Social Justice Commission High Holiday Reader 5785

Social Justice Commission High Holiday Reader 5785

As we hear the sacred blasts of the shofar’s call, I am always struck by the power of how such a simple instrument can evoke such a wide and deep range of emotions, thoughts, and hopes, both personal and communal.

As our tradition teaches, the sound of the shofar can literally break down the walls, both physical and spiritual. It can shatter complacency and indifference, move us from the narrow to the expansive, and inspire us to move forward while simultaneously remembering the past. It also reminds us that words can only go so far but a cry for compassion, justice, and forgiveness takes concrete action.

As we look forward to the New Year of 5785, I am excited to share some of the Torah from the Social Justice Commission of Conservative/Masorti Judaism. We are the central address for our Movement’s social justice efforts, bringing together rabbis of the RA, cantors, USCJ, Women’s League, Men’s Clubs, USY, and our Seminaries to organize, educate, and advocate on behalf of a wide range of social justice issues.

We believe that by coming together we can not only amplify our collective energy but also bring our unique understanding of Torah to the Holy work we do. I hope you find meaning in this Machzor supplement and sign-up for our monthly SJC newsletter.

L’Shanah Tovah Tikateivu v’Tikateimu!
Rabbi Michael Singer

Find All of the Social Justice Commission's Essays for their 5785 High Holiday Reader below:

Promoting Isaiah On Yom Kippur

Promoting Isaiah On Yom Kippur

Engaging with Operation Isaiah is a demand to eliminate the scourge of hunger. May we see the day when healthy food is available to all.
A Racial Justice ViduiConfessional

A Racial Justice Vidui/Confessional

We offer this contemporary “Ashamnu,” confession, for this moment. Some of the sins are ours, others are part of society's complex systems.
A Social Justice Harachaman

A Social Justice HaRachaman

God wants us to act and open our hearts. This prayer reminds us that when we do justice work, we are doing G!d’s work.
CARING FOR CREATION PRAYER

Caring For Creation Prayer

A short prayer, inspired by and quoting the Prophet Isaiah, connecting us to nature, the environment, and all of creation.
Hagar Enslaved Woman

Hagar, Enslaved Woman

May these Days of Awe help us understand more deeply and act more forcefully on behalf of the enslaved and marginalized in our society.
A Meditation/Kavannah on the Shofar and Civic Engagement

A Meditation/Kavannah on the Shofar and Civic Engagement

May the shofar blasts become our catalysts inspiring us to civic participation and the preservation of our democracy.
Approaching Tashlikh - Casting Off Racism

Approaching Tashlikh: Casting Off Racism

May our casting of the bread upon the waters lead to a concerted common effort to confront and confound racism throughout the New Year.
The Shofar Is Calling Us Toward Queer Reconciliation: A Kavvanah

The Shofar Is Calling Us Toward Queer Reconciliation: A Kavvanah

The shofar's call urges us to examine our own biases and privileges, to stand in solidarity and to advocate for change.

Author

  • Social Justice Commission

    Serving as a central address within the movement, the Social Justice Commission (SJC) works through consensus to evolve a vision of social justice through the lens of Conservative/Masorti Judaism. We strive to educate, advocate, and organize around the issues of today, articulating that acts of social justice are mitzvot.

    View all posts https://www.rabbinicalassembly.org/webform/social-justice-committee-mailing-list

Author

  • Social Justice Commission

    Serving as a central address within the movement, the Social Justice Commission (SJC) works through consensus to evolve a vision of social justice through the lens of Conservative/Masorti Judaism. We strive to educate, advocate, and organize around the issues of today, articulating that acts of social justice are mitzvot.

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