Resolution Adopted by the CCAR

Jewish Parenting Centers and Nursery Schools

Adopted by the CCAR at the 96th Annual Convention of

the Central Conference of American Rabbis

1985

Whereas

the Joint UAHC-CCAR Commission on Jewish Education, through its National Curriculum

Project, has provided learners with a lifelong and systematic strategy for fulfilling

the goals of Reform Jewish education, and

Whereas

the infant and toddler stages in growth and development, culminating in the early

childhood years (21/2-5) provide an unparalleled setting for an individual’s acquisition of identity development

skills, and

Whereas

the involvement of parents in Jewish education establishes the process of Jewish

life activities as an extension of family nurturance and valuing, and

Whereas

the UAHC Department of Education offers consultation, orientation, and program development

models related to the establishment of Jewish Parenting Centers for infants and toddlers,

as well as a published set of Guidelines

for pre-school teachers and parents, and

Whereas

the National Federation of Temple Sisterhoods has nurtured and supported early childhood

programs and is the co-sponsor of PATT (Parents are Teachers Too) for parents of

pre-school children, and

Whereas

experience has shown that Jewish Parenting Centers and Nursery Schools enhance family

synagogue affiliation and Jewish identification,

Be it therefore resolved

that we call upon all UAHC congregations to promote Jewish educational and experiential

programs for adults preparing for parenthood, new parents, and children from infancy

to age five; and we call upon all member congregations to establish Jewish Parenting Centers and Reform Jewish Nursery Schools in conjunction with the National Curriculum

Project.

Resolution Adopted by the CCAR

Deceptive Proselytization of Jews

Adopted by the CCAR at the 96th Annual Convention of

the Central Conference of American Rabbis 1985

 

The Jewish community is concerned about ongoing deceptive efforts to proselytize Jews. We recognize the constitutional right of religious groups to practice their faiths and to share their beliefs with others, but we condemn the deceptive practices employed by certain Christian missionary groups in their zeal to win converts.

Of paramount concern to the Jewish community is the claim of certain Christian missionary groups that they legitimately represent Jewish tradition. So-called “Jews for Jesus,” “Messianic Jews,” “Hebrew Christians, ” and other such groups, in claiming to be part of the Jewish community, make four misleading claims: 1) They misrepresent themselves as another branch of Judaism alongside the Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, and Reconstructionist branches. 2) Some of their leaders misrepresent themselves as duly ordained “rabbis.” 3) They deceptively call their places of worship “synagogues.”” And 4) they misquote and misinterpret traditional Jewish sources to support their beliefs.

The accepted bodies of Judaism, while differing on points of theology and practice, unanimously agree that belief in Jesus as God, the Messiah, Savior, or the Son of God is Christian doctrine, which is wholly apart from Jewish tradition and theology. Therefore, any movement that professes such belief cannot be considered a part of Judaism and cannot legitimately represent itself as such.

The use of these deceptive practices that distort Judaism in order to convert Jews is a moral issue of great concern, not only to the Jewish community, but to society at large. We call upon our congregations and organizations to publish this stand in their newsletters and temple bulletins. We call upon our colleagues to share this statement with leaders and friends in the Christian communities. We call upon all fair-minded Americans to condemn deception in the name of religion and not to support or sponsor such organizations.

Resolution Adopted by the CCAR

Deceptive Proselytization of Jews

Adopted by the CCAR at the 96th Annual Convention of

the Central Conference of American Rabbis

1985

The Jewish community is concerned about ongoing deceptive efforts to proselytize Jews.

We recognize the constitutional right of religious groups to practice their faiths

and to share their beliefs with others, but we condemn the deceptive practices employed by certain Christian missionary groups in their zeal to win converts.        

Of paramount concern to the Jewish community is the claim of certain Christian missionary

groups that they legitimately represent Jewish tradition. So-called “Jews for Jesus,”

“Messianic Jews,” “Hebrew Christians, ” and other such groups, in claiming to be part of the Jewish community, make four misleading claims: 1) They misrepresent

themselves as another branch of Judaism alongside the Orthodox, Conservative, Reform,

and Reconstructionist branches. 2) Some of their leaders misrepresent themselves

as duly ordained “rabbis.” 3) They deceptively call their places of worship “synagogues."”

