GENERAL RESOURCES Opportunities to Speak About Mass Incarceration Reform throughout the Jewish Year Rosh Hashanah Metzora Judgment and mercy, and/or the world created anew !e ritual of returning a person with tzara’at to the camp as a model for thinking about returning citizens Yom Kippur Repentance and forgiveness Kedoshim Pesach 19:15, “Do not commit Freedom, liberation corruption in justice” MLK Weekend Emor Mass incarceration as the 24:22, “You shall have civil rights struggle of one law for the citizen our day and the sojourner…” opportunity to talk Breshit about race or about Creation in God’s image; immigration prisons. it is not good for human Also 24:10-12, the story to be alone of the blasphemer, who is put under “mishmar,” VaYera guard, while Moses asks Sodom and Gomorrah God what to do with models a society that him. It’s the closest does not care about the the Torah comes to welfare of other people describing incarceration. VaYeshev Shlach Lecha Joseph in the pit and in 15:32 tells the story of jail can spark conversation on prison conditions, since Joseph the man found gathering "rewood on Shabbat. !is is the thrives in prison through contact with other people and other instance of mishmar. meaningful work. Masei Mishpatim !e Cities of Refuge create an opening for a discussion of System of criminal and civil law; public safety; prohibition on vengeance, punishment, rehabilitation, and mercy. charging interest (talk about debtors’ prisons) Shoftim VaYikra Police and court systems. Also, Cities of Refuge redux. 4:13, “If the entire community sins…” 96 T’RUAH: THE RABBINIC CALL FOR HUMAN RIGHTS www.truah.org Jewish Resources.