Labor Day is more than a three-day weekend. It is a reminder that work has dignity—and that workers deserve a voice, a fair wage, and a safe place to earn a living.
Those ideas are deeply rooted in Jewish values. Judaism teaches b’tzelem Elohim: every person is created in the image of God and deserves dignity and respect. The Torah repeatedly warns against exploiting workers and commands us to treat people fairly. And the powerful Jewish phrase tzedek, tzedek tirdof— “Justice, justice, shall you pursue”—calls on us not simply to talk about fairness, but to actively pursue it.
That is where unions come in. One worker may struggle to be heard; workers standing together have a stronger collective voice. Unions give working people the power to fight for fair wages, better benefits, safer workplaces, and respect on the job. In that sense, supporting unions is not just a political position—it can also be an expression of Jewish values.
The Democratic Party has played an important role in the American labor movement. Democratic leaders have historically supported workers’ right to organize and bargain collectively, including through the National Labor Relations Act of 1935. Democrats continue to support higher wages, workplace protections, and stronger collective bargaining rights.
So, when we celebrate Labor Day, we can ask a very Jewish question: What kind of society do we want to build? One in which people struggle alone, or one in which we stand together for justice and dignity?
Labor Day is a reminder that supporting working people and their right to organize are both Jewish and Democratic values.
The way to put those values into action is by supporting DJOP’s endorsed candidates—candidates who will work to raise the minimum wage, improve worker safety, and make sure all workers receive the health care they deserve. You can join us in supporting these candidates.
We wish you and your family a happy, healthy, and meaningful Labor Day weekend.
