Civil Rights Journey
Memphis – Birmingham – Selma – Montgomery – LaGrange – Atlanta
Trip 1: April 13–18, 2027
Overview
Grounded in the Jewish values of justice, equality, and human dignity, Tzedek America's Civil Rights Journey invites participants to explore the history and enduring legacy of the Civil Rights Movement through immersive experiences across the American South. Participants walk in the footsteps of courageous changemakers, hear firsthand from Civil Rights foot soldiers and other community leaders who share their lived experiences, and visit transformative historic sites, from the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis to the streets of Birmingham, Selma, and Montgomery, that bring history to life. Alongside meaningful learning and reflection, the journey creates space for recreation, community building, and experiencing the culture, food, music, landscapes, and hospitality of the South, including a night steeped in the blues on Memphis' legendary Beale Street, engaging all of our senses while deepening relationships with one another and the communities we encounter. Together, these experiences weave history, lived experience, reflection, and relationship-building into a transformative journey that inspires participants to embrace their Jewish responsibility to pursue justice, stand with others, and help create a more just and compassionate world.
Trip highlights
- Discover the roots of the blues and its ties to the Civil Rights Movement on Memphis' Beale Street, including a private Juke Joint experience
- Meet a foot soldier of the Children's Crusade and walk through Kelly Ingram Park in Birmingham
- Walk across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma with a guide who lived through the movement
- Visit the EJI Legacy Museum, Freedom Monument Sculpture Park, and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery
- Experience Temple Beth El's "In Solidarity" program and Kabbalat Shabbat at Temple Emanu-El, exploring the role of the Jewish community in the Civil Rights Movement
- Learn the story of reconciliation in LaGrange, Georgia, and the legacy of Austin Calloway
- Close the journey at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park in Atlanta
Judaic connections
- "You shall not oppress the stranger, for you know the soul of the stranger." (Exodus 23:9) This commandment reminds us that our own experiences of exclusion and oppression should cultivate empathy and action on behalf of others. As we encounter stories of segregation, discrimination, and resilience, we are challenged to recognize our shared humanity and stand with those whose dignity is threatened.
- Tzedek, Tzedek Tirdof ("Justice, justice shall you pursue.") Justice is not something we simply believe in. It is something we actively pursue. Throughout this journey, participants explore what it means to move beyond awareness toward meaningful action in the ongoing pursuit of a more just society.
- Areivut (Mutual Responsibility) Judaism teaches that we are responsible not only for ourselves but for one another. The Civil Rights Movement demonstrates that lasting change is possible when individuals unite across communities, faiths, and identities in pursuit of justice and the common good.
- Lo Ta'amod al Dam Re'echa ("Do not stand idly by.") This teaching challenges us to respond when we witness injustice rather than remaining silent. As participants encounter stories of both courageous action and painful indifference, they are invited to consider what it means to become active upstanders in their own communities.
- Tikkun Olam (Repairing the World) The work of repairing the world is ongoing and belongs to every generation. This journey encourages participants to see themselves not simply as learners of history but as partners in continuing the work of justice, healing, and social change.
- B'tzelem Elohim (Every person is created in the image of God.) Every human being possesses inherent dignity and infinite worth. The Civil Rights Movement calls us to confront systems that deny this truth and to work toward a society in which every person's humanity is recognized, respected, and protected.
- Pirkei Avot 2:21: "You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to desist from it." The struggle for civil rights did not begin with one generation, nor was it completed by one generation. By learning from those who came before us, participants are reminded that while we may not solve every injustice, we each have a responsibility to contribute our own efforts toward a more just world.
Activity level
Walking up to 2 miles per day at a moderate pace of 2 mph over uneven terrain. Standing for up to 1.5 hours at a time. Motorcoach is used as transportation and will require participants to navigate some stairs. Must be physically capable of participating in all planned program activities.
Good to know
Individual enrollment; minimum 25 / maximum 50 participants per departure. Registration is first-come, first-served, and open to travelers 21 and up. Group inquiries can be sent to info@tzedekamerica.org.
Related categories
Individual enrollment; minimum 25 / maximum 50 participants per departure. Registration is first-come, first-served, and open to travelers 21 and up. Group inquiries can be sent to info@tzedekamerica.org.
Ready to join us? Registration closes February 7, 2027. Full payment is due at registration.
At a glance
Civil Rights Journey — CRM (with Memphis)
Walk in the footsteps of the Civil Rights Movement across the American South, through a Jewish lens.
- From
- $2,700
- per traveler, shared room
- Single room: $3,700
- Dates April 13–18, 2027
- Duration 6 Days / 5 Nights
- Starts Memphis, Tennessee (hotel orientation, 12:00–12:30 PM)
- Ends Atlanta, Georgia (via LaGrange), flight departure after 7:00 PM on Sunday, April 18
- Meals included 14 meals (5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners)
- Activity level Moderate: up to 2 miles of walking per day, some stairs
- Register by February 7, 2027
Have questions?
Email us, and we can answer all of your questions!
