Democracy Resources

Purim Reminds Us Rights Shouldn’t Be Tied to the Whims of Rulers

A D’var Torah for Purim by Rabbi Micah Buck-Yael As a Queer and Trans Jew, Purim has long held a special place in my heart as a holiday that envisions a world in which oppression can be turned upside down, in which coming out can be liberatory and world-changing, and miracles come to life through...

Photo of the author, Rabbi Tova Leibovic-Douglas

Rosh Chodesh Adar: Turning Grief to Joy as Resistance

Adar is a month that invites us into an ancient, collective experience. It calls us to cultivate joy, even when we do not feel it naturally. Our ancestors knew there would be Adars when joy was hard to find, yet they committed themselves to honor the spirit of the month, to dare to seek joy even in the hardest times.

Capitol Building at sunset

“May We Create a Nation”: A New Prayer for Our Country

From Rabbi Seth Goldstein: We know that this is a nation founded by massacre, built by slavery, maintained by exclusion, defined by inequality. And we also know that this nation promises equality, exercises resilience, evolves continuously, practices teshuvah.

Search Resources

Rabbi Judith Edelstein, D. Min.

Ki Tetze: We Cannot Look Away

by Rabbi Judith Edelstein, D. Min.
You may be familiar with the notion about the wounded healer, popularized by the author Henri Nouwen in his book by that name. He asserts: “When we become aware that we do not have to escape our pains, but that we can mobilize them into a common search for life, those very pains are transformed...
more
A woman in kippah and blazer speaks into a megaphone with protest in background

Israel Resources for Clergy: High Holidays 5784

Resources for Jewish clergy preparing to talk and teach about Israel on the High Holidays.
more
Rabbi Lizz Goldstein

Shoftim: “Thus Blood of the Innocent Will not be Shed” The Necessity of Sanctuary

by Rabbi Lizz Goldstein
A self-proclaimed “melting pot,” a country that declared its independence by asserting that all men are created equal, should continue to be a sanctuary and refuge.
more
Rabbi Jessica Dell'Era Nussbaum

Re’eh: Open Your Hand and Lend Enough

by Rabbi Jessica Dell'Era Nussbaum
God entrusts us, flawed mortal beings as we are, with the responsibility to figure it out and take care of each other.
more
Rabbi Lina Zerbarini

Ekev: Seeking a Greater Wholeness Through Civilian Oversight

by Rabbi Lina Zerbarini
It is indisputable that there is serious, ongoing, and systemic racism in the institution of American law enforcement.
more

VaEt’chanan: Torah as a Life-Giving Force

by Rabbi Danny Stein
No matter the circumstances, each imprisoned and formerly imprisoned person deserves a life filled with dignity.
more

Shabbat Hazon: Massachusetts Reimagining Communities Sermon & Study Toolkit

by Cantor Vera Broekhuysen, with resources from Rabbi Becky Silverstein, Rabbi Jim Morgan, and Rabbi Shahar Colt
T'ruah invites Massachusetts clergy to use this toolkit as a way to connect the decarceration of women and girls in the Commonwealth with Shabbat Hazon.
more

Tisha B’Av: Making Reparations after Churban

by Rabbi Lynn Gottleib
It is not enough to mourn. Mourning must be accompanied by actions that end the harm being done. 
more

Devarim: The Rights and Responsibilities of the Diaspora

by Rabbi Laurie Green
Israel is too important for us to throw up our hands and turn away, just because it feels like we’re losing. Israel needs us and we need them.
more

Matot-Masei: Seeing the Good Through the Lens of Our Own Identities

by Rabbi Lev Meirowitz Nelson
...let us strive to learn from Zelophechad’s daughters, seeking good wherever we can find it.
more

Featured Holiday Resources

Sign up for updates and action alerts