On June 19, 1865—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation—enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas were finally informed that they were free. Juneteenth marks this powerful moment of delayed liberation and is a time to honor the resilience, culture, and ongoing struggle for justice in the Black community.

As a Jewish community, we are intimately familiar with the imperative to remember oppression and celebrate freedom. Every year at Passover, we recall the Exodus from Egypt and affirm that we were once slaves, commanded not only to remember our own journey but to pursue justice for others still seeking liberation: “Tzedek, tzedek tirdof” — Justice, justice you shall pursue (Deuteronomy 16:20).

Judaism teaches that memory must be active. Just as we are instructed to tell the story of our freedom each generation, Juneteenth calls us to reckon with America’s history of slavery and its legacy and to stand in solidarity with those continuing the fight for racial equity today.



At the JCA, we strive to build a community rooted in justice, dignity, and belonging for all. As we honor Juneteenth, may we renew our commitment to these values—not only in reflection but in action.