Bring Human Rights Shabbat to Your Community

On Human Rights Shabbat, we celebrate the deep intersections between Judaism and human rights. Since 2008, nearly 500 communities have joined this celebration. Human Rights Shabbat is observed on the Shabbat closest to International Human Rights Day, December 10, which is the anniversary of the UN’s adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. We...
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Ending Tax Benefits for Terrorists

Israel’s far-right Kahanist movement is drawing new scrutiny and attention following Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s recent announcement that he welcomes bringing Otzma Yehudit, a reincarnation of Meir Kahane’s outlawed Kach party, into his governing coalition. This racist movement, made up of numerous far-right, terrorism-promoting groups that share the same leaders and activists as Otzma Yehudit...
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Worker Justice

“Great is work, as it gives honor to the one who does it.” —Nedarim 49b Our tradition tells us that it is a Jewish moral imperative to treat workers fairly. But we know that in this country and around the world, the workplace is often ground zero for forced labor, exploitation, wage theft, and violence...
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Immigration Justice

“Therefore, love the ger*: for you were gerim in the land of Egypt.” -Deuteronomy 10:19 Most immigrants to the U.S. come seeking safety, freedom, and a better life, just as many of our families did. Jewish texts, history, traditions, and values compel us to welcome them with dignity and compassion. But our country’s policies towards...
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Sandra Lawson

Sandra Lawson is a second year rabbinical student at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College. Prior to moving to Philadelphia she worked as a personal trainer, an Adjunct Professor, and served as the Investigative Researcher for the Anti-Defamation League’s Southeast Region, becoming the go-to person when Law Enforcement in the South needed information on hate groups. As...
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Mass Incarceration

“Exalted and High, Mighty and Awesome, You bring low the proud and lift up the fallen; You free the imprisoned, redeem the humble, and help the poor.” -Blessing after the Shema, Morning service Mass incarceration is a racial justice issue. We cannot achieve real change unless we recognize and name that racism is at the...
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Modern Day Slavery and Human Trafficking

“This year we are slaves; next year, may we be free.” —Passover Haggadah “No one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the slave trade shall be prohibited in all other forms.” —Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 4 T’ruah is leading the charge in the Jewish community against modern-day slavery and human trafficking,...
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Yovel / Jubilee: Fifty Years Since 1967

ORDER YOUR YOVEL GUIDE HERE Plus New Rabbinic Teachings on Video [bs_icon name=”glyphicon glyphicon-play”] The year 2017/5777 marked 50 years since the Six-Day War, when Israel captured East Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza. This anniversary calls both for celebration of Jewish sovereignty over our holiest site, the Temple Mount, and a more somber commemoration of...
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Fighting Antisemitism

“Love your neighbor as yourself.” -Leviticus 19:18 T’ruah is committed to standing against antisemitism in all its manifestations. As antisemitic incidents increase at an alarming rate, rabbis and cantors are often on the front lines, facing antisemitic flyering, graffiti, and vandalism; harassment and threats; and in some cases, violence. Those who wear identifiably Jewish clothing...
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Democracy and Voting Rights

“A ruler is not to be appointed unless the community is first consulted.” -Babylonian Talmud Berachot 55a Since right-wing politicians in many states are working to undermine the basic process of voting and the people’s trust in our election institutions, the work we do is crucial to securing our rights to vote and participate in...
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