Resolution Adopted by the CCAR

SUPPORT OF BUILDING THE IMPJ

Adopted by the 109^th Annual Convention of the

Central Conference of American Rabbis

June, 1998

WHEREAS the CCAR takes responsibility to be full partners with our Israeli colleagues in expanding our presence in Israel;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT

The CCAR call upon its members to join in the effort of building congregations, community centers and schools as well as expanding the existing centers of the IMPJ in Israel.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT

We pledge to assist ARZA / World Union in raising funds in our congregations; to foster personal relationships between the congregations and organizations we serve in North America and the institutions of Progressive Judaism in Israel, and to continue our work in support of the College-Institute in Israel.

Resolution Adopted by the CCAR

BILINGUAL EDUCATION

Adopted by the 109^th Annual Convention of the

Central Conference of American Rabbis

June, 1998

Background

Rabbi Judah the Prince affirms: “The world endures only for the sake of the breath of schoolchildren.” It is the responsibility of every community to ensure the education of its young, by providing teachers who can inspire students, enabling each child academic mastery of his or her studies. We are enjoined to teach in a manner that affirms the student’s self-esteem: “Those who are shamed by their lack of skills are not able to learn” (Rabbi Hillel, Pirkei Avot 2:6).

Bilingual education — the teaching of substantive curriculum in a child’s native language while giving special instruction in English language and literacy skills — has a long history in the United States. Bilingual education programs could be found in American schools as early as 1694. A resurgence of nativism in the late nineteenth century marked the beginning of the gradual decline of bilingual education. Interest in bilingual education arose again in the 1960s, and culminated with the 1968 Bilingual Education Act . The two central goals of the Bilingual Education Act are English proficiency and achievement in academic content areas. Moreover, bilingual education simultaneously promotes our common language and fosters respect for diverse languages and cultures. Such diversity enriches our society and enriches the public schools.

Language-minority students face unique obstacles in public school and our educational system should help students overcome those obstacles by providing an appropriate education that enables such students to become proficient in English and skilled in specific subject areas.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Central Conference of American Rabbis:

Calls upon federal, state and local governments to utilize the following principles as guidelines in their legislation.

Programs for language-minority students should be designed to ensure that students become proficient and successful in English.

Public schools should make available to language-minority students an opportunity to learn substantive subjects in their native language.

Programs should develop literacy skills in the best way possible for each child, promoting the child’s self-esteem while continuing to work toward the ultimate goal of English proficiency.

Supports adequate funding to train and re-train competent teachers to ensure the continuing high quality of the programs.

Resolution Adopted by the CCAR

SWEATSHOPS AND CHILD LABOR

Adopted by the 108^th Annual Convention of the

Central Conference of American Rabbis

June, 1997

Background

Issues of workers’ rights are spoken to specifically in the Torah. We are ever mindful of

the biblical commandment that, “You shall not abuse a needy and destitute laborer,

whether a fellow countryman or a stranger in one of the communities of your land.”

(Deuteronomy 24:10) Adhering to these fundamental Jewish values, and recognizing

that the hardships faced by our grandparents in the sweatshops of New York City are

reflected in the experiences of today’s immigrants who labor in fields and factories to

guarantee a better future for themselves and their children, our community has long

sought to secure safe and equitable conditions for our nation’s workers. Our tradition and

our experience teach us that we betray the cause of justice unless we work to end the

oppression of workers throughout the world.

The Union of American Hebrew Congregations (UAHC) and the CCAR (CCAR) have

long called for the elimination of abusive labor conditions and practices. In 1909, the

UAHC spoke out strongly against the deplorable exploitation of children in the

workplace. In 1961, the UAHC denounced discrimination against migrant farmers,

calling on the federal government to help end these abuses and raise the status of these

farm workers to a position of dignity and equality. And in 1969, the UAHC joined, and

continues to support, the grape boycott intended to help secure better wages and working

conditions for grape pickers.

Unfortunately, the conditions that have prompted these actions in the past persist today.

Labor abuses, such as the continued prevalence of sweatshops and child labor, are as

repugnant to us now as they were before. In this country, workers are often forced to

work in unsafe conditions, for upwards of twelve hours a day, at times for as little as

seventy cents an hour. Abroad, children are frequently forced to labor in dangerous

conditions, made even more hazardous by their young age. In many countries, children

work in near slavery, for no pay and as prisoners in factories. As people of faith, it is our

responsibility to act on our principles and ensure that all workers, regardless of industry,

regardless of rank, are treated with dignity and fairness.

