tasteoflife

By Andrea Levinsky
“When we heed the call for justice, we are praying with our feet.”
At URJ Biennial, I heard Rabbi Joe Black sing his song, “Praying With Our Feet,” which is part of a new CD “Together As One: New Songs for Social Justice.” Based on a famous quote by Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel - “when I walked in Selma, my feet were praying” - this song reminded me of the intimate connection between Judaism and social justice. For me, there are many ways to pray: with our hearts, with our minds and with our feet. When we pray with our feet, we are fighting for justice.
Since the fall, I have had the privilege of exploring these ideas with the 6th graders who attend Temple Shalom’s SHACHARIT Program. Together, we explored and took action on the Jewish obligation to help others. This week, as you think about the role Judaism plays in your life, I implore you to think about how you too can pray with your feet. In addition, as you engage in even small acts that bring repair and justice to our world, notice how these actions connect to Judaism. I invite you to follow the lead of our young people: pray with your feet and engage in intergenerational collaboration leading to justice. Together we can do the work of Tikkun Olam – mending our world.
Andrea Levinsky is the Education Program Manager at Temple Shalom.