JustThought is a series of essays applying Jewish wisdom to the pursuit of tikkun olam — or repairing the world. Drawing on Jewish history, traditional text and modern headlines, we plumb pressing questions about human rights and global justice from a Jewish perspective through pieces by noted scholars, activists, leading public figures, and current and former AJWS staff.
Delve into our archive of commentaries below!
Closing of the Gates: Inspirations for Neilah
Our Part in the Journey: A Passover Call to Action
Crossing the Border: From Genesis to Guatemala
Awaken! Shofars Around the World Are Calling for Justice: A High Holidays Reflection
On Tisha B’Av, Connection Conquers Hate
L’Dor Vador: Climate Justice Must Start Now
Righteous Leadership in Times of Crisis
My Trip To Guatemala: Lessons of Justice that Inspire Action
Dignity First: Wisdom on Disaster Response in the Torah and Today
Compassion Leads to Action: Reclaiming Prayer as the First Step to Change
Vulnerable and Empowered: Widows as Objects of Care and Agents of Change
Our Universe of Moral Obligation
My Grandmother, Yiddish and May Day
Ten Lessons from the Haggadah for Jewish Activists
Global Solidarity in the Age of Trump
Transforming Tradition: Love, marriage and autonomy—from Fiddler on the Roof to modern-day India
Echoes of Sinai: How can an ancient text inform global issues today?