Welcoming the Stranger in 5786
As congregations and communities prepare for the High Holidays during a year that has fundamentally challenged an American commitment to welcome, HIAS has curated several resources to aid your efforts to support refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrants for the holidays and beyond. Find the following High Holiday resources below:
- Textual resources for sermon writing including Jewish texts and proclamations grounded in Jewish text
- Liturgical resources for use in services
Consider joining our HIAS Clergy Council to add your voice in support of welcome with the Jewish community. Shana tovah and b’hatzlecha as you prepare for the holidays.
Textual Resources
This resource is a compilation of the most common texts cited in support of refugees and immigrants with citations from biblical, rabbinic, and contemporary sources.
These proclamations from HIAS and others use the voice of tradition to express our values and positions.
Clergy Letter on the Immoral Use of Law
The letter was signed by 565 Jewish clergy members in the United States to protest the Trump Administration’s immoral use of the law.
Read the Clergy Letter on the Immoral Use of LawThe Spiritual Response of Resilience to Devastation
HIAS’ Rabbi-in Residence reflects on HIAS’ history and ability to meet the current moment in 2024.
Read the Spiritual Response of Resilience to DevastationClergy Letter Against Scapegoating and Targeting Immigrants
In response to the Trump administration’s draconian policy changes related to immigration, more than 600 Jewish clergy from across the country have signed a letter expressing their concern over our country’s horrific treatment of migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers.
Read the Clergy Letter Against Scapegoating and Targeting ImmigrantsThe Shameful Lesson of the ‘St. Louis’ is as Relevant as Ever
Eighty-six years after the U.S. refused the ship’s entry, our country is again embracing xenophobic policies.
Read Lessons from Rejecting the St. LouisExternal Source: Rabbi Ammos Chorny “A Fence Around Compassion”
Rabbi Ammos Chorny, who serves at Beth Tikvah in Naples, FL responds to the opening of a migrant detention facility in the Everglades (“Alligator Alcatraz”).
Rabbi Ammos Chorny “A Fence Around Compassion”External Source: Jay Michaelson “Have We Become the ‘Ordinary Germans’ Now”
How can American Jews stand by while thousands of innocent people are illegally arrested, imprisoned, and tortured?
Jay Michaelson “Have We Become the ‘Ordinary Germans’ Now”Liturgical Readings
Together, we can help create a world in which refugees find welcome, safety, and opportunity.
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