- info@tzedekamerica.org
- See all contact options
Atlanta – Birmingham – Selma – Montgomery – LaGrange – Atlanta
Trip 1: April 13–18, 2027
Overview
Grounded in the Jewish values of justice, equality, and human dignity, Tzedek America's Civil Rights Journey invites participants to explore the history and enduring legacy of the Civil Rights Movement through immersive experiences across the American South. Participants walk in the footsteps of courageous changemakers, hear firsthand from Civil Rights foot soldiers and other community leaders who share their lived experiences, and visit transformative historic sites, from the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis to the streets of Birmingham, Selma, and Montgomery, that bring history to life. Alongside meaningful learning and reflection, the journey creates space for recreation, community building, and experiencing the culture, food, music, landscapes, and hospitality of the South, including a night steeped in the blues on Memphis' legendary Beale Street, engaging all of our senses while deepening relationships with one another and the communities we encounter. Together, these experiences weave history, lived experience, reflection, and relationship-building into a transformative journey that inspires participants to embrace their Jewish responsibility to pursue justice, stand with others, and help create a more just and compassionate world.
Trip highlights
- Discover the roots of the blues and its ties to the Civil Rights Movement on Memphis' Beale Street, including a private Juke Joint experience
- Meet a foot soldier of the Children's Crusade and walk through Kelly Ingram Park in Birmingham
- Walk across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma with a guide who lived through the movement
- Visit the EJI Legacy Museum, Freedom Monument Sculpture Park, and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery
- Experience Temple Beth El's "In Solidarity" program and Kabbalat Shabbat at Temple Emanu-El, exploring the role of the Jewish community in the Civil Rights Movement
- Learn the story of reconciliation in LaGrange, Georgia, and the legacy of Austin Calloway
- Close the journey at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park in Atlanta
Judaic connections
- "You shall not oppress the stranger, for you know the soul of the stranger." (Exodus 23:9) This commandment reminds us that our own experiences of exclusion and oppression should cultivate empathy and action on behalf of others. As we encounter stories of segregation, discrimination, and resilience, we are challenged to recognize our shared humanity and stand with those whose dignity is threatened.
- Tzedek, Tzedek Tirdof ("Justice, justice shall you pursue.") Justice is not something we simply believe in. It is something we actively pursue. Throughout this journey, participants explore what it means to move beyond awareness toward meaningful action in the ongoing pursuit of a more just society.
- Areivut (Mutual Responsibility) Judaism teaches that we are responsible not only for ourselves but for one another. The Civil Rights Movement demonstrates that lasting change is possible when individuals unite across communities, faiths, and identities in pursuit of justice and the common good.
- Lo Ta'amod al Dam Re'echa ("Do not stand idly by.") This teaching challenges us to respond when we witness injustice rather than remaining silent. As participants encounter stories of both courageous action and painful indifference, they are invited to consider what it means to become active upstanders in their own communities.
- Tikkun Olam (Repairing the World) The work of repairing the world is ongoing and belongs to every generation. This journey encourages participants to see themselves not simply as learners of history but as partners in continuing the work of justice, healing, and social change.
- B'tzelem Elohim (Every person is created in the image of God.) Every human being possesses inherent dignity and infinite worth. The Civil Rights Movement calls us to confront systems that deny this truth and to work toward a society in which every person's humanity is recognized, respected, and protected.
- Pirkei Avot 2:21: "You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to desist from it." The struggle for civil rights did not begin with one generation, nor was it completed by one generation. By learning from those who came before us, participants are reminded that while we may not solve every injustice, we each have a responsibility to contribute our own efforts toward a more just world.
Activity level
Walking up to 2 miles per day at a moderate pace of 2 mph over uneven terrain. Standing for up to 1.5 hours at a time. Motorcoach is used as transportation and will require participants to navigate some stairs. Must be physically capable of participating in all planned program activities.
Good to know
Individual enrollment; minimum 25 / maximum 50 participants per departure. Registration is first-come, first-served, and open to travelers 21 and up. Group inquiries can be sent to info@tzedekamerica.org.
Related categories
Individual enrollment; minimum 25 / maximum 50 participants per departure. Registration is first-come, first-served, and open to travelers 21 and up. Group inquiries can be sent to info@tzedekamerica.org.
Ready to join us? Registration closes February 7, 2027. Full payment is due at registration.
At a glance
Civil Rights Journey — CRM (with Memphis)
Walk in the footsteps of the Civil Rights Movement across the American South, through a Jewish lens.
- From
- $2,250
- per traveler, shared room
- Single room: $3,050
- Dates May 13–17, 2027
- Duration 5 Days / 4 Nights
- Starts Atlanta, Georgia (meet at 1:00 PM)
- Ends Atlanta, Georgia (flight departure after 7:00 PM)
- Meals included 12 meals (4 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 3 dinners)
- Activity level Moderate: up to 2 miles of walking per day, some stairs
- Register by March 9, 2027
Have questions?
Email us, and we can answer all of your questions!
- info@tzedekamerica.org
- See all contact options