Purim is a joyful Jewish holiday that is often celebrated by passing out mishloach manot (bags of sweet gifts). This year, the first vote on the Street Vendor Advancement Act falls on Purim, and we’re headed to the Wilson Building to deliver mishloach manot to the vendors who are pushing for this bill to pass, to demonstrate our community’s support for their dignity and safety.
JUFJ is guided by the Jewish concept of tzelem elohim, which teaches that all people are created in the Divine image, with inherent and equal dignity and value. Prerelease programs help people nearing the end of their prison sentences secure employment, housing, drug treatment, mental health services, and family support. There are multiple facilities for men in Maryland, but none for women. Join us in Annapolis (or tune in on your own virtually) for the House Capital Budget Subcommittee's budget hearing to advocate that the funding we won last year (but was struck from the FY24 budget) be put back in the budget and that the women's prerelease facility be fully funded to avoid any further delays in implementation.
