Brothers, Sisters, Mishpoche -
After nearly 3 years as Executive Director of the New England Jewish Labor Committee, I am writing to announce my transition out of leadership to launch a new chapter in my life by going to law school.
I am so proud of our time together over these past few years, from our successful return to in-person labor seders to our careful and impactful engagement with antisemitism, our growing presence in progressive Jewish and labor landscapes, and our finding creative ways to engage with new communities and develop new leaders. We introduced new engagement events like happy hours and Jewish Heritage Night at Fenway, we supported countless labor campaigns and pickets, we connected Jewish communities to ongoing labor struggles in their neighborhoods and connected labor with Jewish organizations to build more support and solidarity. We’ve grown our board with younger labor leaders and continue to identify new prospects. And, we’ve been able to hire staff to help us build and launch our newest endeavor, a training program for young Jews who want to make a real impact in labor by learning organizing basics rooted in a deep understanding of Jewish history and culture. I’m extremely grateful to our Associate Director Miriam Cohen for her general support and her leadership in building this exciting new program. We’ve made a lot of noise over the past few years, we’ve made a lot of friends, and we’ve stayed united during difficult and divisive times. All in all, I think I am leaving the NEJLC in a stronger position than when I started.
I am also happy to announce we have hired a fantastic new Executive Director, Lauren Banister. I trust that Lauren, along with our dedicated board and staff, will continue to build our presence and our impact across New England. We are fortunate to have had some overlap as she transitions into leadership, she has my full faith and confidence and I will continue to be available to her as a source of support and connections.
I cherish the advice and counsel I’ve received from my board and our many allies across New England. These are relationships I will continue to value and rely on as I move into this next chapter of my life. I don’t know exactly what my involvement in our work will look like over the coming years, but I know that this institution has an important role to play, and I am excited to see what comes next.
See you in the streets!
Jonathon Feinberg
A Message from Lauren Banister, New NEJLC Executive Director:
Dear Allies, Friends, and Future Friends,
I’m thrilled to be joining the New England Jewish Labor Committee as the new Executive Director.
I come to NEJLC with deep connections to both Jewish values-driven advocacy and labor organizing, including being part of two staff unionization efforts and serving as a bargaining member and steward in one. Most recently, I led national advocacy campaigns for synagogues and Jewish institutions to advocate for federal basic needs programs.
As a union organizer, I saw the power and impact of the JLC community firsthand, when voices from across the country came together to support our union recognition effort. I’m thrilled to join the 90-year legacy of this organization in connecting Jewish communities to the fight for economic and social justice.
I am also grateful to be joining at a time of such robust programming and engagement thanks to Jonathon’s leadership. I look forward to getting to know our networks of volunteers and partners, and to working with Miriam and the board to grow our engagement, launch a new training program, continue the Labor Seder tradition, and keep showing up in solidarity for workers throughout New England.