Reform Jews played a vital role in the fight for racial equality, voting rights, and more in the 1960s, and that commitment continues today. Each year, the Reform Jewish Movement honors the legacy of the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by commemorating the Shabbat nearest to MLK Day as Shabbat Tzedek. Here you'll find resources for both MLK Day and Shabbat Tzedek observation.
What's New
In the Footsteps of John Lewis: Why We Continue to March for Democracy
"Give us the Ballot"- Honoring Dr. King by Protecting Voting Rights for All
Celebrating the 33rd Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act
Learning Materials
Books, Films, and More to Delve into Antiracism Work
The Union for Reform Judaism shares a robust list of resources that provide a look into institutional racism, privilege, and the lived experiences of Jews of Color.
URJ Audacious Hospitality Resources
Find resources, including our congregational toolkit, created by the URJ Audacious Hospitality team to help you make your community more equitable and inclusive.
Ways Your Congregation Can Act Now for Racial Justice
Here are a few things your congregation can do now, as well as resources and other opportunities from the URJ and our partner organizations.
Take Action
Reform Judaism and Racial Justice
The Reform Movement believes, unequivocally, that Black Lives Matter. Learn more about racial justice work in Reform congregations, write to Congress, and more.
3 Radical Facts About Martin Luther King Jr. and How to Honor His Full Legacy
To truly follow Judaism’s imperative to pursue justice, we must study and emulate the parts of Dr. King’s work that may make us uncomfortable.
Join the Conversation in The Tent
Join other congregational leaders who are discussing racial justice and dismantling systemic racism in The Tent, the URJ’s communications and collaboration platform.
Additional Materials
Podcast: Wholly Jewish
The first season of our podcast Wholly Jewish features interviews with Jews of Color sharing their experiences, insights, and how they enrich and create a more vibrant Jewish community.
The Multi-Cultural Library: Book Suggestions for Children
As you build a library for young people in your family or synagogue, prioritize books that include diversity, multiculturalism, antiracism, and prejudice reduction. This list of books is a great place to start.
Turn the Tables on Racial Justice: A Shabbat Dinner Host Guide
Created in partnership with Repair the World, this discussion guide raises complex issues and challenges our vision of a just society.
A Prayer for Shabbat Tzedek
Rabbi Neil P.G. Hirsch and Koach Baruch Frazier share a prayer for Shabbat Tzedek in connection with Martin Luther King, Jr. Day weekend.
Text Studies
These text studies can be used to consider how Jewish values and teachings from the Torah informs our involvement in social justice movements generally and the Civil Rights Movement in particular.
Civil Rights and the Jewish Tradition LBGT Extension Martin Luther King Jr. and the Torah
Religious School Resources
These lesson plans can be used to introduce MLK Day or the civil rights movement to synagogue or interfaith community education classes.