December 11, 2024
Background
Since its founding in the United States in 1889, the Central Conference of American Rabbis has recognized that American democracy and its separation of Church and State created a unique environment in Jewish history.[1] For the first time in the history of the Jewish diaspora, Jews found in America a place where they could participate as free and equal citizens while honoring our Jewish traditions and expressing our faith in meaningful ways. Today, that democracy is under threat in ways that it has not been in its history of nearly two hundred fifty years.
Ancient Judaism provides precedent for representative democracy. The Talmud teaches us to consult the people when choosing leaders: “One may only appoint a leader over a community after consulting with the community.”[2] We are enjoined, too, to pray for the welfare of our government: “One should pray for the continued welfare of the government.”[3]
Judaism thrives on a plurality of voices and the free exchange of ideas; indeed, our tradition mandates that we remain vigilant against a turning of the tide in opposition to such free exchange, including when that requires standing firm against the majority. The medieval commentary Rashbam exhorted us: “Do not simply follow the majority if, in your opinion, the majority are about to commit an error in judgment. Do not remain silent because they are the majority, but state your view.”[4]
Speaking up for the weak in society, voicing dissenting opinions, and consulting the people— these are just a few of the democratic principles that Reform rabbis, and the communities we serve, hold dear. The time to recommit ourselves to democratic principles is upon us.
WHEREAS, democracy has made the United States[5] home to the most vibrant and vital diaspora Jewish communities in history. Our ability to not just survive, but to flourish here depends on the preservation and continual improvement of that democracy; and
WHEREAS, being leaders of the American Jewish community, CCAR rabbis are obligated to make clear and explicit our commitment to the democracy that makes American Jewish life possible—not merely to commit to a set of abstract principles, but to bind ourselves to protect and defend them as if our safety, security, and ability to thrive depend on them—because they do.
THEREFORE, the Central Conference of American Rabbis resolves to:
- Respect the rule of law and support and defend the fundamental American principle of equal justice under the law.
- Defend the sacrosanct American rights to free speech,[6] free expression,[7] freedom of the press,[8] freedom to assemble, free exercise of religion,[9] and the separation of church and state.
- Honor fact-based deliberation and speak out against falsehoods that undermine respect for, and confidence in, our elections, the Constitution, and the rule of law.
- Support free, fair, safe, and accessible elections;[10] the right of all eligible voters to cast their votes and have them counted and to honor the outcomes of those elections through the peaceful continuation or transfer of power.
- Insist that preserving the rights of minorities is as fundamental to democracy as rule by the will of the majority.
- Resolve differences within and beyond our community through respectful discussion and deliberation, to eschew dehumanization of our political opponents, and to firmly reject political violence in all forms.
- Demand that the United States Senate vigorously defend, protect, and judiciously execute its Constitutional prerogative and responsibility to approve or reject presidential appointments.
- Hold government officials, political and civic leaders, and candidates for elected office responsible and accountable for all of the above.
- https://www.ccarnet.org/ccar-resolutions/civil-liberties-1889-1972/, https://www.ccarnet.org/ccar-resolutions/first-amendment-rights-1996/, https://www.ccarnet.org/ccar-resolutions/freedom-of-the-press-1889-1972/, https://www.ccarnet.org/ccar-resolutions/free-exercise-of-religion-and-the-religious-freedom-restoration-act-of-1991/, https://www.ccarnet.org/ccar-resolutions/free-and-accessible-elections/. ↑
- Babylonian Talmud, B’rachot 55a. ↑
- Mishnah Avot 3:2. ↑
- Rashbam to Exodus 23:3 ↑
- The remainder of the resolution is largely drawn from https://www.democracyprinciples.org/ where the CCAR has signed on to the declaration of democratic principles. ↑
- https://www.ccarnet.org/ccar-resolutions/civil-liberties-1889-1972/ ↑
- https://www.ccarnet.org/ccar-resolutions/first-amendment-rights-1996/ ↑
- https://www.ccarnet.org/ccar-resolutions/freedom-of-the-press-1889-1972/ ↑
- https://www.ccarnet.org/ccar-resolutions/free-exercise-of-religion-and-the-religious-freedom-restoration-act-of-1991/ ↑
- https://www.ccarnet.org/ccar-resolutions/free-and-accessible-elections/ ↑