And 4) they misquote and misinterpret traditional Jewish sources to support their

beliefs.        

The accepted bodies of Judaism, while differing on points of theology and practice,

unanimously agree that belief in Jesus as God, the Messiah, Savior, or the Son of

God is Christian doctrine, which is wholly apart from Jewish tradition and theology.

Therefore, any movement that professes such belief cannot be considered a part of Judaism

and cannot legitimately represent itself as such.        

The use of these deceptive practices that distort Judaism in order to convert Jews

is a moral issue of great concern, not only to the Jewish community, but to society

at large. We call upon our congregations and organizations to publish this stand

in their newsletters and temple bulletins. We call upon our colleagues to share this statement

with leaders and friends in the Christian communities. We call upon all fair-minded

Americans to condemn deception in the name of religion and not to support or sponsor such organizations.

Resolution Adopted by the CCAR

Deceptive Proselytization of Jews

Adopted by the CCAR at the 96th Annual Convention of

the Central Conference of American Rabbis

1985

The Jewish community is concerned about ongoing deceptive efforts to proselytize Jews.

We recognize the constitutional right of religious groups to practice their faiths

and to share their beliefs with others, but we condemn the deceptive practices employed by certain Christian missionary groups in their zeal to win converts.        

Of paramount concern to the Jewish community is the claim of certain Christian missionary

groups that they legitimately represent Jewish tradition. So-called “Jews for Jesus,”

“Messianic Jews,” “Hebrew Christians, ” and other such groups, in claiming to be part of the Jewish community, make four misleading claims: 1) They misrepresent

themselves as another branch of Judaism alongside the Orthodox, Conservative, Reform,

and Reconstructionist branches. 2) Some of their leaders misrepresent themselves

as duly ordained “rabbis.” 3) They deceptively call their places of worship “synagogues."”

And 4) they misquote and misinterpret traditional Jewish sources to support their

beliefs.        

The accepted bodies of Judaism, while differing on points of theology and practice,

unanimously agree that belief in Jesus as God, the Messiah, Savior, or the Son of

God is Christian doctrine, which is wholly apart from Jewish tradition and theology.

Therefore, any movement that professes such belief cannot be considered a part of Judaism

and cannot legitimately represent itself as such.        

The use of these deceptive practices that distort Judaism in order to convert Jews

is a moral issue of great concern, not only to the Jewish community, but to society

at large. We call upon our congregations and organizations to publish this stand

in their newsletters and temple bulletins. We call upon our colleagues to share this statement

with leaders and friends in the Christian communities. We call upon all fair-minded

Americans to condemn deception in the name of religion and not to support or sponsor such organizations.

Resolution Adopted by the CCAR

On the Performance of Circumcision

Adopted by the CCAR at the 96th Annual Convention of

the Central Conference of American Rabbis

1985

Whereas

the legislature of the State of New York is considering Bill #7797, which states

in Section 1, Sub-Section 2503-a, Paragraph 3, in regard to providing information

to pregnant women relating to circumcision: “Such information shall additionally

state that a circumcision performed by a non-religious practitioner does not satisfy the religious

requirements of any faith”; and

Whereas

the State of New York would be required, if this legislation passes, to establish

what are and what are not the “religious requirements of any faith:” and

Whereas

such determination would violate the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment,

which prohibits the State from entangling itself in religion,

Therefore be it resolved

that the Central Conference of American Rabbis vigorously objects to this proposal

and calls on the New York State Senate and Assembly to defeat it.

Resolution Adopted by the CCAR

Molestation of Children

Adopted by the CCAR at the 96th Annual Convention of

the Central Conference of American Rabbis

1985

The CCAR views with deep anguish increasing evidence of the rise of child abuse, and

especially child sexual abuse, in this country. The physical suffering and the psychological

scars resulting from these criminal acts will have tragic impact on this generation and on generations yet to come. We are most sympathetic for these abused children,

who are often victimized by the act and by doubts of the legitimacy of their testimony.

We are also concerned for those adults who are judged guilty when accused of these crimes, even before thorough investigation has proceeded and a fair trial conducted.

