Reparations Shabbat
Join Reconstructionist communities for a Shabbat dedicated to learning, reflection and action on reparations.
What is Reparations Shabbat?
A Reparations Shabbat is a weekend of congregational programming dedicated to learning about reparations and moving toward action. It can be as simple as a single d’var Torah or as expansive as a full weekend of study, ritual and community programming.
Parashat Bo, when we read the story of the Israelites receiving reparations from the Egyptians on their journey from slavery to freedom, offers a meaningful opportunity to re-engage with the commitments made in the Reconstructionist movement’s 2023 Reparations Resolution.
Plan Your Reparations Shabbat
Explore resources to help create a meaningful Reparations Shabbat for your community.
Is your community celebrating Reparations Shabbat this year? Register as a participant!
Prayers, readings and ritual materials for incorporating reparations into Shabbat.
Curricula and educational resources for adult and congregational learning.
Age-appropriate resources for engaging children and teens.
Films and accompanying materials for community learning and conversation.
Watch author Rebecca Clarren explore the intertwined histories of Jewish immigration, Indigenous dispossession and the movement for Native American reparations.
Practical examples, tools and resources to help congregations move from supporting reparations to taking meaningful action.
Why Organize a Reparations Shabbat Now?
In January 2023, the Reconstructionist movement passed a historic resolution on reparations, committing ourselves to reparative work as a Jewish pathway toward racial justice, healing and societal transformation.
The years since, including the aftermath of October 7 and the war in Gaza, have strained relationships between many Jewish communities and progressive partners and made racial justice work more complicated to navigate. But our commitment to the dignity and equality of BIPOC Jews and our non-Jewish BIPOC neighbors remains.
Reparations Shabbat offers communities an opportunity to return to those commitments together through learning, reflection and action.
Bring Reparations Shabbat Into Your Community
Bring the themes of reparations, racial justice and repair into your community with original artwork commissioned from Black Jewish artists Ayeola Omolara Kaplan and Marjorie Attignol Salvodon. Artwork is available to order for display in your congregation or community.
