In the richest country in the world, one in six children lives in poverty. More than two million full-time, year round workers live below the poverty line, struggling to pay for necessities such as food, housing, healthcare, transportation and childcare. The American dream is an impossibility for too many hard working Americans who face the daily anguish, devastation and hopelessness of poverty and near poverty.

Torah and Jewish tradition teach us that it is our obligation to pursue justice for those who are in need.  Every year, in the weeks surrounding Labor Day, we read from Parshat Shoftim: "Tzedek, tzedek tirdof: Justice, justice shall you pursue."  We have the opportunity to put this ancient teaching into practice when we seek justice for workers.

Labor on the Bimah Resource Packet

This resource guide for synagogues includes essays by rabbis from all the major denominations; tips on how to get your congregation involved; ideas for Divrei Torah for Labor Day; and a list of organizations that can help you in your planning.

Note: This packet only available in PDF file format.In order to download you must have Acrobat Reader. To download Acrobat Reader for free, please click here.

Labor Day Supplemental Service Materials

Songs, additional texts and study questions available.

Additional Materials

Sweatshops: Raising Awareness in Congregations

This Social Action packet feature text studies and program ideas for both children and adults.  It also has materials to help your congregation fight sweatshops

For More Information, please contact Legislative Assistant Gwendolyn Litvak at 202.387.2800 or visit the following web pages:

• RAC Labor Issue Page
• Jewish Fund for Justice provides education resources related to economic justice for synagogues, including text studies for adults and a Sunday School curriculum.
• Jewish Labor Committee is an excellent resource on Jewish involved in the labor community. 
• Interfaith Worker Justice is a national group that has several resources for congregations making business decisions or hoping to deepen their involvement in local and national workers’ rights struggles.