Temple Sinai 2026 Justice Initiatives
Temple Sinai Justice Initiatives reflect our congregation’s commitment to equity, education, and community-building. Our 2026 initiatives were selected through our congregational process for adopting justice initiatives emphasizing transparency, lay oversight, and community learning.
We’re excited to support these initiatives as they grow and deepen our collective impact.
SHIELD
SHIELD (Supporting Honest Instruction & Equitable Learning for Our Diaspora) is a local organization dedicated to combating antisemitism in educational settings. Their mission focuses on ensuring accurate and balanced education about Jewish and Israeli history and culture in schools. The volunteers that make up the organization develop resources that empower families to advocate for fairness in the classroom, foster strong community partnerships, and champion environments where Jewish students can thrive free from bias and misrepresentation.
The importance of their work is underscored by the alarming rise in antisemitic incidents across educational institutions. Reports have highlighted instances where students have faced antisemitic slurs and faculty members have created hostile environments for Jewish students through misinformation and inaction. When left unaddressed by administrators and teachers, such environments can marginalize, ostracize, and even lead to outright attacks on Jewish students.
In this context, the Sinai Justice Initiative’s efforts to promote honest instruction and equitable learning are not only commendable but also essential. By addressing biases and fostering understanding, they play a vital role in creating safe and inclusive educational spaces for all students.
Georgians for the Okefenokee
Georgians for the Okefenokee is a Georgia nonprofit dedicated to protecting the Okefenokee Swamp, one of the largest and most ecologically rich wetlands in North America. Spanning more than 400,000 acres, the swamp is home to diverse wildlife, including alligators, black bears, sandhill cranes, and hundreds of bird species, and is an important source of clean water for the region. The organization works to protect this unique natural treasure from environmental threats, including mining along its eastern boundary, through research, education, advocacy, and community action.
Georgians for the Okefenokee will participate in a multi-faith Swamp Shabbat and prayer vigil weekend October 16–18, 2026, bringing together faith and environmental communities to advocate for the protection of the Okefenokee Swamp. The weekend will include an environmental science symposium, a Shabbat prayer service at the Folkston entrance, guided boat tours, and an interfaith service at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church.
