Friday, March 22, 2019
The Central Conference of American Rabbis is concerned by the allegations in the New York Times article about Michael Steinhardt. We support the brave women who came forward to share their experiences in interactions with Steinhardt. Jewish institutions should foster professional workplace environments based upon the values of dignity, respect, and equality, not workplaces where women—or for that matter, anyone—are belittled, harassed, or assaulted. We recognize that there is much work to be done in the Jewish world to ensure that women are able to do their work safely and with dignity, and to advance professionally without fear of repercussions for speaking out in the face of mistreatment. The CCAR Task Force on the Experience of Women in the Rabbinate was created out of our commitment to help move our communal institutions toward establishing environments free of bias, harassment, and assault. The Task Force is playing an important role in shedding light on the sometimes painful experiences of women rabbis as we work toward creating new recommendations, training, and policy changes that will lead to culture change and better treatment of all members of the community.
Rabbi David E. Stern
President
Rabbi Steven A. Fox
Chief Executive
Rabbi Hara E. Person
Chief Executive Elect
Central Conference of American Rabbis