Therefore be it resolved

that the CCAR affirms its concern for molested children and its support for the agencies

working in their behalf, and urges the proper protection of children who are called

upon to testify. We wish to protect their dignity and privacy. We urge that sensitive and ethical techniques be employed to separate their true testimony from possible

distortions resulting from improper prompting and questioning in both pre-trial and

in court proceedings.

Be it further resolved

that we urge the media and the law enforcement agencies not to pre-judge the adults

who stand accused of child molestation, but to investigate the charges thoroughly,

mindful of those influences that may cause a child to exaggerate or falsify statements

regarding relationships with relatives, friends, or strangers.

Resolution Adopted by the CCAR

Deceptive Proselytization of Jews

Adopted by the CCAR at the 96th Annual Convention of

the Central Conference of American Rabbis

1985

The Jewish community is concerned about ongoing deceptive efforts to proselytize Jews.

We recognize the constitutional right of religious groups to practice their faiths

and to share their beliefs with others, but we condemn the deceptive practices employed by certain Christian missionary groups in their zeal to win converts.        

Of paramount concern to the Jewish community is the claim of certain Christian missionary

groups that they legitimately represent Jewish tradition. So-called “Jews for Jesus,”

“Messianic Jews,” “Hebrew Christians, ” and other such groups, in claiming to be part of the Jewish community, make four misleading claims: 1) They misrepresent

themselves as another branch of Judaism alongside the Orthodox, Conservative, Reform,

and Reconstructionist branches. 2) Some of their leaders misrepresent themselves

as duly ordained “rabbis.” 3) They deceptively call their places of worship “synagogues."”

And 4) they misquote and misinterpret traditional Jewish sources to support their

beliefs.        

The accepted bodies of Judaism, while differing on points of theology and practice,

unanimously agree that belief in Jesus as God, the Messiah, Savior, or the Son of

God is Christian doctrine, which is wholly apart from Jewish tradition and theology.

Therefore, any movement that professes such belief cannot be considered a part of Judaism

and cannot legitimately represent itself as such.        

The use of these deceptive practices that distort Judaism in order to convert Jews

is a moral issue of great concern, not only to the Jewish community, but to society

at large. We call upon our congregations and organizations to publish this stand

in their newsletters and temple bulletins. We call upon our colleagues to share this statement

with leaders and friends in the Christian communities. We call upon all fair-minded

Americans to condemn deception in the name of religion and not to support or sponsor such organizations.

Resolution Adopted by the CCAR

Sanctuary

Adopted by the CCAR at the 96th Annual Convention of

the Central Conference of American Rabbis

1985

Whereas

we are instructed in the Holiness code (Lev. 19:33) to do no harm to the stranger

residing in our midst and to learn the lesson of history–“Know the heart of the stranger,

for you too were strangers in the land of Egypt”–and to act accordingly, and

Whereas

the history of the Jewish people from Egypt through the Holocaust and continuing

today is the story of a group forced time and again to flee the lands in which it

resided, and having been repelled often in times of greatest need, Jews recognize

the necessity for havens for the persecuted, and

Whereas

thousands of men, women, and children are fleeing oppression, torture, and murder

and are seeking haven in the United States and Canada,and

Whereas

the United States signed the United Nations convention relating to the status of

refugees, which states: “No contracting state shall expel or return a refugee in

any manner whatsoever to the frontiers or territories where his life or freedom would

be threatened on account of his race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social

group, or political opinion,” and

Whereas

the Refugee Act passed by Congress in 1980 provides for the grant of asylum to any

refugee demonstrating a “well-founded fear of persecution on account of race, religion,

nationality, membership in a particular social group or political opinion,” and

Whereas

these laws notwithstanding, the United States continues, based on foreign policy

considerations, to arrest and deport refugees who have a well-founded fear of persecution,

and

Whereas

some two hundred churches and synagogues have offered public sanctuary to Central

Americans and others fleeing violence and oppression; hundreds of other religious

institutions have agreed to support the work being done by offering sanctuary, and

four American cities have declared themselves to be sanctuary cities, and

Whereas

some of these actions are presently deemed by our government as violations of law,

and there have been arrests and convictions of persons participating in them, and

Whereas

for decades the Central Conference of American Rabbis has been on record in support

of political freedom for all people,

Be it therefore resolved

that

1. We ask that the government of the United States fairly apply the Refugee Act of

1980, without regard to the political relationship between the country fled and the

United States.

