How Can Jews Know Which Movements to Support?

Across the world, people are rising up. In Minnesota, protests have erupted over immigration enforcement. At the same time, Iranian Americans and others have rallied in support of demonstrations inside Iran calling for freedom from repression.

As Jews, we must ask ourselves: How can we determine which protests align with Jewish values and which may be Erev Rav, pulling us away from faith and ethical clarity?

Some causes are clear. The Iranian people’s struggle for freedom and human dignity reflects Jewish principles: honoring every person’s divine image, standing against oppression, and defending the vulnerable. Supporting this struggle aligns with ethics and Torah values.

Other movements are more complex. Even well-intentioned protests can attract energy driven by emotion, political agendas, or external influence. Not all activism automatically aligns with justice. Judaism teaches that action without reflection can lead to confusion, division, or moral compromise.

When evaluating a movement, we should ask:

• Does it clarify our values or muddy them?
• Are its organizers transparent in purpose and funding?
• Does participation uphold dignity, or primarily channel anger and chaos?

This pause and reflection is not cynicism — it is Jewish responsibility. The concept of the Erev Rav reminds us that even seemingly righteous energy can be misdirected, stirring confusion or distraction from ethical action.

In a world filled with unrest, discernment is key. Moral action requires alignment with justice, dignity, and ethical responsibility — not only emotion or spectacle. Some movements, like those supporting freedom for the oppressed, reflect these values. Others require careful scrutiny.

So, as Jews navigating a chaotic world, the standard remains the same: act in alignment with our faith while avoiding the pull of Erev Rav’s chaos and misdirection.