Criminal Justice Reform

One of the ways our Shearith Israel community works to fulfill our pledge to “raise our hand” and do good is by advocating on behalf of others who need help.  Following in the footsteps of Ebenezer Baptist Church and The Temple, Shearith Israel works to provide a person with a criminal record to have access to meaningful employment and other rights after serving their sentence and reentering the community. Our Jewish traditions teach us to forgive those who do teshuvah (repent) and offer them second chances.  The restrictions placed in front of these individuals are stumbling blocks which prevent, rather than facilitate their (and our community’s) future success. We can partner with organizations such as the Georgia Justice Project, Jewish Community Relation Council, and Repair the World Atlanta to help reduce the barriers facing some individuals.

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