At Jewish Family Service of Metrowest (JFS), Black History Month is an opportunity not only to honor the tremendous achievements and resilience of Black Americans, but also to reflect on the deep historical connections between Black and Jewish communities—connections rooted in shared experiences of oppression, faith, and the pursuit of justice.
Both communities carry collective histories marked by displacement, discrimination, and violence, as well as extraordinary perseverance. These parallel experiences helped fuel moments of profound solidarity, most notably during the U.S. Civil Rights Movement. Jewish leaders, students, and organizations stood alongside Black activists in the fight against segregation and voter suppression, guided by a shared moral imperative to act.
The friendship between Martin Luther King Jr. and Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel remains a powerful symbol of this partnership. Marching together in Selma, they embodied the belief that faith demands action—a belief that continues to guide social service and justice work today.
At JFS, this shared legacy resonates deeply with our mission. Whether supporting individuals facing food insecurity, housing instability, trauma, or displacement, our work is grounded in Jewish values of dignity, compassion, and responsibility for one another—values that closely align with the Black freedom tradition’s enduring call for justice, equity, and collective care.
As we observe Black History Month, we honor this intertwined history with humility and gratitude. We also recommit ourselves to standing against racism, antisemitism, and all forms of hatred, and to strengthening partnerships that advance equity, safety, and belonging for all.