THEREFORE, the Commission on Social Action of Reform Judaism resolves to

Encourage independent third party monitoring programs, by groups such as human

rights organizations, labor unions, and religious organizations, which conduct

independent and unannounced audits of factories and provide information on their

findings to consumers;

Support legislation to make manufacturers, including retailers who act as manufacturers,

responsible for their contractors’ violations (while retaining any right of indemnity they

have against the contractors);

Urge UAHC member congregations to combat the exploitation of children in the

workplace and the prevalence of sweatshop labor through such activities as: generating

congregational awareness campaigns around the issues of sweatshop labor and child

labor; sensitizing congregants to the history of sweatshops and child labor in the United

States, specifically in the Jewish community; and participating in coalitions and other

activities that seek to put an end to these workplace abuses;

Commend industry programs which monitor production in their industry to ensure that

no sweatshop or child labor is being used; and,

Encourage UAHC congregants to take part in preferential purchasing from companies

which monitor manufacturing in their industry.

And calls upon the U.S. federal government and state governments to

Enact legislation that will allow for adequate staffing and funding to enforce existing

workers’ protection statutes;

Enact legislation and take appropriate administrative measures to ban the import into the

United States of products found to be made with child labor or sweatshop labor;

Enact legislation that will correct the egregious violations of workers’ rights, both child

and adult, which occur in the agricultural industry; and

Ratify the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and the International

Labor Organization (ILO) Convention No. 138, which seek to set international standards

for child labor.

Resolution Adopted by the CCAR

SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE INVESTING

Adopted by the 108^th Annual Convention of the

Central Conference of American Rabbis

June, 1997

WHEREAS, the CCAR has on numerous occasions applied our Jewish values to

economic activity in the market place, and

WHEREAS, we have a responsibility to apply such values to our own activities,

therefore

BE IT RESOLVED, that the CCAR instructs its Investment Committee and

urges the Rabbinical Pension Board to:

(1)

develop investment policies that insure that Jewish values and social

responsibility will play major roles in their decision-making processes, and

(2) incorporate within these policies a Chai Investment Program [CHIP] whereby

1.8% of all invested funds, including endowment and pension funds, will be

invested in community development agencies, and

(3) report these policies to the 1998 CCAR convention.

Resolution Adopted by the CCAR

RESOLUTION ON SH’LICHUT/THE RABBINIC SERVICE CORPS

Adopted by the 108^th Annual Convention of the

Central Conference of American Rabbis

June, 1997

Background

In his presidential report to the CCAR convention (March 1997), Simeon Maslin introduced

the idea of Sh’lichut/The Rabbinic Service Corps. Since then, it has been incorporated into

the Guidelines of the Long Range Planning Committee and approved by the CCAR Executive

Board. We hope to implement Sh’lichut on a purely voluntary basis, by June 1998. As part

of that process, we submit this resolution to the CCAR Plenum:

WHEREAS, there are hundreds of Jewish communities, both in North American and

overseas, that do not enjoy and often cannot afford the services of a rabbi; and

WHEREAS, Sh’lichut to such congregations can be of inestimable value both to those served

and to the Shaliach rabbi and his /her family; and

WHEREAS, examples of Sh’lichut can be inspirational to the entire Reform movement,

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the CCAR, in cooperation with the Union

of American Hebrew Congregations, the World Union for Progressive Judaism and Hebrew

Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, hereby approve the proposal (included in the

CCAR’s Long Range Planning guidelines) to establish a Rabbinic Service Corps dedicated to

the ideal of Sh’lichut to Jewish communities that have historically had difficulty in attracting

and supporting rabbis, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the CCAR authorize the establishment of a committee

to create a program of Sh’lichut in cooperation with the other institutions of Reform Judaism, and we

charge that committee to propose a voluntary two-year minimum period of service, a program of

mentoring, and a system of incentives that will attract both recent ordainees and rabbis with years of

practical experience to the Rabbinic Service Corps/Sh’lichut, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the CCAR further encourage colleagues to volunteer for

Sh’lichut, and we urge the Rabbinic Placement Commission to find ways to ease the transition of

Sh’lichim after their period of service.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the CCAR consider the funding of this program to be a high

priority, and we urge the cooperation of all arms of the Reform Movement in raising appropriate levels

of support for this endeavor.

