The Davis Center for Social Justice

Live Taping of "Outlawed" Podcast
2025-04-27 15:00 - 17:00 UTC | Temple Sinai
“A Rabbi, A Reverend, and an Abortionist Walk into a Podcast”
Join us at Temple Sinai for a special live taping of “Outlawed“, the groundbreaking podcast that brings real stories and urgent conversations around reproductive health, rights, and justice directly to listeners. Co-hosted by Dr. Beverly Gray and Dr. Jonas Swartz, Outlawed highlights the voices of patients, providers, and advocates navigating the shifting landscape of reproductive healthcare in America.
For this unique event, Bev and Jonas will be joined by Rabbi Hannah Goldstein of Temple Sinai in Washington, DC and Reverend Katey Zeh, CEO of the Religious Community for Reproductive Choice. Together, they will bring an interfaith lens to the conversation and explore how faith communities, healthcare providers, and advocates can stand together for reproductive dignity.
Following the taping, join us for a reception with light refreshments and the opportunity to continue the conversation with fellow attendees, advocates, and community leaders.
Please register in advance. Sponsorship opportunities are available; learn more here.
Register

WTF: Washington's Totally Fine!
2025-05-08 19:00 - 21:00
We are feeling the weight of these unprecedented times in Washington, DC. Join us to learn about what is happening from experts in our Temple Sinai congregation and spend time with our community. The evening will begin with a panel of Sinai members representing a broad range of perspectives, reflecting on the significance of this moment, and how it is impacting our community and our city.
Panelists are:

Lynn Sweet, Washington Bureau Chief from the Chicago Sun Times,
Steve Vladeck, Professor at Georgetown Law Center, author of NYT bestseller “The Shadow Docket”,
Royce Murray, Former Assistant Secretary for Border and Immigration Policy at the Department of Homeland Security,
Matt Frumin, DC Councilmember, Ward 3
Jamie Gorelick, Partner at WilmerHale, Former United States Deputy Attorney General

The panel will be followed by pizza, beer and a chance to keep talking to each other. Join us for an evening of learning, networking, and conspiring.
While we hope you can join us in person, the panel portion of the program can be viewed virtually. Please indicate your preference when you register.
Register

Volunteer with TSMJR at A Wider Circle
2025-05-15 10:00 - 12:00
Volunteer at A Wider Circle (9159 Brookville Road in Silver Spring) on Thursday, May 15, 10 am – 12 pm with Men of Reform Judaism – though all congregants are invited to join. Lunch is not included in this program but those interested in going to Parkway Deli afterwards are more than welcome!
If you have questions, please contact Jim Jaffe or Ed Cohen.
Register

Serve with Sinai Summer 2025
2025-05-20 16:16, 2025-06-18 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-06-24 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-07-17 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-08-21 10:00 - 12:00
We know that summer often brings extra free time. Whether you are retired, between jobs, or a teen looking for SSL hours, spend time with fellow volunteers this summer while doing good work for our community. Advanced registration required.
All sessions are 10 am – 12 pm:
Wednesday, June 18, 10am – 12pm (A Wider Circle, 9159 Brookville Road, Silver Spring)
Tuesday, June 24, 10am – 12pm (DC Diaper Bank, 8860 Monard Drive, Silver Spring)
Thursday, July 17, 10am – 12pm (A Wider Circle, 9159 Brookville Road, Silver Spring)
Thursday, August 21, 10am – 12pm (A Wider Circle, 9159 Brookville Road, Silver Spring)
A note for our teen volunteers: Volunteers under 14 are welcome if they are accompanied by an adult. (Please register each person attending separately.)
If you have questions, please contact Jenny Cohen.
Register

