A Reproductive Shabbat

That’s why organizations like National Council of Jewish Women are imperative in changing this misconception. Because Jews have an enormous responsibility here. NCJW shows up as an out-loud pro-choice coalition of over 60 sections across the United States that’s made up of Jewish women and allies. Our work to advance reproductive freedom involves making sure the judges on our courts are fair, qualified, and independent, protecting and promoting the vote, advocating for pro-choice legislation, and more. 

However, the Jewish community has work to do. Until we are comfortable loudly discussing abortion and reproductive freedom in our communities, we will inadvertently perpetuate the idea that abortion is taboo or that the stigma around abortion is too great to allow us to break it. So long as abortion is seen as secular, something to do with the world beyond the bimah and the synagogue doors instead of something happening in the pews, we fall short. 

And for me, the real beauty of our work comes from the ways in which we infuse our tradition with our values. After the June Medical Services v Russo Supreme Court Decision in the summer of 2020, we launched the first-of-it’s kind campaign, #RabbisForRepro. The response was overwhelming. Now, over 1,000 Rabbis, Rabbas, Maharot, Cantors, Jewish educators, and Jewish leaders have signed our pledge to use their moral authority to speak out for reproductive freedom.