A Jewish Prayer for Juneteenth

uneteenth is an American holiday celebrating the end of slavery. This prayer reflects on the core story of the Jewish people — the Exodus from Egypt — which impels us to fight slavery everywhere. It celebrates the milestone of emancipation of Black American slaves, even as it acknowledges that there is much work still to do in pursing the American ideal and promise of justice and equality.

Educators might use this prayer as liturgy or as a text study and a conversation starter.