In the early 20th century, as immigrant Jewish and Italian garment workers in the International Ladies Garment Workers Union fought horrific working conditions, miserly pay, and government repression, labor activist and Jewish immigrant Rose Schneiderman coined an iconic line: “The woman worker needs bread, but she needs roses too.”

“Bread and roses” became the rallying cry not only for work that puts bread on the table but for education, quality healthcare, and thriving communal life.

In this moment, while government and corporate forces are joining together to make working ever more precarious, the New England Jewish Labor Committee is launching the Rose Project, standing proudly in our Jewish labor roots and demanding bread and roses for all.

The Rose Project seeks to honor Rose Schneiderman’s legacy and that of all workers who have fought for what they deserve. The project is a cohort for emerging organizers ages 20-27. Members will commit to a role for at least 1 year organizing with a Boston-area union, during which NEJLC will provide several layers of support and training. The cohort will come together regularly to develop organizing skills, engage with Jewish labor history and text study, and celebrate community Shabbat dinners throughout the year.