Social Change Shabbat
Social Change Shabbat is a Shabbat meal held with friends, family, and neighbors during which guests participate in an intentional conversation about a specific topic related to social change. The goal of a Social Change Shabbat is to share ideas, be inspired, learn from one another, and collaboratively brainstorm ways to transform learning into action.
The Intersection of Judaism and Social Justice
Shabbat is a time of intentional rest and reflection. It is also a time to enjoy togetherness and experience a deep connection to others. In this way, Shabbat is uniquely able to provide a space for internal contemplation while simultaneously encouraging communal interaction. This duality creates an environment conducive to a deliberate discussion about Judaism and its teachings on global citizenship and responsibility. In addition, Jewish values center on constant learning, community engagement, and social action. By integrating a conversation on social disparities into the ritual of Shabbat, we are connecting to these values and shaping a Jewish community that is based on a fight against injustice.
Outline of Program
For information on how to host a Shabbat meal, including rituals and blessings and sustainable preparation ideas, please see the guide that Pursue created for Global Hunger Shabbat. This guide contains a trove of resources on food justice, and general Shabbat information begins on page 3.
We encourage you to use the outline below at your Social Change Shabbat to help facilitate conversation and brainstorm ideas for action. None of these questions are mandatory nor is this agenda set in stone. This is a guide and you should feel free to cater it to your own audience. We’d love to hear how your meal goes—please feel free to be in touch at info@pursueaction.org.
1. Introductions:
- The “go around”: Ask people to introduce themselves by name and answer a question:
- What intrigued you about this Shabbat gathering?
- How do you define social justice?
- What does a just world look like to you?
- What social justice cause are you most passionate about?
- Describe Pursue and our theory of change (see Our Work).
- Introduce the idea behind Social Change Shabbat.
- Give a brief overview of the agenda for the evening.
2. Starting the Conversation:
- Give a brief history of the topic/issue– how did it develop?
- Describe any relevant current events or activities connected to the issue locally, nationally, and globally.
- Name the key players in the situation – who are the stakeholders and who holds the power to make change?
- Pick key terms related to your topic and brainstorm definitions.
3. Getting into the Meat (or Tofu) of the Discussion
- Understanding the problem:
- What factors are contributing most to the current situation?
- What do you feel as you listen to the details surrounding this issue?
- Can you envision what life is like for those affected by the injustice?
- Finding a solution:
- Brainstorm key people who could or should be involved in the solution.
- How could the injustice be righted in an ideal world?
- Is there a realistic plan of action?
- How can we personally contribute to promoting justice in this situation?
4. Closing the Conversation (For Now):
- Plan “next steps”: what can we do to turn this learning into action?
- Leave time for any remaining questions.
- Allow for people to express how they are feeling about the issue now.
5. Conclusion:
- Do another “go around” with one of these possible closing questions:
- In one word, describe how you feel right now.
- Tell us one thing you learned tonight.
- Gauge interest in coming together again for a Social Change Shabbat and ask for suggestions for future gatherings.
