June 27, 2023

In response to the Supreme Court’s decision in Moore v. Harper, Rabbi Jonah Dov Pesner, Director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, issued the following statement on behalf of the Union for Reform Judaism, Central Conference of American Rabbis, and wider Reform Movement:

We celebrate the Supreme Court’s decision in Moore v. Harper rejecting the misguided independent state legislature theory that would have allowed state legislatures to gerrymander electoral maps and enact discriminatory voting laws without oversight. By explicitly affirming the role of state judicial review in election regulation, the Court has sent a clear message that the voters’ constitutional rights matter and that checks and balances are vital to our functioning democracy. This decision underscores the crucial role state courts play in limiting voter suppression and upholding free and fair elections. Combined with the Supreme Court’s recent decision in Allen v. Milligan upholding Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, this decision is a major win for voting rights. We were pleased to join an amicus brief in this case.

The Reform Jewish Movement has long supported voting rights, recognizing that democracy is strongest when the electorate reflects the population – and that democracy suffers when voters are suppressed. We are proud that portions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 were drafted in the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism’s conference room in Washington D.C. In 2020 and 2022, our nonpartisan Every Voice, Every Vote civic engagement campaigns reached nearly 1.5 million voters. This commitment to voting rights is guided by our Jewish text and tradition, including the words of the sage Hillel who wrote, ‘Do not separate yourself from the community’ (Pirkei Avot 2:4) and Rabbi Yitzchak taught that ‘a ruler is not to be appointed unless the community is first consulted’ (Babylonian Talmud, B’rachot 55a). It is our collective responsibility to ensure that all Americans can access the ballot box, which necessitates maintaining oversight over redistricting and voting laws.

Even as we celebrate this decision, we know that much work remains to strengthen voter protections across the United States. We will continue to urge Congress to reintroduce and pass critical voting rights legislation, including the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the Freedom to Vote Act, to ensure the promise of democracy becomes true for all.”

May 25, 2023

The White House’s new national strategy to combat antisemitism is a strong and innovative approach in the battle against rising hate in America. We commend President Biden and the Administration for their thorough, all-encompassing whole-of-government effort to produce a strategy that is inclusive and recognizes the diversity and plurality of our Jewish communities and the threats they face online, in their day-to-day lives, and their communal life. The balance between responses that recognize the distinctive history, characteristics, and impacts of antisemitism and those that recognize the intersectional impacts of broader issues of discrimination, hate speech and hate crimes is particularly encouraging. 

The comprehensive strategy laid out by the Administration this morning provides a clear and effective  blueprint for the federal government and partners to raise awareness and understanding of both antisemitism and Jewish American heritage, improve safety and security for Jewish communities, delegitimize the normalization of antisemitism, address antisemitic discrimination (including the more expansive use of Title 6 of the Civil Rights Act by many other agencies beyond the Dept. of Education), and build broad based coalitions across all communities to fight hate.  The over two hundred policy plans and recommendations for government agencies, Congress, state and local governments, companies, technology platforms, civil society, faith leaders, and others represents the kind of coordinated and inclusive approach to counter antisemitism that is required if it is to be as effective and impactful as is needed.  

The Administration’s recognition of a diverse toolkit, including but not limited to the IHRA definition in recognizing what is and is not antisemitism, particularly where antisemitism intersects with Israel and Zionism, is a constructive and wise contribution to the efforts of individuals, civil society, and governmental entities in combatting antisemitism.  

We extend our sincerest thanks and appreciation to President Biden, the Administration and all those who engaged in the effort to produce this comprehensive strategy. We look forward to playing our role in supporting its implementation in communities across our nation to combat antisemitism and build a future where Jews, and all who have been victims of hate, will be able to live and thrive in an America that ensures safety and equality for all.  

