Right to Food – Human Rights Shabbat 5782

René Cassin has been running the cross-communal ‘Human Rights Shabbat Programme’ for over a decade. Human Rights Shabbat marks the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights drafted on the 10th December 1948, co-drafted by our namesake Monsieur René Cassin. You can have a look at previous resources here.

This year in particular, many are facing extreme hardship. Our Jewish texts and values are founded on justice and fairness to strive for social justice wherever we can. Therefore, on the  Shabbat of the 10th and 11th of  December we are inviting you to consider the human right to food, a right which nearly nine million adults and children in the UK lack.

As one of the richest countries in the world, it is unacceptable that millions of people in the UK struggle to access the safe, nutritious and sustainable food they need. This struggle has become even more pertinent in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Our community has a rich heritage of food and is perfectly placed to lead the campaign to ensure a right to food for all. In Leviticus, we are intructed that “you shall not pick your vineyard bare or gather the fallen fruit of your vineyard; you shall leave them for the poor and the stranger.” Thus, both as humans and members of the Jewish Community, it is vital that we strive to help those without fair and euqal access to food.

This is an important theme and one that can engage all members of your community from young to old.  To sign up to Human Rights Shabbat 5782 and receive further information, simply email ​[email protected] and register your interest. Please also provide a primary point of contact within your community by Friday 22 October.

Communities that sign up will be offered:

• Connections to leading speakers for a speaking event during the week leading up to Human Rights Shabbat
• Jewish text sources for sermon ideas and study sessions
• Information and talking points on the issue of right to food
• Ideas and resources for educational activities
• Links on how to get further involved with the issue
• Posters and materials to promote the day
• Recognition for taking part in the day

We will also be running events throughout the week, in order to further celebrate human rights, so do let us know if you would be interested in involving your community in any of these.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any other questions. We would be delighted to hear from you and are looking forward to celebrating this year’s Human Rights Shabbat together.