Visit to the Mexican Consulate
2025-05-21 09:30 - 10:30
Consul Rafael Laveaga, Chief of the Consular Section Embassy of Mexico in Washington, DC, will brief Temple Sinai’s group on the wide range of services the Consulate provides to the Mexican community in the DMV region and the growing demand for its services in today’s climate. The Consulate offers legal guidance and assistance to Mexican nationals in need and actively collaborates with local organizations, community leaders, and faith-based groups to educate the Mexican community about their rights and responsibilities, regardless of immigration status. It also partners with other Latin American consulates in the region to develop joint initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for their respective communities. As part of the visit, we will have the opportunity to tour the Consulate’s facilities and observe its day-to-day operations.
We will meet at the Mexican Consulate: 1250 23rd Street, NW.
Space is limited – sign up today!
Register

Donation Drive to benefit Ayuda
2025-06-01 - 2025-06-15
Temple Sinai’s Davis Center for Social Justice is collecting items to make kids’ activity packs for Ayuda, who provides legal, social, and language services to help low-income immigrants in our area. The “busy bags” will keep the kids entertained while their parents have their legal consultations (and then they can take it home with them).
Please sign up to contribute items to this project. There will be a collection bin in the member lounge area from June 1 – June 15. Please sign up only if you are able to deliver your items within this timeframe. If you are ordering online and want to ship your items directly to Temple Sinai, please send them Attn: Jenny Cohen. They must arrive by Monday, June 16.
We will be packing the kits as the family activity at the Family Shabbat on Friday, June 20. (You can register for the dinner HERE.) You can also sign up to deliver the packs to Ayuda the week of June 23. If instead of purchasing items, you’d like to make a financial contribution, you can donate to Temple Sinai’s Refugee & Migrant fund HERE (please indicate “Ayuda” on the payment notes line).
SIGN UP TO DONATE ITEMS

Bystander Training for Allies
2025-08-05 18:30 - 19:30
Join us for “Bystander Training for Allies”, a Zoom presentation designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills to protect themselves and others during immigration enforcement encounters. This concise training will teach participants how to intervene safely when witnessing harassment or discrimination against immigrants. You can learn “Know Your Rights” skills and how to put them to use. The program will be presented by CASA, a leading organization in the Mid-Atlantic states that provides critical services to immigrant and working-class families, and advocates for their rights.
This program is for all people interested in learning how to support the immigrant community, not just lawyers!
Advanced registration required. This program will not be recorded so register today!
Register Here

"Labor on the Bimah": RFK Stadium - Progress and Unfinished Business for DC Workers
2025-08-30 10:45 - 12:15
Special Labor Day Bagel Brunch: Saturday, August 30, 10:45 am – 12:15 pm
In the spirit of JUFJ’s Labor on the Bimah Program, Washington Interfaith Network (WIN) Organizer Micah Haskell-Hoehl and Metro AFL-CIO President Samuel Epps will discuss critical issues DC’s deal with the Washington Commanders poses for DC’s working people and their families. From Micah’s perspective as an organizer in faith communities and Samuel’s as a labor leader and organizer, they will walk us through the Mayor’s original proposal, the improvements accomplished so far, and unfinished business regarding affordable housing, jobs and accountability and enforceability of the Commanders’ promises.
Note: This program will be preceded by a “Labor on the Bimah” themed Torah Study led by Rabbi Sarah Bassin starting at 9:15 am – 10:15 am and a Shabbat “kaddish minyan” at 10:15 am.
Please RSVP for brunch (no RSVP required for Torah Study).

Interfaith Council's Annual Unity Walk
2025-09-07 12:30 - 17:30
The Interfaith Council of Metropolitan Washington invites you to the largest interfaith gathering in the Washington, DC Metro Area! On Sunday, September 7th (12:30-5:30pm) Massachusetts Ave NW becomes a public celebration of shared humanity. The 20th Annual Unity Walk, hosted by IFC invites people of all faiths and none to walk together, visit 11 sacred spaces, and experience powerful moments of music, food, culture, and connection.
This year’s walk will feature activities perfect for all ages including: Sufi and Jewish folk dancing, “Ask Me Anything” with faith practitioners from a variety of faith traditions, a service project to benefit Martha’s Table and more.
This isn’t just a walk — it’s a movement. A chance to reimagine what’s possible when we lead with compassion instead of fear, curiosity instead of judgment.
The Walk will begin at Washington Hebrew Congregation (3935 Macomb St NW, Washington, DC) and end at the Islamic Center of Washington, DC (2551 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC).
Learn More and Purchase Tickets