Union for Reform Judaism 
Jennifer Brodkey Kaufman (she/her) 
Chair 

Rabbi Rick Jacobs (he/him) 
President 

Commission on Social Action and Religious Action Center 
Susan Friedberg Kalson (she/her) 
Chair 

Rabbi Jonah Dov Pesner (he/him) 
Director 

Central Conference of American Rabbis 
Rabbi Erica Asch (she/her) 
President 

Rabbi Hara E. Person (she/her) 
Chief Executive 

American Conference of Cantors 
Cantor Seth Warner (he/him) 
President 

Rachel Roth (she/her) 
Chief Operating Officer 

Women of Reform Judaism 
Sara Charney (she/her) 
President 

Rabbi Marla J. Feldman (she/her) 
Executive Director 

May 17, 2023

The Central Conference of American Rabbis grieves the continuing scourge of gun violence in the United States. Mass murders have become too numerous to name. All too often, troubled people, espousing extremist ideology, perpetrate mass tragedy while wielding semiautomatic weapons intended for military use. These murders happen so often that American society risks becoming numb. Yet each mass casualty event is tragic. These events end the lives of human beings created in God’s image, injuring others, and plunge families and communities into mourning. Survivors have to deal with this tragic loss and many experience trauma for years. Every American community is plagued by gun violence. Each time a single life is lost—by murder, suicide, or accident—a Divine light on Earth is extinguished.  
 
The evidence is clear: societies throughout the world, similar to the United States in every way except for the number of guns in circulation per capita, have dramatically lower rates of gun death.  
 
Reform rabbis affirm the efficacy of prayer. We do pray for the souls of victims, for the healing of those injured, and that grieving families and communities may find comfort. As people of faith, we know that prayer alone does not suffice. Judaism teaches that action—above all, action to save lives—is required alongside prayer.  
 
Many elected officials have declared mental illness to be the primary problem leading to gun violence. Even as we affirm that the vast majority of those who struggle with mental illness are not dangerous, we acknowledge that the United States does suffer from a mental health crisis. Reform rabbis call on federal, state, and local governments to enhance access to mental health care and to enact laws that empower judges to remove firearms from the possession of individuals who present potential danger to themselves or others.  
 
Above all, common sense legislation is urgently needed. Nobody, without exception, should be permitted to purchase a firearm without a thorough background check. Civilians should not have access to military-grade weapons.  
 
The time has long since passed for America to “choose life, that you and your children may live” (Deuteronomy 30:19).   

Rabbi Erica Asch
President  
 
Rabi Hara E. Person  
Chief Executive  
Central Conference of American Rabbis  

April 10, 2023

The Central Conference of American Rabbis deplores Judge Matthew J. Kacsmaryk’s ruling to invalidate the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s approval of mifepristone twenty-three years ago. Since 2000, millions of Americans have relied upon mifepristone as part of a safe regimen to terminate a pregnancy. Mifepristone is essential to reproductive justice in America. This crucial drug is currently the choice of more than half of Americans who seek abortion care. 

Reform rabbis applaud Judge Thomas O. Rice’s nearly simultaneous ruling, which contradicts Judge Kacsmaryk’s opinion. Judge Rice’s decision prohibits the F.D.A. from “any action to remove mifepristone from the market or otherwise cause the drug to become less available” in the eighteen states whose attorneys general joined the case before him. 

We learn in Torah, “Justice, justice shall you pursue” (Deuteronomy 16:20). Our commentators explain that the repetition of the word “justice” teaches us that the establishment of a just society requires not only just rulings, but a just judicial process. Judge Kacsmaryk’s ruling is an unjust result grounded in an unjust process. The judge’s bias is evident in the use of ideological rather than clinical language of his ruling, such as his reference to embryos and fetuses as “unborn children.” Congress has granted the FDA the authority to assess a medication’s safety and efficacy. More than 100 scientific studies have found mifepristone to be safe. Judge Kacsmaryk usurps both legislative and executive branch authority by substituting his personal judgment for that of the F.D.A. and scientists. 

