Immediately before Chanukah this year is International Human Rights Day (December 10th), which commemorates the passage of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in 1948. Among the concepts and rights encompassed by the UDHR are universal respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the principles of non-discrimination and civil and political rights, as well as social, cultural and economic rights. These rights remind us of the Jewish principle of tzelem elohim, that every human being is created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). If we are all created in God's image, than to deny another their basic rights as humans, to degrade and humiliate them, is like degrading God as well. The rabbis teach that one of the most important lines in the Torah is Genesis 5:1, "God created Adam in the likeness of God," because it ensures that no one person can claim to be inherently better than another and to assume rights and privileges based on that position of power. Article 1 of the UDHR echoes this radical view, boldly stating: "All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights."

Ratified immediately after the Holocaust, the rights enshrined in the UDHR are not just theoretical for the Jewish community. Indeed, the horrors of World War II highlighted the need for clearly articulated common rights. The UDHR's preamble warns of the consequences of ignoring our shared humanity:

Whereas disregard and contempt for human rights have resulted in barbarous acts which have outraged the conscience of mankind, and the advent of a world in which human beings shall enjoy freedom of speech and belief and freedom from fear and want has been proclaimed as the highest aspiration of the common people.

Because of this historical connection, December 10th, some Jews have argued, should be a Jewish day of celebration. This year, with its proximity to Chanukah, we have the opportunity to celebrate both our unique fight for human dignity and the ongoing need for realization of the rights enshrined in the UDHR.

We have a long way to go as a planet before universal human rights, this "highest aspiration of the common people," are realized. To publicize this ongoing miracle, think again of the dreidel. Outside of Israel, the dreidel reads "A great miracle happened there." The miracle happened somewhere else, in another time. But in Israel, it reads "A great miracle happened here." The miracle of liberty is immanent and ongoing. Our dreidel of human rights could have both phrases, celebrating the miracle of the recognition of human rights in the past and our commitment to making them a reality in the here and now.

This Chanukah, what are some steps that you can take both to publicize the modern miracle of universal human rights and to make this ideal into a reality?

1. Read the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which can be found on the United Nations website at: http://un.org/Overview/rights.html. When you light Chanukah candles each night, discuss one of the rights mentioned, whether it has been achieved, and the steps we can take to achieve it. Rabbis for Human Rights-North America has a human rights prayer you can say as you light candles.
   
2. Join with more than 90 communities across North America in celebrating Human Rights Shabbat, December 11-12! As we celebrate our own religious freedom, let us join together as a Jewish community in support of all freedoms.
   
3. As we celebrate freedom, it is important for us to remember those who are not free. Rabbis for Human Rights-North America works on two domestic human rights issues, U.S.-sponsored torture and modern slavery. For more information about these programs, please visit Rabbis for Human Rights.

For more information about Judaism and human rights visit the website of Rabbis for Human Rights-North America.