Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island

Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island To engage and inspire a vibrant and flourishing community through philanthropy and community.

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when news of emancipation finally reached enslaved African Americans in Galveston...
06/19/2026

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when news of emancipation finally reached enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. It is a day to celebrate freedom, reflect on the enduring impact of slavery and racism in the United States, and honor the resilience, contributions, and achievements of Black Americans throughout our nation's history.

As we observe Juneteenth, we encourage everyone to take a moment to learn, reflect, and engage with the rich history, culture, and contributions of the Black community. One way to do so is by participating in local events and supporting Black-owned businesses throughout Rhode Island.

LOCAL JUNETEENTH EVENTS
• Taste of Juneteenth New England – Friday, June 19, 11:00am – 4:00pm at Farm Fresh RI in Providence. This free community event celebrates Black culture through food, music, and community. https://tasteofjuneteenthne.org/

• 8th Annual Juneteenth RI Festival – Sunday, June 21, 12:00 – 7:00pm at the Temple to Music in Roger Williams Park. The festival features live music, Black-owned vendors, food, and community programming. https://www.juneteenthri.com/festival

SUPPORT BLACK-OWNED BUSINESSES
Providence is home to many outstanding Black-owned restaurants and businesses. GoProvidence has compiled an excellent guide to Black-owned restaurants in the city: https://www.goprovidence.com/blog/stories/post/black-owned-restaurants-in-providence-rhode-island/

Rhode Island Monthly also maintains a directory of Black-owned businesses throughout the state: https://www.rimonthly.com/blackownedbusinesses/

Wishing everyone a meaningful Juneteenth.

Thank you to all the amazing sponsors who made this day a success!
06/15/2026

Thank you to all the amazing sponsors who made this day a success!

Friends reunited, new connections formed, and a community energized by possibility—this was the spirit of the Jewish All...
06/12/2026

Friends reunited, new connections formed, and a community energized by possibility—this was the spirit of the Jewish Alliance’s 15th Annual Meeting.

We extend our sincere gratitude to all who joined us for this meaningful evening. Together, we celebrated the extraordinary life of commitment and impact that Ralph Posner has made on Rhode Island’s Jewish community and beyond, honoring him with the Melvin G. Alperin Award for Excellence in Jewish Communal Leadership.

We were proud to recognize Abigail Anthony as a dedicated leader whose passion and drive strengthen both the Jewish Alliance and the greater Rhode Island community, and to honor Eunice Tavares for her unwavering commitment and invaluable contributions to the Alliance’s work.

Guest speaker Nanette Fridman returned to the community that helped shape her identity, offering powerful reflections on the enduring importance of generosity, persistence, and continuity.

Cantor Judith Seplowin served as installing officer for the 2026–2027 Board of Directors, sharing heartfelt reflections as she expressed gratitude to outgoing members Rabbi Preston Neimeiser, Sara Meirowitz, Cara Mitnick, and Eric Shorr, and warmly welcomed new members Art Solomon, Harold Foster, Jodi Greenberg, R’ Emily Goldberg Winer, and Dee Dee Whitman.

Board Chair Marisa Garber and Interim CEO Harris Chorney reflected on a year marked by both challenges and accomplishments, including a poignant tribute to the life and enduring legacy of Alan Hassenfeld (z"l).

The evening concluded on a hopeful note, as Marisa introduced Steven Baker as the next President and CEO of the Jewish Alliance—an exciting new chapter for the organization and our community.

Stay tuned for more coverage of the Jewish Alliance’s 15th Annual Meeting in the July issue of Jewish Rhode Island.

Amazing creations from our final J-Space pottery class of the season!
06/11/2026

Amazing creations from our final J-Space pottery class of the season!

Jewish American Heritage Month made for a busy and meaningful May! A special thank you to the City of Pawtucket, the Cit...
06/10/2026

Jewish American Heritage Month made for a busy and meaningful May! A special thank you to the City of Pawtucket, the City of Providence, the State of Rhode Island, the House of Representatives, the RI Senate, and the Providence City Council for recognizing this important month by issuing official proclamations.

Proclamations are formal statements issued by government bodies to honor, recognize, or raise awareness about significant events, cultures, and contributions within the community. These acknowledgments help highlight the impact of Jewish Americans locally and nationally, and to reinforce a shared commitment to celebrating diversity and history.

Pride has always been shaped by people who refused to stay silent. From Harvey Milk’s fight for visibility, to Leslie Fe...
06/09/2026

Pride has always been shaped by people who refused to stay silent.

From Harvey Milk’s fight for visibility, to Leslie Feinberg’s groundbreaking work on gender liberation, to Larry Kramer’s relentless activism during the AIDS crisis—these Jewish LGBTQIA+ leaders didn’t just make history, they changed lives.

Their stories remind us that identity is not a barrier—it’s a source of strength, resistance, and community.

This Pride, we honor the legacy of those who came before us, and continue the work toward a more just, inclusive world.

“I refuse to believe that hatred is the deepest feeling of ordinary humans. People keep reaching for each other; it mean...
06/03/2026

“I refuse to believe that hatred is the deepest feeling of ordinary humans. People keep reaching for each other; it means something healthy is still alive."

More than 100 community leaders, advocates, educators, faith leaders, law enforcement professionals, and residents gathered at Rhode Island College on May 28 for the 2026 Anti-Hate Summit: Toward Belonging, Building a Future Without Hate, a day-long event focused on confronting hate, strengthening communities, and advancing solutions that promote safety, dignity, and belonging for all Rhode Islanders.

Hosted by the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island, in partnership with Youth Pride Inc., Center for Southeast Asians - CSEA, Nonviolence Institute, Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center, City of Providence, and the RI Commission on Prejudice & Bias, the summit convened a diverse coalition of organizations and individuals committed to addressing the rise in hate incidents and fostering a more inclusive and resilient society.

Read more in this month's issue of Jewish Rhode Island:
https://www.jewishrhody.com/stories/toward-belonging-anti-hate-summit-building-a-future-without-hate,158110?

After an extensive national search, we are excited to announce that the Alliance’s Board of Directors has unanimously se...
06/02/2026

After an extensive national search, we are excited to announce that the Alliance’s Board of Directors has unanimously selected Steven Baker as the next President & CEO of the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island. Steven will join the Alliance on July 1.

Steven brings nearly two decades of experience in Jewish communal leadership, philanthropy, and nonprofit management. Most recently, he served as Chief Philanthropy Officer for the Minneapolis Jewish Federation and Minnesota Jewish Community Foundation. His career has been defined by a deep commitment to Jewish life, a passion for building community, and a proven ability to strengthen organizations and inspire engagement.

Click to read the full message: https://www.jewishallianceri.org/news/jewish-alliance-announces-new-president-ceo

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401 Elmgrove Avenue
Providence, RI
02906

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