The CCAR is grateful that President Biden, Attorney General Garland, and the F.D.A. have vowed to appeal Judge Kacsmaryk’s appalling and non-scientific ruling. We pray that their appeals will meet with success, and commit to continuing to work for reproductive justice.  

Rabbi Erica Asch 
President 

Rabi Hara E. Person 
Chief Executive  
Central Conference of American Rabbis 

March 28, 2023

We are relieved PM Netanyahu has finally responded to months of protests by nearly every sector of Israeli society that vigorously opposed the government’s judicial revolution. However, this temporary pause has come at an exorbitant price. To keep his fragile coalition intact, Netanyahu struck a deal with National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir to create a “national guard” that would fall under his authority. The formation of a civilian militia, which falls outside the scope of the Israeli police and under the stewardship of a far-right extremist leader like Ben-Gvir, is a threat to Israel’s democracy and civil security.   

Netanyahu’s concession to one of the most extreme members of his government proves that the Prime Minister is willing to risk the safety and security of Israel’s citizens to keep himself and his coalition in power. His cavalier dismissal of Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant, who publicly voiced his concern for the dire security risk of an IDF shaken by so many reservists who are unwilling to volunteer under the threats of this judicial revolution, was another heedless blow to Israel’s stability and democratic foundation.    

We are also alarmed by the aggressive rhetoric invoked against the pro-democracy protesters by supporters of the judicial reform. This threat is especially acute now, just days before Pesach begins and during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, when experienced, responsible policing is particularly essential to prevent violent clashes of all sorts.   

It was our hope that Netanyahu and his government would listen to the calls of Israelis and supporters of Israel across the globe to put an end to this reckless legislation and move Israel forward as a democracy. With hundreds of thousands of Israelis calling for reform, this could have been a watershed moment for the Israeli government to firmly establish Israel’s separation of powers and judicial independence, potentially opening the door to creating a formal constitution. While the delay is welcomed, dialogue is encouraged, and compromise is required, we must continue to press to ensure that this pause is used to strengthen the rule of law, an independent judiciary, and a supreme court that continues to be a staunch defender of human and civil rights.    

As Israelis have protested in the streets in unprecedented numbers we, as a North American Movement, will stand by our partners as they push for a path forward for Israel to remain a Jewish and democratic state. We will never stop fighting for the Israel we love: a Jewish homeland for all of us where every citizen has justice and equal rights.

As we approach Passover, the festival of freedom, we are inspired by the resilience and determination of our people throughout the ages. We will once again conclude our Passover Seders with the words L’Shana Ha’ba’ah b’Yerushalayim, Next Year in Jerusalem. May the next year in Jerusalem bring respect, diversity, and the safeguarding of democracy as we celebrate freedom for our people, and all peoples. 

Union for Reform Judaism 
Jennifer Brodkey Kaufman (she/her) 
Chair 

Rabbi Rick Jacobs (he/him) 
President 

Central Conference of American Rabbis 
Rabbi Erica Asch (she/her)
President 

Rabbi Hara E. Person (she/her) 
Chief Executive 

American Conference of Cantors 
Cantor Seth Warner (he/him) 
President 

Rachel Roth (she/her) 
Chief Operating Officer 

March 20, 2023

The Central Conference of American Rabbis deplores the violence and incitement directed at the hundreds of thousands of Israelis who have repeatedly taken to the streets in pro-democracy protests.    

We are appalled that National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and other extremists in the Israeli government have wrongly labeled peaceful protestors as “anarchists.” Yair Netanyahu, the Prime Minister’s son, has compared the protestors to Nazi Brownshirts. We know well that such incendiary words have led to bloodshed in the past and are unnecessarily inflaming an already tense situation. The incitement must stop now. We are grateful that Israel’s High Court of Justice has ruled that Ben-Gvir may no longer issue operational directives to the Israeli police, potentially mitigating his ability to order a violent response to those demonstrating in opposition to the judicial overhaul. 

