Human Rights Shabbat

Having once been slaves in Egypt, Shabbat is a symbolic vehicle for the continued liberation of the oppressed. According to the Bible, the designated day of rest is binding upon every human, regardless of their social status. This means that in ancient times, even servants, slaves, the strangers who lived amongst established communities and animals were entitled to a day of rest and rejuvenation.

At René Cassin, we hope to vocalise the powerful message of Shabbat, by bringing Jewish communities and the general community together to celebrate our freedom and to focus on our ongoing work in relation to human rights.

The revolution that Shabbat embodies remains incomplete. There are too many people in our world today who are not free and whose human dignity is threatened.

René Cassin hosts Shabbat events at synagogues and other faith-based institutions around the UK. Human Rights Shabbats bring communities together to celebrate social justice and human rights from a Jewish historical perspective and to establish sustainable social action initiatives. Through Human Rights Shabbats, activists from participating synagogues will have the tools to mobilise their communities and to support the development of social justice activity.

Resource pack

Download our Human Rights Shabbat Resource Pack, which was put together with the help of dedicated René Cassin volunteers. The resource pack aims to take communities from study to action. It contains background information, Jewish sources and practical tips on equality, slavery, justice, asylum, dignity and responsibility.

Download Challenges Facing the Israeli Army pdf

René Cassin has staged Human Rights Shabbats at the following communities:

  • North Western Reform (also know as Alyth)
  • Beth Shalom, Cambridge Reform Synagogue
  • Neve Shalom, Leicester Progressive Jewish Congregation
  • Muswell Hill Synagogue
  • Nottingham Progressive Jewish Congregation
  • Pinner & Northwood Liberal Synagogue
  • Oxford Jewish Congregation
  • Wimbledon Reform Synagogue
  • Edinburgh Liberal Congregation
  • Manchester Reform Synagogue
  • Birmingham Progressive Synagogue
  • New London Synagogue
  • Hampstead Synagogue
  • Edgware Synagogue
  • South Hampstead Synagogue
  • Stanmore Synagogue
  • Nottingham Liberal Synagogue
  • Borehamwood and Elstree United Synagogue
  • Brighton and Hove Progressive Synagogue
  • Radlett and Bushey Reform Synagogue
  • Beit Klal Yisrael, Notting Hill Gate
  • Finchley Reform Synagogue
  • The Liberal Jewish Synagogue, St.John’s Wood
  • Southgate Reform Synagogue
  • Southgate and District Reform Synagogue
  • Kol Nefesh Masorti Synagogue
  • Bedford Progressive Synagogue
  • Birmingham Reform Synagogue
  • South London Liberal Synagogue
  • Woodford Liberal Synagogue