06/18/2026
Tomorrow, the Pozez JCC will be closed in observance of Juneteenth (Friday, June 19). Juneteenth commemorates the day in 1865 when more than 250,000 enslaved people in Texas were finally informed of their freedom, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. Officially recognized as a federal holiday in 2021, it's often called America’s “second Independence Day.
At the JCC, we connect Juneteenth with our own tradition and values :
- Herut (Freedom): Just as we remember our Exodus from Egypt each Passover, Juneteenth reminds us how freedom delayed is still freedom—and calls us to ensure liberty for all .
- Tzedek (Justice): Judaism teaches “tzedek, tzedek tirdof” (pursue justice). Juneteenth highlights systemic injustice, and challenges us to stand in solidarity for fairness and equality.
- Yizkor (Remembrance): Learning and remembering the long arc of slavery, Reconstruction, and civil rights is vital.
- Kehillah (Community): Celebrations and gatherings unify communities. As Jews, supporting Juneteenth events affirms our shared commitment to justice.
- Tikvah (Hope): Stories of resilience from both Jewish and Black histories remind us that each step toward justice matters.
To learn more, we recommend this article: https://www.jccmilwaukee.org/juneteenth-and-jewish-values/
