The RHR Beit Midrash at the Hillel House of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem has been studying Jewish sources relating to each of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Each week, we have taken a different theme and explored the parallels and contrasts between Judaism's perspective on human rights and responsibilities and those defined by the charter. It has been a fascinating journey of academic study and intense discussion.

 

 In the second semester, alongside the textual studies and volunteer activities, students have been privileged to hear a number of outstanding guest speakers who presented the practical side of Human Rights issues in contemporary Israel. 

 

The first speaker was Advocate Osnat Sharon who represents agunot in the Israeli Rabbinical Courts. Osnat is an experienced and well known advocate who is profiled in the movie "Mekudeshet" about the plight of the Aguna. The students watched the movie and then joined Osnat to study the Biblical and rabbinic sources relating to the Aguna. Osnat regaled the group with fascinating stories of how she and her fellow women advocates in the rabbinic courts are finding solutions to help these women. 

 

Students were also treated to a visionary presentation from Rabbi Michael Melchior, former Deputy Foreign Minister of Israel. Rabbi Melchior shared with the students his vision of an all encompassing Judaism which not only relates to the private religious lives of individuals, but also contributes to the ethical foundations of Israeli  society.

 

Our third speaker of the new semester was Tami Molad Hayo, a veteran campaigner on a wide range of Israeli Human Rights issues. She presented  her own model of how to envision, build and execute an effective campaign in Israel. Her talk enabled our students to look beyond their own experience of volunteering to working on a wider canvas in the Zionist dream of making  Israel the most ethical, compassionate and just society in the world.

 

When it came to learning about the importance of freedom and the prohibition against slavery, there was only one way to study the material and that was through the lens of the Passover Holiday. So one week before Pesach, each of the students brought their contribution towards a seder and the accompanying sumptuous meal. We were particularly honored to welcome Rabbi Laura Janner of the Alyth Gardens Synagogue in London and newly appointed heard of Rabbis for Human Rights in Britain.

 

The seder kicked off with the traditional readings including the tradition of reading the invitation to all those who are hungry to join the seder; "This is the bread of affliction" in a wide range of languages representing the mixed backgrounds and many talents of the students of the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. The program mixed explanations of the seder based on the Mishna and Talmud together with contemporary reading about human rights issues in contemporary Israel and around the world. Students shared their own Passover seder customs and spoke about some of their experiences of human rights issues based on the volunteering that they have been doing as part of their commitment to the program. The four cups of wine were a fabulous way to drink a toast to our students as they make their way home for the Pesach break.