Less than a month ago, hundreds of CCAR rabbis stood shoulder-to-shoulder with crowds of democracy-loving Israelis, protesting the proposed judicial coup. Reform rabbis saw with our own eyes: These demonstrations are peaceful. Our Israeli Reform rabbinic colleagues and members of their communities are joining protests every week, often more than once a week. These protestors are patriotic; the Israeli flag is their primary banner.   

Peaceful protestors in Israel are heeding the prophetic call: 

“Cry with a full throat, without restraint; 
Raise your voice like a shofar! 
Declare to My people their transgression, 
To the House of Jacob their sin.” (Isaiah 58:1).   

Rabbi Erica Asch, President 
Rabbi Hara E. Person, Chief Executive  
Central Conference of American Rabbis 

January 29, 2023

The Central Conference of American Rabbis condemns, in the strongest terms, the murder of at least eight Israelis at an East Jerusalem synagogue. We mourn the deaths of the victims, each of them a unique and precious soul created in the Divine image. We pray for the healing of the injured.

Security forces killed the gunman, but if others were involved in plotting this attack, they must be brought to justice.

Reform rabbis will continue to pray for and pursue peace and an end to these unjustifiable acts of terror—from North America, in Israel, and wherever we live and serve. As we prepare to gather in Israel for our annual convention in the weeks ahead, we look forward to joining together with all who are working for a just and lasting peace. Every person living between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea deserves to live and to worship in peace and security.

Sha’alu sh’lom Yerushalayim! “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!” (Psalms 122:6).

Rabbi Lewis Kamrass
President

Rabbi Hara E. Person
Chief Executive
Central Conference of American Rabbis

January 9, 2023

The Central Conference of American Rabbis is committed to the principles of democracy in North America, in Israel, and around the world. In addition to the free exercise of voting rights, those principles include the right, and even the responsibility, to hold democratically elected leaders to account. In that spirit, we join with our Israeli colleagues and millions of Israelis from north to south, who have significant concerns about the government coalition established in recent days by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.  

The new Israeli government coalition, composed of the Likud Party as well as ultra-Orthodox and extremist parties, has been established by a coalition agreement that violates central values of Judaism—above all, K’lal Yisrael, the unity of the diverse Jewish community, both within Israel and worldwide; and ahavat ha-ger, loving the non-Israelite in our midst.  

This new government threatens to attenuate the very democracy by which it was propelled into office. Vowing to leverage a majority vote in the Knesset to overturn any decision of the High Court of Justice, the coalition threatens minority rights that are central to any democracy. The rights of Israel’s women, ethnic and religious minorities, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and Reform and Conservative Jews are particularly at risk. 

The coalition agreement places key government offices into the hands of extremists who support acts of terror against Arab citizens of Israel and Palestinians in the Occupied West Bank, who aim to undermine basic democratic principles, and who celebrate their own forms of hatred, including homophobia. Moreover, at the very moment that Ukrainian Jews and their families are seeking refuge in the Jewish State, the new government promises to limit the immigration rights of tremendous numbers of Jewish people who are not considered Jews by ultra-Orthodox rabbis.  This violates the foundational value of the “ingathering of the exiles.” 

Next month, Reform rabbis will gather in Israel in large numbers for the annual convention of our Central Conference of American Rabbis, held in Israel every seventh year. We will go to Israel to be in solidarity with our Israeli rabbinic colleagues and the communities they serve at their hour of deepest concern and this time of marginalization. We will go to Israel to more deeply understand the challenges facing the State of Israel, all of its citizens, and others who are subject to its rule. We will go to Israel to speak truth to powerful government leaders. We will go to Israel to express our solidarity with all Israelis who support democracy, who uphold K’lal Yisrael, and who love the stranger in our midst.

“For the sake of Zion, [we] will not be silent” (Isaiah 62:1).

Rabbi Lewis Kamrass, President
Rabbi Hara E. Person, Chief Executive
Central Conference of American Rabbis