Singing In Public - Melodies to Carry the Movement

A Jews for Racial & Economic Justice Songbook

Launching July 1st, 2026/5786, “Singing In Public: Melodies to Carry the Movement” is a collection of songs intended for members of Jews For Racial & Economic Justice (JFREJ) and our partners to use in the streets and in meeting rooms, and anywhere else music is called for in 2026 / 5786 and beyond. 

This songbook includes repertoire from different Jewish traditions in different Jewish languages, and songs for this movement-moment that are not Jewish-specific. 

Along with lyrics for each song, there are additional goodies like tips for song-leaders, musical information, and context on where each song comes from. Knowing the songs’ histories allows us to bring depth, clarity, and nuance to the ways we sing them. 

This songbook, as well as a digital version, will be available to purchase starting on July 1st, 2026. 

Why create this songbook now?

JFREJ is 36 years old! That’s double chai (Hebrew for “life”) – twice 18 – a mystical Jewish number. In all of JFREJ’s time, members have used songs for tactical and spiritual reasons, but there has never been such an intentional collection. 

JFREJ now has over one-hundred members organized in an Arts, Ritual and Culture (ARC) Role Network. We are ready, more than ever before, to have a rich, active, shared repertoire of songs and a cadre of song leaders ready to deploy this material into all the places it is needed. 

We are in dangerous and trying political times. We need all strategies and ancient technologies at our disposal. Songs are powerful. That’s why they show up throughout our protest movements. Today, a growing Singing Resistance Movement began taking shape in December 2025, started by Minneapolis organizers who led songs to protest the federal occupation of their city. Over 150 Singing Resistance groups have formed across the country since, inspired by videos from Minnesota. We are part of this national singing resistance. 

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