Resolution Adopted by the CCAR

RESTORATION OF JEWISH PROPERTY AND FINANCIAL ASSETS

Adopted by the 108^th Annual Convention of the

Central Conference of American Rabbis

June, 1997

WHEREAS, the issue of properties and financial assets previously belonging to Jewish

communities and individuals who were killed during the Second World War has to be

addressed by all governments, and

WHEREAS, we acknowledge that the Swiss government has declared its intent to act

promptly, and

WHEREAS, we are awaiting anxiously the results of the Swiss government’s investigations so

that this problem can be solved very soon and assets placed in Swiss banks and institutions

can be handed over to appropriate Jewish institutions, and individuals,

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the CCAR appeal to all governments of countries

holding assets of Holocaust victims and survivors, to act to redress this injustice by ensuring

that those assets are passed on to appropriate individuals, Jewish organizations, and Jewish

communities.

Note: This resolution was adopted at the meeting of the Government Body of

the World Union for Progressive Judaism held at Geneva on November 10,

1996.

Resolution Adopted by the CCAR

RELIGIOUS INTOLERANCE IN ISRAEL

Adopted by the 108^th Annual Convention of the

Central Conference of American Rabbis

June, 1997

The Central Conference of American Rabbis,

Deeply concerned about the recent statements by some leaders of the Shas party condemning

the rule of law in Israel;

Alarmed by the threat of increasing the social gulf separating Ashkenazic Jews from Sefardic

Jews;

Distressed by the religious intolerance and lack of civility shown in the public debates in

connection with the Bar-On affair,

Urges all parties to reaffirm their commitments to uphold the rule of law and the democratic

principles that govern the State of Israel, and establish religious pluralism and mutual respect

for all its citizens.

Resolution Adopted by the CCAR

REFUGEES IN ZAIRE AND SURROUNDING AREAS

Adopted by the 108^th Annual Convention of the

Central Conference of American Rabbis

June, 1997

Background

At this time we remember the fateful Kristallnacht on the 9^th of November,

1938 when the synagogues and property of Jews in Germany were destroyed by the Nazis. As

we know, the subsequent unspeakable crimes against humanity by the destruction of the

Jewish communities of Europe could have been averted if governments of the world and their

citizens had reacted adequately to this unprecedented act of racial discrimination.

We therefore respond with horror at the news that probably more than one million refugees

roam somewhere near the border of Zaire and Rwanda in search of shelter, food and

water.

We, who carry with us forever the scars of the past, having seen our relatives dispatched to

concentration camps while the majority of bystanders turned their backs on the Jewish

community, appeal to all governments to take immediate measures to alleviate the suffering

and to stop the fighting in the area.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the CCAR urge the members of the Security Council

of the United Nations to authorize the use of forces to establish corridors of safety for aid to be

sent and to bring all parties concerned to the negotiating table, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we also appeal to the governments and insurgents of

Zaire and adjoining areas to allow immediately all possible aid to reach the refugees wherever

they are.

Resolution Adopted by the CCAR

THE MOVEMENT FOR ENGLISH-ONLY – ENGLISH AS THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGE OF THE UNITED STATES

Adopted by the 108^th Annual Convention of the

Central Conference of American Rabbis

June, 1997

Background

The Jewish commitment to civil rights in the United States stems from our historical and

current understanding of oppression. Throughout the civil rights movement, Jews stood

steadfastly with other Americans and worked tirelessly for equal opportunity and

protection for all Americans, particularly members of minority groups. Demonstrating

this commitment to civil rights, the Union of American Hebrew Congregations and the

CCAR played an integral role in drafting and passing the Voting Rights Act of 1965

which helped protect millions of minority voters from discrimination and intimidation at

the ballot box. Now, in 1997, we face another civil rights battle: the movement for

English as the official language of the United States. Again, we must speak out to

protect the rights of all language-minority citizens and legal immigrants in the United

States. This battle, however, will be fought on many levels, including protecting the

rights of all language minority citizens and legal immigrants from the divisive,

discriminatory, and gratuitous nature of the movement.

The movement also offends us because it runs counter to the value we place on honoring

the cultural integrity of all people. The liturgy of the Passover seder teaches us that our

ancestors in Egypt did not alter their way of life, their convictions, their names, their

heritage, their faith, or their language. By virtue of this self-respect and dignity, they

merited redemption. We are commanded to relive the Exodus experience so that we are

ever-mindful of fighting for freedom and dignity for all peoples — principles that are

undermined by efforts to stifle the right of individuals to express themselves in their

native tongues.

