HIAS’ Seventh Annual Refugee Shabbat 

HIAS’ Seventh Annual Refugee Shabbat, which will take place on February 14-15, 2025, is an invitation for congregations, organizations, and individuals to express their solidarity with the global Jewish movement for refugee protection and welcome.  

People seeking asylum are being turned away at borders around the world. The number of forcibly displaced people has grown to over 120 million, or 1 in every 69 people. The growing impact of climate change exacerbates the effects of violence, conflict, and economic instability on already vulnerable populations.   

Refugee Shabbat is a critical moment to reaffirm and redouble our support for refugees, asylum seekers, and the forcibly displaced.  

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 February 14-15 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 Rachel Snyderman with any additional questions.