Send page to a Friend Reflection   Reflection Reflection on Text Studies Reflection on Action How and Why to Reflect   The final component of JCRC’s PEAR (Partnership, Education, Action, and Reflection) model, reflection is a crucial element of sustained and successful social justice initiatives because it personalizes action experiences and strengthens individuals’ resolve to make change. Learning that a mitzvah is not just a good deed, but also a commandment for the entire Jewish community helps individuals link their own acts of justice to thousands of years of sacred tradition. Reflection is a key component of social justice learning and action by enabling participants to process, think critically about, and learn from the action they have completed. Through writing, speaking, listening, and reading, participants can add depth and meaning to any learning or action experience. “When I was tutoring at a shelter, I thought about all the things that make it easier for me to succeed in school—enough food, tons of books, and parents helping me with homework—it must be tough for kids to go in and out of different shelters. No matter how smart they are, it’s hard to do well with so many distractions. I want to keep teaching kids how to read, but we need to help them get more books for their schools and help their families find places to live.” (Student from area synagogue) Many materials have been produced to help group leaders facilitate reflection in secular or interfaith settings. Since reflection is an open-ended process, it is easy for leaders to integrate Judaism into such discussions and activities. Below are resources to facilitate reflection on text and reflection on action. To borrow materials from our library, or for more information on placing orders, contact JCRC at tzedekresources@jcrcboston.org or 617-457-8600.