Jews for a Secular Democracy

10/05/2026

Symbols matter. So does the way power presents itself.

On October 3rd, Sec. of Defense Pete Hegseth spoke at the U.S. Air Force Academy before a redesigned “Department of War” emblem. The rigid eagle and militarized imagery quickly drew comparisons to authoritarian and specifically Nazi-era symbols. Whatever one concludes about the intent behind the design, the image raises questions we cannot afford to ignore: How is concentrated power normalized? When do domination and obedience begin to replace pluralism and democratic accountability?

These are among the questions at the heart of Dr. Bradley Onishi’s new book, American Caesar: How Theocrats and Tech Lords Are Turning America into a Monarchy.

Join JFASD on October 22nd for American Caesar: Are We Already There? We’ll explore how Christian Nationalists and powerful technology figures are finding common ground around a vision of executive power increasingly freed from democratic limits and what that means for religious freedom and secular democracy.

Thursday, October 22
8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT
Free and online

Register: https://bit.ly/BRADLEYONISHI

Image: Department of Defense/YouTube, via The Advocate

10/05/2026

So much happening in Tucson this week. Please join us!

We've got one more event for you Tucson! Learn more: tjmhc.org/programs-and-events

Four pages. More than 13 propositions. Do you know what’s on your ballot? Join us for "Trust at the Polls: What’s on Your Ballot?" — a free, nonpartisan opportunity to understand the propositions Tucson-area voters will see this November.

Trained facilitators from the League of Women Voters of Southern Arizona and the American Association of University Women will explain the measures by topic — no spin, no telling you how to vote, just information.

📅 Wednesday, Oct. 7 at 6 p.m.
📅 Thursday, Oct. 8 at 11 a.m.
📍 Tucson Jewish Museum & Holocaust Center

JFASD is proud to cosponsor!

Tucson Jewish Museum & Holocaust Center

10/04/2026

What’s your family’s immigration story?

One week from today, we'll gather around the dinner table in Tucson Arizona explore U.S. immigration history and the personal stories, memories and feelings that shape how each of us understands immigration and belonging today. If you live or will be visiting the area, please join us!

You don’t need to be an expert. Just come willing to listen, reflect and engage.

Curious Conversations: Because We Were Strangers…
Sunday, Oct. 11 | 4:30–6:30 PM
Oro Valley United Church of Christ
Register: tinyurl.com/CuriousPart1

Proud to be sponsoring this with the Tucson Jewish Museum & Holocaust Center!

Date: October 11, 2026Time: 4:30-6:30 PMLocation: Oro Valley United Church Of Christ, 1401 E El Conquistador Way, Oro Valley, AZ 85704

10/02/2026

We've got one more event for you Tucson! Learn more: tjmhc.org/programs-and-events

Four pages. More than 13 propositions. Do you know what’s on your ballot? Join us for "Trust at the Polls: What’s on Your Ballot?" — a free, nonpartisan opportunity to understand the propositions Tucson-area voters will see this November.

Trained facilitators from the League of Women Voters of Southern Arizona and the American Association of University Women will explain the measures by topic — no spin, no telling you how to vote, just information.

📅 Wednesday, Oct. 7 at 6 p.m.
📅 Thursday, Oct. 8 at 11 a.m.
📍 Tucson Jewish Museum & Holocaust Center

JFASD is proud to cosponsor!

Tucson Jewish Museum & Holocaust Center

10/02/2026

TUCSON! What happens when we stop talking at each other and start getting curious?

Join us October 11th for the first "Curious Conversations: Immigration, Identity and American Democracy" — an interfaith dinner and facilitated conversation about U.S. immigration history, belonging and our own immigration stories.

No lectures. No debate stage. Just dinner, shared learning and real conversation. Oct. 11 | 4:30–6:30 PM | Oro Valley

Tucson Jewish Museum & Holocaust Center Arizona Faith Network

https://www.tjmhc.org/programs-and-events/curious-conversations-part-1

10/02/2026

Are we already there?

In 2024, Dr. Bradley Onishi joined JFASD to help us understand the history and growing influence of white Christian nationalism. Now he returns to examine what has happened since—and where our country may be headed next.