Serve with Sinai: A Wider Circle
2025-09-18 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-10-16 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-11-20 10:00 - 12:00
Volunteer at A Wider Circle (9159 Brookville Road in Silver Spring) on the third Thursday of each month, 10 am – 12 pm with your fellow members – all congregants are invited to join. Lunch is not included in this program but those interested in going to Parkway Deli afterwards are more than welcome!
If you have questions, please contact Jim Jaffe or Ed Cohen.
Register

Davis Center Docs: Zurawski v Texas
2025-09-18 19:00 - 21:00
Women denied abortions in Texas despite life-threatening circumstances join forces with a lawyer to file a lawsuit against the state, aiming to restore reproductive rights for themselves and others.
Join Temple Sinai and the Davis Center for Social Justice at the Avalon Theatre in NW DC for a screening of the critically acclaimed documentary Zurawski v Texas followed by a Q&A with Molly Duane, the attorney featured in the film.
View the trailer
Purchase tickets

Collective Elul Reflection Circle
2025-09-21 10:00 - 12:00
Join fellow congregants for a community-building circle during this significant time in the Jewish calendar. We will reflect on the past year’s actions and set intentions for the coming year.
Hosted by the Multi-Racial Sinai Committee, this circle will provide a formal and democratic process for sharing within a boundaried, safe space. Our prompting questions will center themes of liberation, justice, and community.
Having a space where we can intentionally be present with others, helps us gain insights, accelerate personal learning and build relationships. Our hope is that this circle will give us individual and collective strength to pursue Tikkun Olam in the coming year.
Details:
• Date & Time: Sunday, September 21st, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• Location: The Temple
• Capacity: Limited to 20 participants
• Eligibility: Congregants 16 years of age and older
• Register here: Location and more information will be provided upon registration

Serve with Sinai: So Others Might Eat
2025-09-28 06:30 - 09:30, 2025-10-26 06:30 - 09:30, 2025-11-23 06:30 - 09:30
Join other Temple Sinai volunteers in serving breakfast at So Others Might Eat (71 O Street, NW) on the 4th Sunday of the month from 6:30am – 9:30am – all congregants are invited to join! Please register at least a week in advance. We have a limited number of volunteer slots and they sometimes fill up. *Once signed up, you will receive instructions for how to register as a volunteer with SOME.
​If you have questions, please contact Wendy Kahn at wlkahn44@gmail.com.
REGISTER

Green Team's "Reverse Tashlich" River Clean Up
2025-09-28 10:00 - 12:00
Temple Sinai’s Green Team is participating in Repair the Sea’s 8th annual Reverse Tashlich by hosting a river clean-up. This is a great service opportunity for kids and families! (Recommended for ages 12+)
When: Sunday, September 28, 2025 from 10 am to 12 pm
Where: Oronoco Park, 100 Madison Street, Alexandria, VA
Potomac Riverkeeper Network will provide trash bags, gloves, garbage grabbers and a water jug. Email Liz Feldman with questions.
Please register in advance.

Serve with Sinai: DC Diaper Bank
2025-10-15 12:00 - 14:00, 2025-12-09 10:00 - 12:00
Volunteer alongside your fellow congregants while repacking and bundling diapers for the DC Diaper Bank’s clients. You will meet at the DC Diaper Bank warehouse (8860 Monard Drive).
Register

Silence the Violence Concert: A benefit concert to support The TraRon Center
2025-10-18 19:00 - 21:00
Join us in person or online for a musical event benefiting the TraRon Center, a local DC organization that uses the arts to help families and young people who have been victims of gun violence in the healing process. Temple Sinai is a proud co-sponsor of this event.
The concert will be held at the National United Methodist Church, 3401 Nebraska Ave NW. Tickets are $25 (free for children 12 and under). Can’t attend in person? Buy a ticket and watch via live stream!

