HIAS’ Eighth Annual Refugee Shabbat 

Mar 13 - Mar 14, 2026
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General Events

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HIAS’ Eighth Annual Refugee Shabbat, which will take place on March 13-14, 2026, is an opportunity to recognize the profound impact of the global Jewish movement working on behalf of refugees, asylum seekers, and displaced people. Taking a moment to celebrate the work being done and to educate and mobilize your local community is essential — especially in this chaotic moment we find ourselves in.

How to Participate 

There are many ways to celebrate Refugee Shabbat, either as a congregation or as an individual hosting an event at home. Here are some ways to engage:  

Educate 

  • Include liturgical readings on the theme of the refugee crisis in Shabbat services and/or dedicate a sermon or text study to the topic. 
  • Plan an educational program after Friday evening or Saturday morning services. 
  • Host a special speaker such as from a local resettlement organization or HIAS. 
  • Invite a refugee that you have a relationship with to speak at services. 

Advocate 

  • Culminate a week of action on refugee issues with a service or reflection. 
  • Invite your members of Congress and/or local officials to take part in your events. 
  • Amplify the message of your Refugee Shabbat event by inviting local Jewish press. 
  • Bring different congregations and faith communities together to learn and chart a joint course of action.

Upon registration, both individuals and congregations will receive access to HIAS’ library of Refugee Shabbat programming resources, which will include liturgical readings, sermon/d’var Torah talking points, a text study, and a list of ways that people can take action on their own or as a group. 

We encourage you to think through which options would be the best fit for you and/or your community. Congregations and organizations should also think about identifying possible community partners (e.g., other synagogues, local organizations, etc.) and finding the right space for the program.  

*If the March 13-14 dates do not work for you or your community, please still register your participation below and feel free to choose another date in Winter/Spring 2025 that works with your calendar. 

Please contact takeaction@hias.org with any additional questions. 

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