BACKGROUND:

On December 10, 1948, the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This declaration was created in response to the atrocities of World War II and written by representatives from across the world and of various cultural backgrounds. The declaration consists of 30 articles that outline the guaranteed fundamental rights of every human being. This document has been translated into over 500 languages, the most of any document, and used as the foundation for over 70 human rights treaties. International Human Rights Day is commemorated every year on December 10th as a time to celebrate and to continue the work of making this declaration a reality for all.  

Rabbi Akiva would say: Beloved is the person, created in the image of God. A deeper love is revealed to those created in God’s image, as it says (Genesis 9:6) “for in God’s own image God made humankind.

Pirkei Avot 3:14

Additional Context:

• Watch this video about the Declaration of Human Rights  
• Read the original Declaration of Human Rights

Program Content:

Picture This: An Interactive Discussion  

• Print out these 30 pictures that represent the 30 articles of the Declaration (cut off the article caption) 
• Spread the 30 pictures out and ask folks to pick or stand next to the one that speaks to them  
• Read the article that picture represents and the Jewish text connected to the article  
• Engage in a short discussion, here are some guiding questions 
  • What drew you to this picture? What did you think it represented?  
  • What are your initial responses to the declaration article? The Jewish text? 
  • Does this declaration article impact your life? Your communities life?  
  • How do you see this play out in today’s society?  
  • What actions can you take, your community take, the world take to bring this article and Jewish text into reality?  
• Pick a new picture and repeat  
• Share out to the larger group

Additional Content:

• Play this Kahoot with Community Members 
• Create a list of actions that the MG can engage in to support Human Rights. Be sure to include learning resources and local organizations to connect with