Learn more and buy tickets

Maj Fun Day in Support of Abortion Access
2025-10-26 15:00 - 18:00
Bring your friends, your spouse or partner, or anyone who wants to play or learn to play including non-Temple Sinai members.
Experienced Mavens—will have designated tables
Beginners and Learners—will get special instruction from Mavens at each table
All Proceeds will benefit the Red Tent Fund, a non profit national abortion fund founded in 2024 and rooted in the Jewish values and teachings that affirm the right to abortion for all. In addition to learning and playing, the afternoon will include mingling, snacks to fuel your Mah-Jongg engine, and a few words about the Red Tent Fund.
For more information or questions, email templesinaiwrj@gmail.com
Register

WTF: Washington's Totally Fine!
2025-10-30 19:00 - 21:00
We are feeling the weight of these unprecedented times in Washington, DC. Join us to learn about what is happening from experts in our Temple Sinai congregation and spend time with our community. The evening will begin with a panel of Sinai members representing a broad range of perspectives, reflecting on how current events are impacting our community and our city.
Panelists are:

Libby Anker, Professor of American Studies and Political Science at GW University,
Matt Frumin, DC Councilmember, Ward 3,
Rachel Levinson-Waldman, director of the Liberty and National Security Program at the Brennan Center for Justice,
Sam Stein, Managing Editor for the media company The Bulwark, and a contributor for MSNBC,
Steve Vladeck, Professor at Georgetown Law Center, author of NYT bestseller “The Shadow Docket”.

The panel will be followed by pizza, beer and a chance to keep talking to each other. Join us for an evening of learning, networking, and conspiring.
While we hope you can join us in person, the panel portion of the program can be viewed virtually. Please indicate your preference when you register.
REGISTER

Standby Guardianship Training
2025-11-07 13:30 - 16:00
Interested in Taking Action to Help Immigrants in the Washington Area? Learn the skills to help.
Join attorney (and Temple Sinai member) Cam Crockett for a training session on Family Safety Planning and Standby Guardianship. During this two-hour training, you will learn how to help migrant families in Maryland (not DC or VA) fill out Standby Guardianship forms that allow parents to plan for the care of their minor children in the event the parents are deported or detained. You DO NOT need to be a lawyer to help families with this process so this event is open to all TS members!
Come learn more about why the need for these forms is so urgent and how you can help with this very important and timely task. This training is in-person only at Temple Sinai on Friday, November 7 at 1:30pm – 3:30pm in the Beit Midrash. Information about opportunities to meet with and provide assistance to immigrants will be coming soon for temple members. This important work does not require a big time commitment.
If you attended the previous training on standby guardianship at the temple, this course will be a needed refresher and explicit preparation for upcoming volunteer opportunities.
Register here

TS Parent Discussion on Antisemitism
2025-11-11 18:30 - 20:00
Please join us starting at 6:30pm on Tuesday, November 11th in the Bet Am for a parent discussion on antisemitism and to chat about how the start of the school year is going. There will be a short intro with breakout discussion groups to share experiences and successful strategies. Please RSVP here so that we can have a sense of attendance and group breakout numbers.

Thanksgiving Bag Project
2025-11-16 08:30 - 13:00
Join our annual tradition of providing tikkun olam for needy families! Help us put together Thanksgiving bags full of food and grocery store gift cards that we will give to several non-profits* for distribution. We need volunteers to pick up groceries, unload groceries and/or help fill the Thanksgiving bags with other Temple Sinai families.
Please note: This project is best suited for adults and for children 8+ if volunteering with their parent (please register). Younger children (ages 5+) can also participate by decorating cards to go in the bags (no registration required for card making; parents should plan to supervise their children). Please note that the playground will not be open during the program.
You can also participate by donating towards the cost of this program. To support the program, please donate here. (Please enter “Thanksgiving” in the payment notes).
As part of this project, we are also collecting boxes of mac and cheese! Bring your boxes to the collection bin in the member lounge (by the security desk) between November 2 – 16.
*Organizations receiving baskets include The Family Place, Wheatley Education Campus, Sinai House, Roosevelt High School, A Wider Circle, and Highland Elementary School.
Please register in advance HERE