To date, eighteen states have enacted legislation declaring English to be their official

language. With the growth in the number of Americans for whom English is a second

language, some people argue that English will soon be lost. Yet English continues to be

the most common language of both government and commerce in the United States;

ninety-nine percent of government documents are printed in English. Furthermore, no

legislative measure is necessary to encourage immigrants to learn English. In some

cities, there are long waiting lists for English classes. Therefore, proponents of English

as the official language of the United States would better serve their cause by working to

accommodate the growing demand for English classes rather than punishing those that

are actively seeking to learn the language.

Additionally, this legislation, at both the state and federal level, would serve to legitimize

racial and ethnic discrimination and feed anti-immigrant sentiment. Legislation currently

before Congress would declare English as the official language of the Government of the

United States, yet its interpretation could lead to discrimination against foreign-born

citizens and legal residents by denying language-minority citizens equal access to the

rights of all citizens, including the right to receive a fair education and the right to vote.

As Jews, we were, and continue to be, immigrants to this nation. We have benefited

from its opportunities and thrived in its openness. Yet, we struggled to fit into a society

which did not always welcome us with open arms or equal opportunities. Therefore, we

understand the hardships faced by today’s immigrants and decry efforts to hinder their

free participation in all aspects of American civic life.

THEREFORE, the Commission on Social Action of Reform Judaism resolves to

Oppose all federal, state and local government efforts that declare English as the official

language of the government or that bar government agencies or their employees from

communicating in any language other than English;

Support the principle that all residents of this country should learn English, but oppose

punitive measures to accomplish that goal;

Help educate the public, elected officials, and private employers as to why “English-

Only” legislation and policies are divisive, discriminatory, and unnecessary;

Support programs that encourage and enable all residents of this country to learn

English, such programs to include, but not be limited to: the formation of additional

English classes to accommodate the growing number of people who wish to enroll in

such classes and support for budget increases for classes teaching English as a Second

Language; and,

Protect the right of language-minority individuals to participate fully in the democratic

process, to receive appropriate public education, and to have the same access and ability

to benefit from government services that are available to those who speak English

fluently.

Resolution Adopted by the CCAR

THE LAW OF RETURN

Adopted by the 108^th Annual Convention of the

Central Conference of American Rabbis

June, 1997

WHEREAS, proposed legislation on conversion in Israel is a cyncial, politically motivated

infringement on the Law of Return and may lead to the exclusion of non-Orthodox converts

from eligibility to immigrate to Israel, and,

WHEREAS, the proposed amendment will cause irreparable harm to the unity of the Jewish

people and the relationship between Israel and the Diaspora, and,

WHEREAS, the proposed amendment will cause additional difficulties for recent immigrants

to integrate into Israeli society, and,

WHEREAS, the proposed legislation is in direct contradiction to the basic values stated in the

Declaration of Independence of the State of Israel, equality and freedom of religion and

conscience,

THEREFORE, the CCAR strongly and urgently calls upon the Government and the

Knesset of Israel to take no action which could cause a dangerous split in world Jewry.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, pursuant to the “Call to Action from Conservative and

Reform Jewish Leaders” issued on April 2, 1997/II Adar 24, 5757, that we refrain from

welcoming as honored guests, speakers or lecturers to our synagogues, those members of

Knesset who support the conversion bill in its final reading, and we ask our congregational

leaders to refrain from supporting any communal activity to which such Knesset members

have been invited. It is essential that our members and friends take on themselves the

responsibility that the Israeli government has betrayed the responsibility to encourage all

serious forms of Jewish religious expression.

As we always have, we strongly encourage our members to contribute generously to their

local Federation campaigns. We deeply believe that those campaigns are essential

components of our communal commitments. At the same time, we call on our members, and

especially those who are active in their local federations, to encourage their federations to

ptovide increased suppoer to Conservative and Reform programs in Israel. And, we continue

to press for a reassessment of funding allocation from the Jewish Agency to provide greater

resources for out movements, programs and institutions in Israel.

While we work unceasingly for a change in Israel policy and to build our movements in

Israel, the CCAR is prepared to join with the other institutions of Reform and Conservative

Judaism whose leaders issued the Call to Action in participating in any and all discussions

which will enable all religious streams to work together with respect and caring, to strengthen

our people’s faith and to insure prosperity and well being for Zion and our people.