More on Ethics and Values
Keeping Judaism Alive Behind Prison Walls
Serving Jewish prisoners in state prison, rabbinic students find new perspectives on freedom and responsibility.
Hagar the Stranger
To love the stranger represents an outrageous leap out of the typical moral economy, in which we do kindnesses and expect to be repaid in kind. In loving the stranger, we transcend self-interest.
Amidah for Peace, Justice and Immigration
This alternative Amidah was used during mincha prayers by members of the Reconstructionist Rabbinic Association outside of an Immigration Processing Center in order to call attention to the plight of immigrants and underscore the importance of the Jewish obligation to welcome the stranger.
psalm 79: pour out your love
Rabbi Brant Rosen’s poem responds to Psalm 79, challenging us to welcome the stranger even, and especially, in uncomfortable ways.
Hagar: The Immigrant Worker
This provocative Rosh Hashanah sermon draws parallels between Hagar, Sarah’s mistreated servant, and today’s immigrant workers.
Let's Journey Together
In an essay that appeared in Philadelphia’s Jewish Exponent, Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D., makes the case that Reconstructionist Judaism matters now more than ever.
The Book of Ruth: A Torah of Lovingkindness in the Face of Death
Rabbi David Gedzelman explores the Book of Ruth with an eye toward structures of covenantal openness, societal protection and compassion towards the other.
Judaism and Journalistic Ethics - Video with Transcript
Video and transcript of conversation on journalistic ethics and Jewish values
Jewish Tradition and Journalistic Ethics Audio
Rabbi David Teutsch, Ph.D., discusses the role of the free press in the Jewish community and American society, and what Jewish values can teach us about journalistic ethics.
Jewish Values and Journalistic Ethics
Rabbi David Teutsch, Ph.D., discusses the role of the free press in the Jewish community and American society, and what Jewish values can teach us about journalistic ethics.
Each of us can work to preserve dignity in the public square
[Our religious traditions] all believe in the importance of these values: speaking the truth, the sanctity of human life, and the obligation to treat every person with dignity.
Love, Enemies and Evil: Beshalakh Text Study
In this text study for Parashat Beshalakh, Rabbi Toba Spitzer examines the fate of the Egyptians at the Red Sea and our tradition’s ethical sensitivity to their plight.
Author Interview: Guide to Jewish Practice
Interview with Rabbi David Teutsch, Ph.D., about the issues addressed in the new Guide to Jewish Practice
Tikkun Olam, Unpacked
What is tikkun olam? In this extended article, Rabbi Jeremy Schwartz digs deep into the sources, underpinnings, and implications of “world repair.”
Making Decisions on Controversial Issues
How can congregations best handle controversial issues and explore the values underlying disagreements about issues?