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Monthly Mitzvah – June: Reflect, Celebrate, and Participate in Community for Juneteenth
June 1 @ 8:00 am - June 30 @ 5:00 pm
Monthly Mitzvah – June: Reflect, Celebrate, and Participate in Community for Juneteenth, June 1-30
What is Juneteenth? The Emancipation Proclamation declared enslaved people in the US legally free on January 1, 1863, but the law wasn’t enforced in places still under Confederate control. On June 19, 1865, 2,000 troops arrived in Galveston, TX to enforce the law, effectively freeing 250,000 people. This day would later be known as Juneteenth, a celebration of freedom for Black Americans and a time to reflect on our past and rejoice in our progress. Juneteenth became a federally recognized holiday on June 17, 2021.
How does Tzedek relate to Juneteenth? The Jewish value of Tzedek asks us to do our part in challenging the systems and structures that cause inequality so that ALL people may thrive. “Tzedek, Tzedek, Tirdof” (Deut 16:20) or “Justice, justice, you shall pursue” is a central declaration of the Torah that commands us to do the right thing, even in the face of adversity, even when we don’t ourselves directly benefit — and to continue in that pursuit time and time again.
For June’s Monthly Mitzvah, we invite you to explore local opportunities to meaningfully engage in the holiday of Juneteenth. Learn and reflect by attending a free film screening at The Loft, participate by volunteering for the 53rd Annual Tucson Juneteenth Festival, or celebrate by attending the Festival or another Juneteenth event. Learn more at: tucsonjune19.org
Participating Organizations: Tucson J, Jewish Philanthropies of Southern AZ, Weintraub Israel Center, Handmaker Jewish Services for the Aging, Jewish Family and Children’s Services of Southern AZ, Congregation Chaverim, Tucson Hebrew Academy
Questions? Contact ashemesh@jparizona.org or mrosenbaum@tucsonjcc.org
