The Beacon

05/14/2026

Is Yiddish a language of protest? A look at Eastern European and US history, labor and other movements, and the role of Jews and Yiddish speakers in world affairs. 3 sessions, all on Zoom, with Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum, a Yiddishist of many decades. No experience necessary.

The Yiddish Language as Protest
Taught by Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum
Wednesdays, May 20 to June 3
10:30-11:30am ET via Zoom
Class recordings available to all who enroll

Learn more & register: tinyurl.com/learnwithbeacon

05/11/2026

Make your voice heard! Every Thursday, we SHINE THE LIGHT across NYC and a dozen states (59 weeks now, and counting!).

Join us out on the streets with a sign that shares your vision for the future of the U.S. and an inclusive democracy that lifts us all.

Join an existing group, or start your own 💪✨

🗽 Shine the Light is a project of Beacon for Democracy, a network of people from all walks of life committed to compassion, solidarity, and justice

05/01/2026

Rabbis & Pastors Protest ICE: The Beacon's Rabbi Mike Moskowitz (left) was among 12 rabbis & pastors arrested on 4/30, protesting ICE at 26 Federal Plaza in NYC, a site of ICE abductions. Jews Demand Ice Out actions unfolded in 17 cities on 4/30, sponsored by T'ruah, Bend the Arc: A Jewish Partnership for Justice & 70 more orgs, including The Beacon.

🎥: T’ruah / Bend The Arc

04/30/2026

1 month since No Kings. Here’s what's next:

SHINE THE LIGHT: Get out on the streets with us, every Thursday — no matter where you live — with signs that share your vision for the future of the U.S. and a democracy that lifts us all. Join an existing group, or start your own!

04/28/2026

Don't settle for survival. Demand dignity. How May Day and Pesach Sheini teach us how to stand in solidarity with one another, from Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum and Rabbi Mike Moskowitz

May Day and Pesach Sheini

04/24/2026

Edith is 105. She protests every week for 30 minutes. If she can do it, you can do it 💪🥳🪧

04/22/2026

THU, APR 23, 8PM ET: Rabbi Kleinbaum will be live on It Needs to Be Said, from Grassroots Connector on Substack, talking about social justice.

Rabbi Kleinbaum is Director of Beacon for Democracy, a network of people from all walks of life committed to justice, and creating visible acts of solidarity and compassion across NYC and the U.S. She is also Senior Rabbi Emerita of Congregation Beit Simchat Torah in NYC.

Register on Substack at the link in the comments.

04/17/2026

7 can't-miss events and classes with The Beacon this spring 💪🥳🌷

👉 Registration info in the comments section of this post

1️⃣ The State of the World: A Conversation with Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum and AFT President Randi Weingarten
Sun, April 19 at 6pm, via Zoom

2️⃣ Kohelet / Ecclesiastes
Explore the wisdom of this collective tradition to inform how we meet the challenges of our modern times. Taught by Rabbi Mike Moskowitz.
Starts Mon, April 20 at 9:15am, via Zoom

3️⃣ Psalms: Insights for Today
Reciting the Psalms in times of crisis and distress is a powerful act. Learn how to participate in this deep act of prayer and resistance. Taught by Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum.
Starts Wed April 22 at 10:30am, via Zoom

4️⃣ History of Labor in the USA
Labor rights have always been central to the fight for democracy in the U.S. Trace this history from the Industrial Revolution to the New Deal to issues we face today. Two-part class with Prof. Michael Zweig.
Starts Sun, April 26 at 5:30pm, via Zoom

5️⃣ Loving the Stranger
Explore rabbinic commentaries and practical applications of commitment to this principle with Rabbi Mike Moskowitz, including how the wisdom of Jewish Tradition can help us today.
Starts Tue, April 28 at 6:30pm, via Zoom

6️⃣ Yiddish as Protest
Yiddish is a language of political resistance. Why? How? Explore its role in history, culture, literature, labor movement, Eastern European and Soviet Jewish life, and more. All are welcome, no background necessary.
Starts Wed, May 20 at 10:30am, via Zoom

7️⃣ NYC LGBTQ+ Walking Tour
Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum leads this intimate tour, visiting iconic sites of LGBTQ+ life in NYC, tracing the historic fight for LGBTQ+ civil right that continues to this day.
Sunday, June 20 at 1pm, in-person only

👉 Registration info in the comments section of this post

04/13/2026

The Seder is political. It's also a blueprint for freedom.

Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum gave these remarks at the Interfaith Seder at Union Theological Seminary in NYC.

Rabbi Kleinbaum is director of The Beacon for Democracy, a project of UTS, and is Senior Rabbi Emerita of Congregation Beit Simchat Torah in NYC.