Jews for a Secular Democracy

08/19/2026

Thank you, Congressman Jared Huffman, for being such a staunch defender of church-state separation and always advocating for *genuine* religious freedom for all Americans!

08/18/2026

Whose beliefs should determine our laws?

Join Jews for a Secular Democracy on Wednesday, September 9th at 7 PM ET for "Abortion Rights and Christian Nationalism: Whose Beliefs? Whose Laws?" Register: https://bit.ly/jfasdabortionrights

National abortion-law expert Greer Donley of the University of Pittsburgh School of Law and Susan J. Frietsche, Executive Director of the Women’s Law Project, will help us understand what is happening with abortion rights in Pennsylvania and across the country and how these battles intersect with Christian Nationalism, religious freedom, and church–state separation.

Abortion rights are about bodily autonomy and healthcare. They are also about whether the government can impose one religious worldview on everyone.

Free + virtual. Register: bit.ly/jfasdabortionrights

The important program is part of our Jewish Women and Religious Freedom in Pittsburgh Project, sponsored by the Jewish Women's Foundation of Greater Pittsburgh.

08/03/2026

What is wrong with the phrase “Judeo-Christian values”? So much!

In this short clip, JFASD National Director Katie Reiter explains why the phrase may sound inclusive—but often does the opposite. It erases meaningful differences between Judaism and Christianity, tokenizes Jewish people and implies Jewish support for policies that most Jews do not necessarily share.

The phrase also excludes Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, members of Indigenous traditions, atheists, agnostics and millions of other Americans of different faiths and traditions. A pluralistic democracy should not divide people into religious insiders and outsiders!

As Katie says earlier in the conversation:
“The hyphen in ‘Judeo-Christian’ does not create inclusivity. It places a Jewish label on Christian nationalist policies.”

Watch the clip—and then view the entire conversation about religious freedom and the work of Jews for a Secular Democracy:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5I2c5MdO2E

Thank you to the International Institute for Secular Humanistic Judaism for hosting this important discussion.
Learn more at www.iishj.org

07/23/2026

Looking for something to do, that might actually make a difference? Join us and learn how you can help build safer, more accountable communities by talking with your local Sheriff.

Sheriffs swear an oath to uphold the Constitution—not a political leader, party, or religious ideology. Jews for a Secular Democracy is proud to cosponsor the "Talk to Your Sheriff" Election Pledge Movement Call, hosted by The Workers Circle on July 28th at 8:00 PM ET. Register at: https://www.mobilize.us/theworkerscircle/event/986906/?utm_source=JSD

The call will launch a nationwide effort encouraging sheriffs to publicly commit to protecting free and fair elections, constitutional rights, and the peaceful transfer of power. Participants will also receive practical tools for engaging their own local sheriffs.

Voting rights and church-state separation depend on public officials applying the law impartially—without allowing partisan pressure or religious doctrine to override their constitutional responsibilities. Local law enforcement must help voters participate safely and without intimidation.

07/23/2026

"California is losing in a moral footrace to states like Oklahoma and Missouri." Fantastic piece by our friend and ally Kevin Bollinger at Secular Student Alliance. He mentions the incredible advocacy of our friends and allies at Unchained At Last and points out that religious extremism is often a factor.

“Child marriage overwhelmingly happens to girls being handed to older men. It has nothing to do with love and everything to do with power.”

07/21/2026

MI Peeps: Voting is a Jewish Thing: How to Protect Elections
Please read our article about how to get involved beyond voting.

Jewish Groups Mobilize Metro Detroit Voters Ahead of Primary Election

07/21/2026

Happy Election Day Arizona!

07/10/2026

Our elections belong to the people.

The firing of the remaining members of the U.S. Election Assistance Commission is another troubling attempt to weaken an independent institution that helps support our democracy.

The good news is that no president can simply take over America’s elections. States and local officials still run our elections, and federal law limits the EAC’s authority.

But attacks on independent election institutions still matter. They erode public trust and threaten the checks and balances that protect our democracy.

At Jews for a Secular Democracy, we believe democracy depends on the rule of law—not the rule of one person. Every eligible voter deserves the freedom to vote, and every legal ballot deserves to be counted.

Months before the midterms, the only federal agency dedicated solely to election administration is now unable to do anything.

07/03/2026

As America marks its 250th anniversary, Representatives Jared Huffman and Jamie Raskin are introducing a resolution reaffirming a core constitutional principle: the separation of religion and government. We are proud to endorse this resolution.

Church-state separation protects everyone’s freedom to believe, not believe, or change their beliefs without government coercion. It also prevents any religious majority from using public power to impose its beliefs on others.

At a time when Christian nationalists are trying to redefine the United States as a Christian nation, Congress must reaffirm that our secular Constitution belongs to all of us.

Ask your representative to cosponsor or otherwise support the Huffman-Raskin resolution. More information available at: https://huffman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/huffman-raskin-introduce-resolution-reaffirming-church-state-separation-ahead-of-americas-250th-anniversary