The Jewish Federation Connecting with Community series presents "The Jewish Commitment to Civil Rights" with Rabbi Israel Dresner.

Rabbi Dresner was the foremost Rabbinic participant in the Civil Rights struggle of the 1960s and was one of the three rabbis who was closest to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  Dr. King spoke on two occasions (1963 and 1966) at Rabbi Dresner's congregation in Springfield, NJ.  Rabbi Dresner was the first Rabbi arrested in the freedom struggle in 1961 in an interfaith clergy freedom ride. 

President Obama honored Rabbi Dresner at the White House the evening before the 50 year anniversary celebration of the March on Washington.  To also honor Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, please join us.

This free program is part of the Federation’s Connecting With Community Series and will be followed by a kosher hot lunch. Lunch is a $2 suggested donation for adults over 60 years of age or $7 for all others. Advance reservations are required for lunch and can be made by calling (413) 442-2200 before 9 a.m. on the day of the program.