What does Jews United for Justice (JUFJ) do?

JUFJ is a community of more than 6,000 Jews and allies of all ages across the state of Maryland acting on Jewish values by pursuing justice and equity in our local communities. We work on a variety of issues including fair pay and benefits for working people, immigrant justice, transforming public safety, court and prison reform, and renters’ rights. As we work to make structural change, we know that young people will inherit the world we are striving to create – thus, we must center young voices in this work!

Purim 5787 / 2027 with Jews United for Justice

Every year on (or near) Purim, Jews United for Justice (JUFJ) holds a Purim advocacy night in Annapolis. JUFJers deliver mishloach manot (gifts of food and drink) to elected officials, along with information about the campaigns we want them to support. This year, we will be packing the mishloach manot with goodies on Sunday, March 14 at various locations throughout Maryland. Then, we will deliver the bags at JUFJ’s Purim Action Night on Monday, March 15 in Annapolis.

How can youth engage in JUFJ’s Purim Advocacy work?

1. Join JUFJ in Annapolis! (5 -12 graders)

Work with JUFJ staff to set-up an education event at your congregation for youth to learn about advocacy work and to preview the issues JUFJ will be talking to legislators about. Then, have youth join JUFJ in Annapolis on Monday, March 15 to deliver mishloach manot, meet with state electeds, and advocate for our campaigns. 

• There is the option of students helping to lead (or attend) the mishloach manot bag packing parties on Sunday, March 14 in preparation for the Annapolis action night.
• JUFJ is exploring other opportunities to bring these students together from across Maryland at key points during the year.
• Bus transportation to and from Annapolis on March 15 will be provided from Baltimore and Montgomery County. 

2. Decorate gift bags and learn about advocacy! (4 – 8 graders)

Work with JUFJ staff to set-up a mishloach manot bag decorating activity with an educational component. We can send educational materials to teachers to present with the activity, or a JUFJ staff or volunteer can attend to teach about our campaigns and the importance of advocacy.

3. Decorate gift bags! (all ages)

Have students decorate mishloach manot gift bags that will be delivered to state legislators. JUFJ staff will share details about what materials to purchase, guidelines for decorations, and coordinate a plan to pick-up the finished bags.

Please email brooke.levan@jufj.org to set up a time to meet one-on-one to discuss the details of any of these options or other ideas of how we can engage youth at your congregation!