Why Judaism forbids racism

The Torah tells us that every human being is created in the image of God; therefore, racism and discrimination are forbidden. From the perspective of the Torah and Judaism, racism is not only an attack on human beings; it is also an assault on God. Jewish tradition also implores us to “love the stranger,” to pursue justice (tzedek) and to work to improve our communities and the world. We all have a responsibility to ensure that our communities are inclusive and free of racism. Rabbi Ahron Soloveichik wrote, “From the standpoint of the Torah, there can be no distinction between one human being and another on the basis of race or color… This key concept of kavod habriyot, the dignity of all human beings, constitutes the basis of human rights.”

An expanded curriculum is available for this topic.