RHR-NA Curriculum

The following 3-part curriculum was written by Rabbi Ed Feld. It looks at 3 aspects the intersection of Jewish texts and human rights: The importance of human dignity (k'vod habriot), the limits of self-defense, and the role of the judicial process. Please download these texts from the bottom of the page, along with an introduction for educators.

The fundamental dignity of every human being is a core teaching of Judaism.  Biblical and rabbinic texts attempt to understand how to realize that value in the world of everyday life.  How do we mediate the need for self-defense and the command to preserve the life of every human being?  If someone is suspected of murder, how should he or she be treated?  What are the claims of equity and justice in the judicial process?  These are some of the questions dealt with in the assembled biblical and rabbinic texts.  Our thought is that they can studied in confirmation and adult education classes and can be a springboard for important conversations regarding human rights issues in our contemporary world.  We hope that these curricula are widely used.