February 13, 2025
Since its inception, the Reform Jewish Movement has been guided by the prophetic call to pursue צדק (tzedek, justice) and uphold the כבוד (kavod, dignity) of every human being, rooted in the foundational belief that all people are created בצלם אלהים (b’tzelem Elohim, in the divine image). Our Movement has historically stood at the forefront of social justice, advocating for gender equality, racial justice, LGBTQ+ equality, assertive disability inclusion, and immigrant rights, among many other causes. From the 19th-century embrace of egalitarianism to active participation in the Civil Rights Movement and the ongoing fight against antisemitism and oppression, we have continually affirmed our responsibility לתקן את העולם (l’takein et haolam, to repair the world.)
Our Reform Movement’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is an extension of these deeply held Jewish values. We are grateful that the Jewish community itself is beautifully diverse, made up of Jews of Color, LGBTQ+ Jews, interfaith families, and people of different abilities and backgrounds. Our communal institutions must reflect this diversity and ensure that every individual feels welcomed, valued, and empowered to participate fully in Jewish life.
Yet, at this moment, DEI efforts—both within and beyond the Jewish community—are facing increasing attacks from political and ideological forces seeking to dismantle initiatives designed to address systemic discrimination and inequality. These efforts often attempt to erase the lived experiences of marginalized communities, weaken protections against discrimination, and distort the purpose of DEI work by falsely framing it as divisive. As Jews, we know too well the dangers of erasing history, ignoring inequity, and allowing injustice to persist unchallenged.
We are also mindful of concern that DEI initiatives have not always addressed the discrimination, bias, and violent antisemitism that the American Jewish community faces. In the words of a statement on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion released on February 7, 2025 by a broad coalition of Jewish groups led by our Reform Movement, “Some Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion champions have spoken or acted in ways that have caused us pain, including through overt expressions of antisemitism, and others have shared visions of the future that differ from our own; none can speak authoritatively and comprehensively about what Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is or is not. Rather, it is for each of us to do the work of opening the doors of opportunity for all. It is not only possible, but necessary, to advance Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts in a way that is truly inclusive of Jewish safety, identities, and history.”[i]
WHEREAS, the values of צדק (tzedek, justice), כבוד (kavod, dignity) of every human being, and בצלם אלהים (b’tzelem Elohim, the belief that all people are created in the divine image) are central to Jewish tradition and guide our commitment to equity and inclusion; and
WHEREAS, our Jewish community is enriched by the diversity of its members, including individuals of all racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds, gender identities, sexual orientations, abilities, and socio-economic statuses; and
WHEREAS, historical and contemporary antisemitism, racism, and other forms of discrimination require a proactive commitment to education, advocacy, and allyship to foster a more just and inclusive society; and
WHEREAS, fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment strengthens Jewish communal life and ensures that all individuals feel valued, respected, and empowered to participate fully in religious, social, and cultural activities; therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the CCAR affirms its commitment to:
- Welcoming and Inclusivity: Creating spaces where all individuals, regardless of background, feel a sense of belonging and are encouraged to participate in Jewish communal life.
- Education and Awareness: Providing opportunities for learning and dialogue about diversity, equity, and inclusion, including addressing unconscious bias and barriers to participation.
- Equitable Practices: Ensuring that our institutions, leadership, and programming reflect the diversity of our broader community and are accessible to all.
- Allyship and Advocacy: Standing in solidarity with marginalized communities and partnering with organizations committed to justice. Advocating for continuing and strengthening DEI in the public sphere. Insisting that combating antisemitism is a critical part of fighting discrimination, bias, and hate crimes.
- Leadership: Empowering CCAR rabbis to advocate for DEI in and beyond the organizations they serve.
- Continuous Reflection and Growth: Evaluating our DEI efforts regularly, seeking feedback from community members, and adapting our practices to better serve our shared values.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT we encourage all members of our community, including leaders, educators, and families, to uphold these commitments and work together to build a more just and inclusive Jewish future.
[i] Jewish Groups’ Statement on Diversity Equity, and Inclusion, February 7, 2025, https://urj.org/press-room/jewish-groups-statement-diversity-equity-inclusion#:~:text=It%20is%20not%20only%20possible,Equity%2C%20and%20Inclusion%20are%20suppressed.