Join us on October 22 for a timely conversation about his new book, American Caesar, the alliance forming among Christian nationalists, reactionary religious networks, and powerful technology leaders, and what it means for religious freedom and the future of secular democracy.

📅 Thursday, October 22
⏰ 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT
💻 Free and online

Register today: https://bit.ly/BRADLEYONISHI

10/01/2026

TUCSON:
Two dinners. Two timely conversations. One invitation to get curious. Join us for Curious Conversations: Immigration, Identity and American Democracy — a two-part interfaith dinner and discussion series in Oro Valley.

Next weekend — Sunday, Oct. 11:
Because We Were Strangers…
U.S. immigration history, our own family stories, and questions of identity and belonging.

Sunday, Oct. 25:
…We Must Welcome the Stranger
White Christian Nationalism Meets U.S. Immigration Policy.
Both evenings are free, dinner is included, and space is limited.
Register here:
Oct. 11: tinyurl.com/CuriousPart1
Oct. 25: tinyurl.com/CuriousPart2

Come curious. Come ready to listen. Come be part of the conversation.We are so proud to join all these amazing organizations for this very important series of conversations! Tucson Jewish Museum & Holocaust CenterArizona Faith Network

10/01/2026

UPDATE: The October 8 Pull Up & Plug In ID Clinic has moved to The Bridge Center, 9928 Grand River Ave., Detroit, MI 48204. The time is still 1:30–4:30 PM. Please share the updated location with anyone planning to attend.

The Michigan Secretary of State's Office (MDOS) will be on site, and the full cost of state IDs will be covered for people who qualify. Attendees should bring original documents. Copies will not be accepted.

Thursday, October 8, 2026
1:30 PM to 4:30 PM
The Bridge Center,
9928 Grand River Ave., Detroit, MI 48204

VAAC will be there providing voter education and registration support alongside Jews for a Secular Democracy and the Michigan League of Conservation Voters for National Voter Education Week!

Come get connected to the resources you need.
Before attending, visit linktr.ee/votingaccessforall and review the Michigan Secretary of State’s “Preparing for Your Mobile Office Visit” checklist. The checklist explains which documents you may need to bring.

For more information or help preparing for your visit:
Visit 🔗 vaac.me/IDatDABO
Email 📧 [email protected]
Call ☎️ 248-302-4463

10/01/2026

VAAC will join for a Secular Democracy and the League of Conservation Voters at Brightmoor Artisans Collective's 5th Annual Harvest Festival for an afternoon of community, food, local vendors, family activities, and resources.

Stop by our table to talk with us about voting in Michigan, get answers to voting questions, learn about your voting rights, and register to vote.

The Harvest Festival will also feature free food, local artisan vendors, Brightmoor’s Super Pantry with free food and household essentials, community organizations and resources, and family-friendly activities.

Event Details:
Saturday, October 3, 2026
1:00 to 5:00 PM
at
Brightmoor Artisans Collective
22735 Fenkell Ave.
Detroit, MI 48223

The event is free and open to the community.

09/29/2026

Tucson friends! October is packed with opportunities to gather, learn and engage. Join us!

🎬 Oct. 1 | 2 PM — Bad Faith
Free screening at The Loft Cinema exploring Christian Nationalism and democracy.

🗳️ Oct. 7 at 6 PM or Oct. 8 at 11 AM — Trust at the Polls: What’s on Your Ballot?
A free, nonpartisan program at the Tucson Jewish Museum & Holocaust Center explaining the propositions on Arizona’s November ballot.
More info: tjmhc.org/programs-and-events

💬 Oct. 11 & 25 | 4:30–6:30 PM — Curious Conversations: Immigration, Identity and American Democracy
Two interfaith dinners in Oro Valley built around stories, shared learning and facilitated conversation:
Oct. 11: Because We Were Strangers… — U.S. immigration history and our own immigration stories
Register: tinyurl.com/CuriousPart1
Oct. 25: We Must Welcome the Stranger… — White Christian Nationalism Meets U.S. Immigration Policy
Register: tinyurl.com/CuriousPart2

Different formats. Different conversations. One shared goal: a more informed, connected and engaged community.