Resolution Adopted by the CCAR
Gambling
Adopted by the CCAR at the 98th Annual Convention of
the Central Conference of American Rabbis
1987
WHEREAS the Central Conference of American Rabbis in 1979 called upon its members
to discourage “the use of gambling devices to raise funds for Jewish religious and
communal institutions,” and
WHEREAS our tradition takes a dim view of gamblers and a strong stand against gambling,
and
WHEREAS the CCAR is also concerned about the manner in which gambling preys upon those
in our society who are often economically deprived, and
WHEREAS many synagogues continue to sponsor bingo games, Las Vegas nights, lotteries
and other forms of gambling to raise funds, and
WHEREAS many states have established and promoted government lotteries and wagering
to raise public revenues,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the CCAR
1. Calls upon its members to discourage their congregations and communal organizations
from adopting or continuing the use of gambling devices for the raising of funds.
2. Calls upon the leadership of Reform congregations and Jewish philanthropic leaders
to explore alternatives for congregations that have turned to, or might turn to,
gambling as a means of financial support.
3. Calls upon the UAHC-CCAR Joint Commission on Synagogue Management to provide greater
information on alternative fund-raising methods and to disseminate their findings
on a regional basis.
4. Deplores the use of lotteries, “off-track betting,” or any other form of gambling
promoted by government agencies to raise revenues, wholly or in part, in lieu of
taxation, and urges state and local movements to discontinue these practices.
5. Calls upon its members to provide counsel for compulsive gamblers and their families
within our congregations and communities.
6. Commends Gamblers Anonymous and similar organizations, and urges rabbis to learn
of their work and to support seminars and clergy conferences on this problem.