Abraham and the Unexpected Needs of Refugees

As our ancestor Abraham experienced, our most liminal moments also often coincide with moments calling for meaning-making and the rituals that bring us spiritually home. Yet few who flee by forced circumstances arrive with the means that Abraham had to purchase the dignity of sacred space and time.
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All God’s Creatures Great and Small (Parshat Noach)

The dominion over animals given to humans in Genesis 1:27, compared with the rabbis’ notion that humans were created equal to the rest of creation, is an example of God’s and our own ambivalence about being the stewards of every other plant and animal species. Noah’s care of the animals, taken in light of permission to eat them, seems to suggest that he owns them and can do what he wants with them. We, like God and our Sages, seem also to be ambivalent about our role as stewards of the rest of creation.
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Re’eh: See Immokalee with your own eyes and you’ll understand

See. Re’eh. Much of Sefer Devarim instructs us to listen—Shma. Listening is one important way that people understand and empathize with the stories of others. When we hear or read these from afar, we feel great empathy and outrage. But in our portion, the mitzvot we are called to fulfill require that we see life’s...
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The Finest That We Have To Offer (Parshat Tetzaveh)

Commentary on Parshat Tetzaveh (Exodus 27:20 – 30:10) In religious and spiritual communities, I am often asked to “shed layers” — that is, to dig deep into my soul, discerning what truly matters and letting go of the rest. There is a sense that spiritual connection has to do with getting rid of the extra...
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Community of Practice: Israel/Palestine

This Community of Practice is for Chaverim who look to answer the question, “how can I be a clergy member who effectively leads in my Jewish space and in my larger community around issues of Israel and Palestine?”
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Introducing Emor

Words create worlds. Words expand our sense of what is possible and drive us to act. At T’ruah, we envision a world where human rights are at the center of public discourse, and where the Jewish community leads with a deep understanding of Judaism as an inclusive, justice-seeking tradition driven by love rather than fear....
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Apply to Join a Working Group

T’ruah’s working groups help to guide and implement campaign strategy and programs. These working groups are a means for rabbis, cantors, and Jewish lay leaders to expand and strengthen T’ruah’s moral voice for human rights. If you would like to contribute your time and talents to a working group, please fill out the form below...
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Spotlight On: Rabbi Jennifer Schlosberg

Rabbi Jennifer Schlosberg is the rabbi at the Glen Rock Jewish Center, right across the George Washington Bridge from New York City. Her synagogue community serves 200 member families and about an additional 75 nursery school families. T’ruah spoke with Rabbi Schlosberg in spring 2021. This interview has been edited for clarity. T’ruah: What drew...
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