Where can we find joy, kindness, and hope in democracy — especially in difficult times? In this conversation, Aaron Dorfman, Founder and Executive Director of A More Perfect Union, speaks with the esteemed Rabbi Sharon Brous of IKAR and Rabbi Jacob J. Schacter of Yeshiva University about what 250 years of Jewish life in America can teach us about democracy today. Together they reflect on the freedoms American democracy has made possible for Jewish communities — and the responsibilities that come with them. Drawing on Jewish teachings about human dignity, responsibility, and compassion, they explore a deeper truth: democracy is sustained not only by institutions or elections, but by how we treat one another. Sometimes the most powerful civic act is choosing hope, courage, and kindness. Topics discussed: Jewish values, democracy, civic responsibility, kindness, rule of law, American Jewish history, polarization, coalition building.

Recent debate about U.S. military action against Iran has raised questions about what authority a president has to launch military operations. The U.S. Constitution divides war powers between Congress and the president, creating a system of shared responsibility intended to prevent unilateral decisions about war.

What does it look like when a JCC makes civic belonging part of everyday life? The JCC of Greater Pittsburgh’s Center for Loving Kindness and Civic Engagement explores this question every day. Grounded in shared values and created to help communities navigate moments of tension and disagreement, the Center turns everyday encounters into opportunities for dialogue, empathy, and connection across differences.

Recent public statements have raised questions about who controls American elections and whether election administration should be more centralized at the national level. Under the U.S. Constitution, the primary responsibility for running elections belongs to the states. State and local officials oversee voter registration, ballot design, polling locations, vote counting, audits, and certification of results.

Over the past several weeks, federal immigration enforcement actions in Minneapolis have resulted in the deaths of two people and raised serious questions about due process, accountability, and constitutional protections.

Political violence is becoming more visible – and, in some spaces, more normalized. In this conversation, A More Perfect Union Executive Director Aaron Dorfman speaks with former Pennsylvania Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar and Philadelphia City Commissioner Seth Bluestein about what’s driving this moment, how antisemitism intersects with political extremism, and why civic leadership requires a clear rejection of violence.

While U.S. law generally prohibits the use of the military for domestic policing, the Insurrection Act is a federal law that gives the President of the United States the authority to deploy the U.S. military or federalized National Guard inside the country under certain circumstances.

In this white paper, we make the case for sustained engagement to preserve this fragile and imperative system of self-governance.

Recent deployments of the National Guard reflect a growing trend: the use — or threatened use — of federal military power in domestic situations that have traditionally fallen under local or state control.

As Jewish clergy, we hold trusted moral authority in our communities. That power is sacred — it comes from our ability to speak to shared values, not partisan identities. Recent IRS changes have weakened enforcement of the Johnson Amendment, which for decades prohibited religious institutions from endorsing political candidates. In this new environment, rabbis and cantors may feel pressure to bring partisanship to the pulpit.

What should the Jewish community be doing for America's 250th anniversary in 2026? Faith250 – a project of Northern Virginia Hebrew Congregation’s American Scripture Project – brings together multi-faith clusters of clergy across the country facilitate deep conversations about our nation's values and future.

In the weeks leading up to the 2024 election, the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) Bay Area was acutely aware of its community’s feelings of anxiety and uncertainty. Rather than wait for potential crises to unfold, its team chose to lean into the positive actions they could proactively pursue.

Throughout history, Jewish communities have been vulnerable to arbitrary actions and government overreach—whether it be during times of crisis or political upheaval. In the face of such adversity, the right to due process has often served as a critical safeguard.

In the heart of Central Kentucky, the Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass is turning civic concern into effective action. Amid increasing community anxiety about a wide range of issues - from antisemitism to the breakdown of American democratic norms - the Federation observed an urgent need: to equip their community with new knowledge, tools, and approaches to enact meaningful change. Realizing that legislative and societal shifts require more than just passion, they have created a comprehensive training initiative that transforms concerned citizens into confident advocates.

As politicized efforts grow to intimidate, investigate, or revoke the tax-exempt status of mission-driven nonprofits, Jewish leaders must protect our own and stand up for our partners. This one-pager outlines five key things Jewish 501(c)(3)s must know to safeguard themselves — and the civic space we all rely on.

Faith organizations and community members must feel confident that they can do this work safely and impactfully. Jewish and other faith organizations must invest in bolstering their security, critical relationships, and essential skills to enable them to mitigate threats to democracy. This toolkit is intended to help you develop the tools and techniques you need to engage in pro-democracy action without fear or anxiety.

Threats to cut federal funding been levied at many American institutions over the last few weeks, and while they claim to be “fighting antisemitism,” they should raise a number of concerns for us as Americans and as American Jews.

How can we prepare young people to become stewards of democracy in an increasingly polarized society? At the Brandeis School of San Francisco, educators are tackling this challenge by weaving it throughout the curriculum.And now, they are making it easy for other Jewish educators to build on their success.

Free speech is indispensable to American Jews, who have exercised this right to advocate boldly for our communities and causes without fear of government retribution. If freedom of religion allows us to thrive as Jews, freedom of speech empowers us to thrive as Americans.

Civil liberties protect the freedom of all citizens to do specific things without interference from the government. In contrast, civil rights protect people from discrimination based on a set of shared identity characteristics (race, gender, etc.).