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Jewish Values. British Values. Human Rights: Where Values Meet

Human Rights Shabbat is marked each year on the Shabbat closest to International Human Rights Day, celebrating the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on 10 December 1948.

This year’s Human Rights Shabbat invited Jewish communities across the UK to reflect on the values that unite us: dignity, justice, freedom and responsibility. These principles lie at the heart of Jewish tradition, are reflected in British civic life, and form the foundation of the international human rights framework.

Human rights are not only concerns of governments and institutions. They shape the way we treat one another in our families, communities and wider society. Jewish teachings call on us to recognise the dignity of every person and our responsibility towards one another. Likewise, British civic values emphasise fairness, mutual respect and service. Together, these traditions challenge us to build communities grounded in compassion, respect and freedom.

At a time when public debate often feels increasingly divided and polarised, Human Rights Shabbat provides an opportunity for thoughtful conversation and reflection. It encourages us not only to protect our own rights and freedoms, but also to uphold the dignity and rights of others. In doing so, we strengthen the bonds that hold our society together and reaffirm our shared commitment to human dignity.

To support communities in marking Human Rights Shabbat 2026, René Cassin has produced a resource exploring the connections between Jewish values, British civic life and human rights. The resource includes materials to help facilitate discussion and reflection in synagogues, schools, community groups and families.

Download the Human Rights Shabbat 2026 resource and join communities across the UK exploring what dignity, justice and freedom mean in practice today.

Human Rights Shabbat 2026 Resource