Light Refreshments, Coffee and Tea will be served.
In-person and Livestream.

Registration is required below. 
There is no charge to attend *Walk-ins will be allowed, but we do prefer registration in advance.

Questions? Contact Andy Miller at ajmiller04@gmail.com

Chizuk Amuno is hosting this program on the morning of Sunday Sept. 22 along with partners throughout the Maryland Jewish community. Question 1 on the November ballot codifies the protection of a right to reproductive freedom in the Maryland constitution. Why is there a need for this amendment? What is the nature of the political landscape around this issue, in Maryland and nationally? Why is this important to the Jewish community and in what ways is it consistent with Jewish values and teaching? We will hear from community and religious leaders, including Rabbis Gruenberg and Wechsler, as well as Reform and Orthodox perspectives.

Judaism values life and affirms that protecting existing life is paramount at all stages of pregnancy. The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees that no one religion should be enshrined in law or dictate public policy on any issue - including abortion. This referendum ensures that people of all faiths in Maryland will be able to manage a pregnancy, as their religion teaches, free from government interference. What options are available for those who want to educate their friends, family, and communities and assist in motivating others to vote? In addition to informing those who attend, this program will offer opportunities to take action.

The speakers at this event are:

• Shelly Hettleman, Senator for District 11, long-time Chizuk Amuno member and co-chair of the Maryland Legislative Jewish Caucus
• Rabbi Joshua Gruenberg, Chizuk Amuno Congregation, in conversation with: Rabbi Deborah Wechsler, Chizuk Amuno Congregation; Rabbi Elissa Sachs-Kohen, Baltimore Hebrew Congregation; and Daphne Lazar Price, Executive Director, Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance
• Wendy Frosh, Board Member, Freedom in Reproduction-Maryland
• Harriet Rubinson, Vice President of Advocacy, Hadassah of Greater Baltimore

The program will begin with an intro by Senator Hettleman to explain the Constitutional Amendment (Question 1 on the November ballot) and its importance in protecting reproductive rights; continue with a conversation about the abortion issue in the light of Jewish teaching and values as well as religious freedom under the First Amendment; and these will be followed by discussion of activities between now and the election on Nov. 5 and opportunities for individuals in the Jewish community to advocate if they so choose. There will be tables staffed by volunteers for those who want to learn more about those opportunities.

This program was planned in partnership with the Chizuk Amuno Social Justice Advocacy and Gemilut Hasadim Committees, Hadassah of Greater Baltimore, and the National Council of Jewish Women - MD State Advocacy Policy Committee

Cosponsors:  Hadassah of Greater Baltimore, NCJW, Baltimore Jewish Council, The Gordon Center, Baltimore Hebrew Congregation, Chevrei Tzedek, Beth Israel Congregation, Beth Am Congregation, Kol HaLev, Adat Chaim, East Bank Havurah, Beth Shalom, Chizuk Amuno Congregation, JCC of Greater Baltimore, Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance, Jews United for Justice, Columbia Jewish Congregation, Bolton Street Synagogue, Federation of Jewish Women's Organizations,  and Oseh Shalom.