NEW YORK – Women of Reform Judaism and CCAR Press, a division of Central Conference of American Rabbis, announced the joint publication of Covenant of Justice: Prayers, Poems, and Meditations from Women of Reform Judaism.
This volume includes a foreword by Lynn Magid Lazar, Blair C. Marks, and Susan C. Bass, three former WRJ Presidents who also helped fund the book’s publication, and an afterword by WRJ Executive Director Emerita Rabbi Marla J. Feldman. Additionally, WRJ CEO Rabbi Liz P.G. Hirsch wrote introductions to frame each section with WRJ resolutions and liturgical commentary.
Covenant of Justice is the sixth book in the “Covenant Book” series, each containing a compilation of poems, prayers, and meditations written by women+ for women+ that elevate their voices in religious and spiritual realms. The prayers, poems, and reflections in the book address key topics including racial equity, climate justice, gender equality, and reproductive rights. With a focus on action rooted in the Jewish value of tikkun olam (repairing the world), the collection serves as both an educational resource and a call to action.
“Covenant of Justice is a testament to the rigorous work that WRJ has led, in partnership with CCAR, to bring women and other marginalized voices fully into the religious life of our Reform Jewish community. This book, in addition to the full ‘Covenant’ series, showcases feminist perspectives too often left out of spiritual texts and interpretations. It is most fitting that this publication will have its first debut at our upcoming Social Justice Conference,” said WRJ CEO Rabbi Liz P.G. Hirsch.
In 1919, the National Federation of Temple Sisterhoods (NFTS, now WRJ) asked CCAR to prepare a book of biblical selections and prayers for women called NFTS Books of Prayer. This book was eventually published in 1948 and later evolved into the series.
“CCAR Press is honored to collaborate with WRJ in publishing of Covenant of Justice, which superbly continues the ‘Covenant’ series’ legacy of highlighting the voices of women from across the Reform Movement. We are proud of this partnership and know that the book will enrich our community for many years to come,” said Rabbi Hara Person, Chief Executive, Central Conference of American Rabbis.
There can be no justice without poetry. This volume draws from thousands of years of Jewish tradition and the lives of Women of Reform Judaism to sing the song of justice for countless future generations,” said Rabbi Jonah Dov Pesner, Director of the Religious Action Center.
“What a treasure! In prayers and poems, the prophetic voices of women motivate us to act for justice. This book inspires and empowers,” added Ruth Messinger, Global Ambassador of American Jewish World Service.
Covenant of Justice: Prayers, Poems, and Meditations from Women of Reform Judaism is available for purchase at http://covenantofjustice.ccarpress.org.
To request review copies, interview opportunities, or to book author events, please contact: Alyson Rubin, WRJ Director of Communications: arubin@wrj.org.