Shir Hadash Teens: Wisdom on Immigration
Date: Mar 2, 2025
Author: Shir Hadash
Yasher Koach (congratulations) to Shir Hadash teens Ben & Alli who gave a thoughtful Dvar Torah on Feb 28 in San Francisco at the invitation of Rabbi Chayva from Congregation Am Tikvah for their Refugee Shabbat. Alli and Ben reflected thoughtfully on the weekly Torah portion, Parshah T'rumah, and how it relates to their experiences learning about immigration on the Tzedek America trip they undertook in January.
Watch the video:
Excerpt from Alli & Ben's Dvar Torah:
- I saw a physical sanctuary when I witnessed a church that opened its doors to become a home - literally a sanctuary for a destitute young woman who had fled certain death with only her child. The church allowed her to live there so she could have a space while she was waiting, with no work, for her asylum hearing.
- I saw a sanctuary in time when the group of us spent a morning, with effort and intention, distributing donated clothing to families who had arrived here with nothing but the clothes on their backs and their cell phones. In one moment I still think about, with my broken Spanish One, I handed clothing to a mother and her children from Central America, headed to Minnesota with no idea what the weather would be like there.
- I saw people make themselves into a sanctuary when I witnessed conservative Christians leaving water in the desert for migrants trying to avoid the border patrol. “I do not agree with the government…but leaving people to die in the desert is not an immigration policy.”
Rabbi Chayva of Congregation Am Tikvah said: "We were very grateful for the participation of Shir Hadash's talented teenagers! Ben and Alli blew everyone away - they had a series of people coming up to them with effusive compliments at the potluck afterwards. And not just general compliments - specific things like, 'I loved how balanced your perspective was, and so based in Judaism,' 'You spoke with such confidence,' and 'You gave me REAL hope for the future! I want you to lead us!'"
Yasher Koach as well to Shir Hadash teen Cormac, who supported this Feb 28 Dvar Torah preparation as well - hear him speak about his experiences at Congregation Shir Hadash on January 24. We were lucky to hear the voices of many teens from the trip speak on January 24 - we encourage you to watch the full clip to hear from all of them!
Photos from our deeply-moving experiential teen learning through the Tzedek America trip in January 2025 for our Shir Hadash teens:
Our teens and Rabbi Michael, at the airport, ready for this amazing adventure and learning to begin!
Shir Hadash was met by teens from B'nai Jeshurun (a synagogue in New York) for this program in Arizona - meeting teens from across the country and connecting with other Jewish youth as part of the journey.
Leaving water in the sparse, beautiful, yet unforgiving Arizona wilderness.
Putting our Jewish values into action with the water-drop hike, meal preparation work, and clothing distribution.
Our Shir Hadash group at the border wall.
A message from Randy Fried at Tzedek America about this year's January 2025 experience in AZ:
It’s hard to believe we were together in Arizona in January 2025, immersed in learning, deep reflection, and robust conversations about immigration journeys, identity, and responsibility. As we settle back into our routines, I want to take a moment to reflect on the journey we experienced.
Over four days, your young teens stepped beyond their comfort zones and into a world that challenged their perspectives and ignited their sense of action. Shabbat at Temple Solel grounded us in community and spirituality, setting the tone for our journey with gratitude and intention. Meeting with Beth Strano, formerly of the International Rescue Committee, and Agent Abend provided us with contrasting perspectives on immigration, giving us a more nuanced understanding of the complexities at the border. Added to that moving day were the personal narratives of Yuri, who had fled Colombia and threats from the cartel, and Sandra, a 21-year-old who fled Ecuador on foot as a 4-month pregnant woman.
Walking the border in Nogales with Chris Montoya was a moment none of us will forget. Seeing the physical barriers that separate communities and hearing stories of resilience, struggle, and hope made abstract issues deeply personal. Learning from People Helping People and participating in the Samaritan Desert Hike brought home the human impact of policies, as we saw firsthand the remnants of those who risk everything for the possibility of a better life.
Volunteering at Monte Vista Baptist Church with Yuri in Phoenix reminded us of the power of community-led efforts. As we rounded out our speakers, we were welcomed into the State House and conversed with Arizona State Representative Alma Hernandez. As we stood together at the Arizona State Capitol for our closing circle, we were reminded that this work does not end with our trip—it continues in how we share our stories, advocate for change, and support those in need.
Throughout it all, your teens were thoughtful in their comments, willing to engage with complex topics, and caring for one another. Whether over dinner at Earth Plant Based, bowling and laser tag at Main Event, laughing during downtime at the hotel, or in quiet moments of reflection, this group formed bonds that I hope will last long beyond this trip.
Thank you for entrusting us with your children on this journey. I encourage you to ask them about their experience—what moved them, challenged them, and what they feel called to do next. Their voices and actions will shape the future, and I have no doubt they are up for the task.