel of Greater Miami
Rosh Hashanah 5785 Sermon – Rabbi Jill Perlman, Temple Isaiah
Rabbi Rachel Heaps, Temple Jeremiah
Rabbi Simon Schicker, Temple B’nai Israel
Encountering the Image of the Divine on a Walk: Yom Kippur Drash 5785 / 2024 – Rabbi Josh Weisman, Temple Beth Sholom Village
Rabbi Michael Holzman, North Virginia Hebrew Congregation
What Time Is It? Shabbat Chol HaMoed Sukkot 5785, Jeremy Bannett, Executive Director at Temple Beth Zion Beth Israel