2. We favor passage of legislation which would temporarily suspend deportation of

those fleeing El Salvador and Guatemala and other oppressive regimes until such a

time as refugees can safely return to their countries of origin.

3. While we acknowledge that religious institutions do not stand outside the law,

the selective interpretation of the law and the human tragedies which have resulted

from that interpretation call for a moral response from us as Jews.

Therefore we applaud our members and their congregations who provide sanctuary–support,

protection, and advocacy to all refugees who request safe haven out of fear of persecution

upon return to their homeland. We recognize the serious legal implications of such actions and alert the congregations to the recent prosecutions for assistance

and support of these refugees, even as we commit ourselves to support efforts to

overturn the administration’s legal position.

4. In addition, we applaud our members and their congregations who

a. provide material and financial support to organized religious or humanitarian entities

with aid earmarked for persecuted individuals;

b. sponsor counseling for refugees to explain remedies available under the Immigration

and Naturalization Act;

c. create funds or programs to meet their legal, psychological counseling, and language

training needs; and

d. encourage municipal governments to establish their communities as “sanctuary areas.”

Resolution Adopted by the CCAR

Black-Jewish Relations

Adopted by the CCAR at the 96th Annual Convention of

the Central Conference of American Rabbis

1985

Torah posits the common ancestry of all humanity; the Prophets remind us that all

people are related by a common ancestry. And the lessons of history have taught us

that minority groups within a society can only flourish in an atmosphere of freedom

and equality.        

Recent years have seen the weakening of the once strong relations between Blacks and

Jews. Certain domestic and foreign issues have stymied attempts to speak with one

voice.        

While we recognize the legitimacy of disagreement, still we are committed to the continued

seeking of common avenues and shared responses to mutual concerns.

Therefore be it resolved

that the CCAR:

1. reaffirm its long-standing support of solidarity and dialogue with the Black community,

even when divided over specific issues;

2. continue its efforts to work together with like-minded Black organizations, and

encourage dialogue through such programs as the Kivie Kaplan Institute;

3. commend those congregations and organizations that have already begun such dialogue;

reaffirm the necessity to implement programs of affirmative action to ensure places

in higher education and in business and professions for Blacks and members of other

minority groups; and

4. condemn governmental policies that weaken support for programs which have aided

Black people to train for employment or obtain quality medical and legal services.

Resolution Adopted by the CCAR

Louis Finkelstein and Salo W. Baron

Adopted by the CCAR at the 96th Annual Convention of

the Central Conference of American Rabbis

1985

This year marks the ninetieth birthday of two outstanding Jewish scholars.

Louis Finkelstein

has been both a creative student of Rabbinic Judaism and for many years the leading

figure in the American Conservative movement. His early Jewish Self-Government in the Middle Ages

displayed remarkable breadth of erudition and provided a new understanding of the

takanot

promulgated by medieval rabbis. His later studies of Rabbi Akiba and of the Pharisees

first brought the new perspectives of social and economic history tellingly to bear

upon familiar religious subjects. As president and then chancellor of the Jewish

Theological Seminary, Louis Finkelstein directed the rabbinical education of a generation

of our colleagues and gave new prominence to our sister progressive movement.

Salo Wittmayer Baron

belongs to that small company of Jewish historians who have contributed to the study

of Jewish history in virtually every phase of its long course. Going beyond Graetz

and Dubnow in his understanding of the interplay between social and religious factors

in Judaism, his still-appearing multi-volume history embraces and exemplifies the remarkable

increase of our knowledge during the last generation. Brought to the United States

by Stephen S. Wise, and for a time librarian and professor at the Jewish Institute of Religion, Salo Baron went on to Columbia University, where he raised up a company

of talented disciples. Beyond scholarship and teaching, in various organizational

and editorial capacities, Salo Baron has also actively propagated and advanced the

expansion and deepening of Jewish studies in America.

Be it therefore resolved

that the Central Conference of American Rabbis pay tribute to these scholars and

to their achievements. On the occasion of a milestone in their lives, it sends them

this expression of high regard and of appreciation for enriching our Jewish lives.