Post-Election Discussion
at Dec. 8 JALSA Event
By Susie Davidson
Advocate Correspondent
BROOKLINE - Election results, veggie food and the future of social activism will be digested this Sunday from 5-7 p.m. when the Jewish Alliance for Law and Social Action meets at Temple Ohabei Shalom. “A Post-Election Analysis: What Happened and Why We Should Care” will be the discussion moderated by Goldman Associates President Michael Goldman; a light dairy/veggie dinner will be provided (attendees are encouraged to bring potluck desserts and appetizers which do not need heating or freezing, as no kitchen is available). Following Goldman’s talk, brainstorming on topics for Feb. 2, April 6 and June 1 gatherings will be conducted. The event is free.
Concerned with issues of social and economic justice, civil rights, and constitutional liberties, JALSA, a group for social activists in their 20s, 30s and 40s, represents a progressive voice within the Jewish community. Following the December, 2001 reorganization of the American Jewish Congress, JALSA was launched by about two dozen founders, including Sumner Kaplan, president of the New England region of AJCongress. During the reshuffle, New England regional executive director Sheila Decter was terminated; she is now Executive Director at JALSA.
“On the first Sunday evening of every other month,” she said, “we will be holding a meeting with a speaker addressing a cutting-edge public policy topic. We'll have good food, and time to socialize as well.” Children will be welcome; for those 18 months and older, an activity room and babysitter will be present.
"JALSA started First Sunday events to reach out to people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s," said JALSA Outreach and Fundraising
Consultant Cindy Rowe, "because we felt there was a real need for people in this age range to get involved in developing public policy.”
On Sunday, far-reaching questions will be analyzed in the wake of Nov. 5. “How do the election results affect us directly here in Massachusetts?” Decter asked. “What will elected officials do in the areas of public education, civil rights, health care, job creation, housing, women's rights and the environment? How will their actions affect you, your friends, and your family members? What can you do to make sure that your elected officials are enacting the types of policies you want to see adopted?”
"Our elected officials at the State House and in Washington are working on issues that determine the quality of our public education and health care, and availability of affordable housing,” Rowe added.
Goldman Associates is a communication consulting firm specializing in public relations, government liaison and campaign consulting for both private sector and political clients. Political commentator and analyst on myriad major national radio and television stations during the past two decades, Goldman has also hosted numerous radio programs on WRKO in Boston, and is currently co-host of "Simply Put" on New York’s Bloomberg Radio. He has received three Boston Magazine Best of Boston Awards for Excellence, and was included on its list of "100 Most Powerful People" in Massachusetts.
“By getting involved with JALSA, young people can have a voice in determining the direction that our government should take on these issues which directly affect our lives," said Rowe.
Temple Ohabei Shalom, 1187 Beacon Street, Brookline is handicapped accessible and is on the “C” Green Line branch. On street parking is available; please use glass door entrance on Beacon Street. The event will be downstairs in Lissner Hall.
To RSVP contact jalsa@RoweResources.com or call 617-742-1836. To receive JALSA’s weekly e-mail newsletter, please send your email address to Sheila@JewishAlliance.org.