Ezra Berkley Nepon (ACG ’07) announces their national book tour for “Justice, Justice Shall You Pursue: A History of New Jewish Agenda.” These events are meant as an opportunity to gather in community and learn about the roots of today’s Jewish activism: the strategic experiments, challenges, and successes of this crucial history — and discuss how this history can inform activist work today. The history is not only relevant to those within Jewish communities, but all who work for justice and think about how movements build, evolve, and transform our world. Please find more information at New Jewish Agenda’s website.
The book is now available for order through AK Press, and the Celebrate People’s History poster is also available through Justseeds Artists’ Cooperative.
New Jewish Agenda was a national organization from 1980 to 1992 with the slogan “a Jewish voice among progressives and a progressive voice among Jews.” NJA practiced participatory grassroots democracy with over 45 local chapters and 5,000 members. NJA organized a progressive Jewish voice for every political issue of their decade: working for Middle East Peace, Central America Solidarity, Worldwide Nuclear Disarmament, Economic and Social Justice in the US, and they had a powerful Jewish Feminist Taskforce that included work on LGBT issues and the emergence of the AIDS pandemic. New Jewish Agenda was most controversial for positions on the rights of Palestinians and the rights of Queer Jews. Jewish activists from a wide range of religious and secular communities coalesced in NJA, building power and analysis that continue to illuminate our movements today. More info can be found on their website.
Tour dates:
BOSTON
Tuesday, June 19th 7PM
Boston Workmen’s Circle Center for Jewish Culture and Social Justice
1762 Beacon Street, Brookline, MA
(We regret that the space is not yet wheelchair accessible)
WASHINGTON, DC
Monday June 25th, 7PM
Washington DC JCC @ 1529 16th Street NW
with Jews United for Justice, and GLOE (Kurlander Program for GLBT Outreach & Engagement)
BALTIMORE
Wednesday June 27th, 7PM
Red Emma’s Bookstore Coffeehouse
800 St. Paul St. Baltimore, MD
NYC
Thursday June 28th, 7PM
Bluestockings Bookstore
172 Allen St, NYC
with Jews for Racial and Economic Justice
SAN FRANCISCO
Wednesday July 11th, 7PM
Modern Times Bookstore
PORTLAND
Wednesday July 18th, 7PM
Reading Frenzy
OLYMPIA
(check back for details)
SEATTLE
Monday August 30th, 7PM
Vera Project
MT AIRY
Saturday Aug 18th, 2PM
Big Blue Marble Bookstore
