“This work we do is both holy and complex and at times can be lonely. That is why I am a member of T’ruah — because I, too, need to be gathered, to learn from and be led by rabbis, to be supported in the biggest and even the most mundane of the challenges we face.”
Rabbi Ari Witkin
What is the T’ruah chaverim network?
T’ruah chaverim are rabbis and cantors who stand up to be counted as human rights leaders, nationally and in their own communities. The chaverim network consists of more than 2,300 Jewish clergy bringing a moral voice to human rights in the United States, Canada, Israel, and the occupied Palestinian territories. Chaverim support one another, their communities, and our collective work in the world through learning, advocacy, and more. Chaverim are listed publicly on our website, but being one of T’ruah’s chaverim does not imply endorsement of every organizational statement or position.
Why should I join?
When you join the chaverim network, you become part of an incredible community of like-minded rabbis and cantors. You’ll have thoughtful, generous colleagues with whom you can share ideas, learn, and grow.
Many chaverim tell us this is the thing they value the most.
You will also receive:
- Access to educational opportunities just for chaverim, both in-person live and virtual, that offer rabbinic framing and support for addressing human rights issues within our communities.
- Exclusive study guides, holiday resources, and teaching tools to enhance your analysis of the T’ruah’s core issues.
- Access to T’ruah’s Chaverim Hub with up-to-date events and opportunities to take action.
- Opportunities to join Communities of Practice, our cohorts of chaverim who meet for shared learning and support around a specific issue, such as antisemitism, racial justice, and working in a swing state.
- One-on-one consultations with T’ruah staff and leaders on topics of their choosing, such as support around advocacy or organizing efforts.
- Access to advance registration for trips to the U.S./Mexico border or the occupied Palestinian territories, or other immersive trips we may hold.
- Eligibility to take on leadership roles, such as being part of campaign working groups, local organizing councils, etc.
- Access to and support for building relationships with elected officials and their staffs that lead to progress on our human rights agenda
Who can be a member?
T’ruah welcomes the membership of Jewish clergy (rabbi, rabba, maharat, and/or cantor) who meet both of the following criteria:
- Ordination by a program of rabbinic or cantorial study; and
- Membership in good standing of a recognized rabbinic organization/council, alumni association, or movement that maintains a code of ethics and a process for adjudicating ethics violations.
On occasion, there may be exceptions to the criteria above. In those cases, T’ruah staff may request additional information and will consider membership on an ad hoc basis.
We reserve the right to delay or deny acceptance to or end the membership of anyone accused of an ethics violation, even if it has not been adjudicated.
Note: At this time, Rabbinic Pastors and Kohanot are not eligible for membership.
What is the expected annual contribution for chaverim members?
As chaverim, you are our partners as we work to protect and expand human rights in North America, Israel, and the occupied Palestinian territories. And we know that every act of support comes nediv lev — from the heart. Your support is critical for our financial health and the success of our mission. Thank you.
We suggest a contribution of $360/year or $30/month. Chaverim give a wide range of support, from $18 to $10,000 annually. We welcome any gift that is meaningful to you. Clergy are not required to give to be part of the chaverim network. Membership for chaverim in their first year post ordination is complimentary.
You can make a membership gift here if you are a current chaver. If you are not yet a member, please fill out the form below and we will be in touch about your membership gift.
Chaverim who give monthly are automatically also members of the Shofar Society and do not need to give an additional monthly gift.
Ready to join? Fill out the form below and a member of our staff will contact you.
Not sure if you’re already a member? Check here. If you are already a member and want to be added to the chaverim listserv, please email our Manager of Rabbinic Education, Rabbi Matt Dreffin (mdreffin@truah.org).
Chaverim Spotlights
