Social Justice work goes beyond addressing short-term needs taking a close look at the underlying causes of injustice with an eye toward bringing about change.  This 10-lesson course explores historical and contemporary examples of Jewish commitment to social justice through the lens of Jewish wisdom manifest in our texts. Inspiring participants to take a stand and make a difference. Drawing from texts and history, topics of study include poverty, immigration, environmental degradation and more.

Table of Contents

Lesson 1 – What Is Jewish Social Justice?
Exploring the question: What does “social justice” mean in a Jewish context

Lesson 2 – Why do Jews do social justice?
Analyzing what motivates Jews to engage in social justice

Lesson 3 – When have Jews engaged in social justice?
Focusing on three case studies from the last century in which Jews played significant roles in social justice movements

Lesson 4 – Study and Action: Limmud and Ma’aseh
Introducing participants to social justice issues in their local community

Lesson 5 – Social Justice for Whom?
Focusing on several criteria considered by social justice activists when investing in a cause

Lesson 6 – Social Justice with Whom?
Focusing on the type of relationship that activists have with the issue and people they choose to help

Lesson 7 – Environmental Justice
Exploring the ways in which the earth itself is an entity to which justice is owed

Lesson 8 – Poverty: Hunger and Homelessness
Exploring hunger and homelessness as symptoms of poverty

Lesson 9 – Employment
Exploring the rights and obligations of employers and employees

Lesson 10 – Personal Growth for Social Justice
Connecting social justice activism with personal growth and self-improvement