Nights at the Round Table: Conversations about Environmental Justice

Drawing on the values of the holiday Tu B’Shvat, “Jewish Arbor Day,” this Nights at the Round Table will explore environmental justice. Hear from a panel of speakers working locally for equal access to natural resources and equal protection from pollution. Then join the discussion and develop tools to take action over a shared meal. Dinner features dishes inspired by foods traditionally eaten during a Tu B’Shvat seder. Panelists include Rhonda Hamilton, Dr. Janet Phoenix, and Brenda Lee Richardson, moderated by Dahlia Rockowitz. Presented in partnership with Casey Trees, Dayenu: A Jewish Call to Climate Action, Interfaith Power & Light (DC. MD. NoVA), and Jewish Earth Alliance.

Schedule

6:00-6:30 pm | Panel Discussion

6:30-8:00 pm | Dinner and Discourse

8:00-8:30 pm | Dessert and Action Steps

Must be 21 or older to attend and present a valid ID at the door.

If the ticket price is a barrier to entry, please reach out to Lisa Del Sesto at [email protected].

*Kosher meal available upon advance request.

Meet the Panelists and Moderator

Rhonda Hamilton is commissioner on Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6D and advocates on behalf of Ward 6 to address environmental concerns and other issues that negatively impact her community, especially the well-being of low- to moderate-income residents. Janet A. Phoenix, MD, MPH, MS, is an Assistant Research Professor in the Departments of Health Policy and Management in the Milken Institute School of Public Health at George Washington University. Dr. Phoenix is the founder and manager of the Healthy Homes Visiting Program, an evidence-based program to reduce exposure to asthma triggers in the home environment. Brenda Lee Richardson is an eco-feminist with a vested interest in disfavored communities and racial equity. She currently is the Coordinator of the Anacostia Parks & Community Collaborative and serves on the board of several environmental justice organizations, including for Casey Trees. Dahlia Rockowitz is the Director of Campaigns & Partnership at Dayenu: A Jewish Call to Climate Action. She believes in the power of everyday people to demand and win inclusive, equitable, and ambitious climate solutions.

Nights at the Round Table is a discussion-based series that promotes conversation, community-building, and civic engagement around contemporary issues.
Chai 💙 tickets help subsidize the cost of regular tickets, making this program more accessible to all.

Support for this program is provided in part by the Morse-Loeb Fund.

Image: Color photograph of the Potomac River and the Francis Scott Key Bridge with DC in the distance, ca. 1950-60s. Capital Jewish Museum Collection. Gift of Rhoda Ritzenberg.