A Social Justice Gift Guide for Hanukkah

In search of a unique Hanukkah gift for the social justice hero in your life? Look no further than this guide for all your gift-giving needs — with an emphasis on tikkun olamtikkun olamתִּקּוּן עוֹלָם"Repair of the world;" Jewish concept that it is our responsibility to partner with God to improve the world. A mystical concept of restoration of God's holiest Name to itself and the repair of a shattered world. Often refers to social action and social justice. .

1. GIVE THE GIFT OF A VIBRANT JEWISH FUTURE.

Honor a Jewish hero for justice by making a tax-deductible gift to the Union for Reform Judaism or the Religious Action Center in their name. Your gift will provide funding for creative Reform Jewish programming and justice work to help ensure the continued growth and strength of Reform Judaism.

Looking for more ways to incorporate social justice into your Hanukkah celebration? Learn more about Ner Shel Tzedakah ("Candle of Righteousness"), a project in which families and individuals devote the sixth night of Hanukkah to learning about the problem of poverty.

2. Give to ADVANCE RACIAL JUSTICE AND empower the next generation of Jewish leaders OF COLOR.

Jewish life is enriched when Jewish leadership reflects the diversity of our communities. What could be a better Hanukkah gift than an investment in Jewish life that centers racial justice and celebrates all identities?

Make a donation to the Jews of Color Initiative, which builds and strengthens professional and communal engagement opportunities for Jews of Color.

Support the NAACP, a longtime partner of our movement and the nation’s largest and most pre-eminent civil rights organization; or give to Stop AAPI Hate, a group dedicated to stop the COVID19-driven surge of racism and violence directed at Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

3. GIVE THE GIFT OF MENTAL HEALTH CARE.

COVID-19 and other major events over past few years exacerbated the existing mental health crisis, as people continue to experience social isolation, economic uncertainty, and loss of loved ones. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is the United States’ largest grassroots mental health organization, providing advocacy, education, support, and public awareness about mental illness. You can support their work – including the NAMI Helpline and crisis text line – by donating here.

And if you or someone you know is experiencing mental illness, please know that you are not alone. Visit our website for a list of major national hotlines and crisis resources in the United States and Canada, as well as selected Jewish communal resources.

4. GIVE REFUGE TO THE MILLIONS FLEEING VIOLENCE AND TURMOIL.

One of the most pressing global crises is the plight of refugees fleeing their homes in search of a better life for themselves and their families. With the United States’ withdrawal from Afghanistan and the Taliban’s subsequent takeover, there are thousands of Afghan migrants in need of new homes and communities in the United States. HIAS is a leading Jewish community voice responding to this crisis, and a gift to HIAS will help assist refugees around the world.

5. GIVE THE GIFT OF JEWISH MUSIC.

Have any musicians in your life? Someone who believes music can change the world? Give this beautiful social justice song compilation, Together As One, featuring songs that resound with Jewish values and inspire the struggle for justice! Bonus gift: proceeds from the sale of Together As One support the Religious Action Center!

6. Give the gift of food security.

As you enjoy your festive Hanukkah meal, take the opportunity to give to MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger, which works to end food insecurity in the United States and Israel.

You can also check out Hazon’s Community Supported Agriculture program, a sustainable way to access nutritious food and support small farmers.

It’s also a perfect time to give to local food banks, which are meeting heightened needs this season. You can find a local food bank to support through Feeding America.

7. GIVE A FUTURE OF RELIGIOUS PLURALISM.

More than ever, the momentum for religious pluralism in Israel is vital, and our voices are needed to ensure that Israel is a home for all Jews. 

If you are shopping for meaningful Judaica, look no further than Women of the Wall’s online gift shop. Proceeds will benefit their work to promote gender equality in Jewish life.

You can also make a donation to the Israel Religious Action Center to support their work to ensure religious pluralism in Israel.

8. GIVE THE GIFT OF CLIMATE JUSTICE.

As we light the candles over eight nights, we celebrate the miracle of the Hanukkah story with a great opportunity to think about sustainability and resource conservation. Hanukkah is the perfect time to connect with Dayenu: A Jewish Call to Climate Action, which advocates for bold solutions to climate change.