October 7, 2024

The Central Conference of American Rabbis marks the first anniversary of Hamas’s barbaric October 7 massacre. On that bitter day, Hamas murdered twelve hundred Israelis and foreign nationals living among them, and took hundreds more into brutal captivity. The year that has passed since last October 7 has been one of grief and resolve. We have experienced fear for the well-being of our people in Israel and horror at the growing antisemitism in North America and around the world.  

Throughout the last year, we have also been inspired by the Israeli spirit, as untold thousands of ordinary citizens responded to their country’s needs. Israelis have served in the Israel Defense Forces during this time of war, while their loved ones worried and persevered at home. They have mobilized to meet the needs of over one hundred thousand of their fellow citizens who are displaced from their homes. They have volunteered in fields and hothouses to ensure Israel’s food security at a time when many agricultural workers became suddenly unavailable. They took to the streets and raised their voices in support of a deal liberating the hostages.  

While we hold on to these moments of hope and resolve, we also grieve that Israelis—Jews, Arabs, Bedouin, Druze, and others in their midst—have endured repeated bombardments from a horrifying array of terrorist forces, all backed, led, and supplied by Iran. Israelis have hurried to their safe rooms and bomb shelters as sirens blared and rockets, drones, and missiles streaked overhead. These weapons of war have been fired by Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, and the Iranian regime itself. Meanwhile, much of the world has vilified Israel. 

And we grieve as well the loss of thousands of innocent people caught in the crossfire, who despite all efforts, perished in the horrible consequences of a war Israel did not choose, in battles we wish Israel did not have to wage. 

Reform rabbis worldwide stand in awe of our Israeli colleagues, CCAR rabbis who are also members of MARAM, the Council of Israeli Reform Rabbis. They have been on the front lines—some of them literally, serving in the reserves or sending their children to serve; all of them, caring for their communities and their nation. MARAM members, some of them displaced from their homes and all grieving unspeakable personal losses, have traveled the length and breadth of Israel to provide spiritual comfort, raise their prophetic voices, and sustain hope. 

Throughout the diaspora, CCAR rabbis have led their communities through the challenges of confronting Israel’s existential crisis with sensitivity and compassion. We have raised our voices in diverse ways. We have faced antisemitism, and we have combated it. We have provided sorely needed Israel education, within and beyond Jewish communities. We have sought to provide the words, in poetry and prose, in worship, and in countless hours of counseling, to help ease the spiritual wounds our people have suffered. Some of us serve on college and university campuses, providing a haven and solace to Jewish students, faculty, and staff under siege. Many CCAR rabbis have traveled to Israel during this difficult year—demonstrating solidarity, learning with and supporting our Israeli colleagues, bearing witness to the horror, and providing valuable volunteer service. 

In the days leading up to this tragic anniversary, as we prepared to observe Rosh HaShanah, our people in Israel suffered unprecedented ballistic missile attacks from Iran. We sadly acknowledge that this time of war and terror will extend well into the new year. The Central Conference of America Rabbis will continue to be here, standing by the people of Israel at the most difficult of times, even as we yearn to celebrate together in better days to come. 

Rabbi Erica Asch, President
Rabbi Hara E. Person, Chief Executive 
Central Conference of American Rabbis 

September 23, 2024

The Central Conference of American Rabbis is grateful that both major candidates in the 2024 United States Presidential Election, Vice President Kamala Harris and Former President Donald Trump—together with their running mates—have taken strong stances in response to antisemitism. Antisemitism is a significant and growing problem in the United States, finding a welcome home at both the extreme right and left of the political spectrum.

At the same time, the Central Conference of American Rabbis strongly condemn Former President Trump’s repeated claims that Jewish Americans who vote for Vice President Harris would do so only because they suffer from mental illness and that American Jews would be to blame if Former President Trump did not prevail.[i]

The former claim fails to recognize that Jewish Americans, like all voters, have a variety of issues, both domestic and internal, which inform whom they will support this election. We also denounce the claim that Second Gentlemen Doug Emhoff is not a good Jew.[ii] Jews practice Judaism in a variety of ways and it is not the role of our leaders to judge and disparage how people practice their religion.

We are most troubled by the inflammatory claim that American Jews will be at fault if Former President Trump does not win the election. Falsely claiming that Jews, who represent less than 3% of Americans, will single handedly determine the winner of the election plays into age-old antisemitic lies about Jewish power. Former President Trump’s rhetoric relies on what Ambassador Deborah Lipstadt has called the “antisemitic conspiracy myth” that Jews enjoy disproportionate power and exercise outsized control in and beyond America.[iii] This dangerous rhetoric seeks to target the Jewish community at a time of heightened antisemitism. It is part of a disturbing pattern of Former President Trump attacking those who disagree with him.

It should go without saying that American Jews, no matter which party they support, are loyal Americans. While we condemn these baseless attacks, we also encourage all Jews to vote in the upcoming election and to support non-partisan get out the vote efforts. Our democracy depends on the participation of all citizens of our country. 

Rabbi Erica Asch, President
Rabbi Hara E. Person, Chief Executive
Central Conference of American Rabbis

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[i] https://www.axios.com/2024/09/20/trump-jewish-voters-antisemitism-election.

[ii] https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/trump-claims-harris-whos-married-to-a-jewish-man-doesnt-like-jewish-people.

[iii] https://www.cfr.org/event/conversation-us-special-envoy-monitor-and-combat-antisemitism-deborah-lipstadt.

September 20, 2024

The Central Conference of American Rabbis is appalled by the false statements of Former President Donald J. Trump and Senator J.D. Vance, candidates for President and Vice President of the United States, claiming that Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio have stolen, killed, and eaten house pets. The claim endangers members of the Haitian immigrant community in and beyond Springfield. These false claims have created extensive turmoil in that city, which has welcomed these immigrants, the vast majority of whom are in the United States legally.[i] We are horrified that Senator Vance continued publicizing these statements even after his staff was told they were false.[ii]

Disregard for the truth is repugnant to the Jewish people, who have historically been victims of such lies. Our Talmudic sages taught, “God’s seal is truth.”[iii] Across several centuries, Jewish people were the target of blood libels, fictitious and fabricated claims that Jews murdered Christian children to use their blood to make matzah, the unleavened bread we are commanded to eat on Passover. Countless Jews were murdered by those who believed these lies.[iv] Today as a new set of lies is being spread, we fear for the welfare of the Haitian immigrant community and all who live in Springfield. The impact of these lies reaches beyond Springfield to cast suspicion on immigrants all over the United States.

The Central Conference of American Rabbis is grateful for the work of CCAR rabbis in and beyond Ohio who are working to welcome immigrants and combat hateful rhetoric. Reform rabbis across America are speaking out against the blood libels and offering their support to all the residents of Springfield.

The CCAR calls upon Former President Trump and Senator Vance to retract their libelous claims and act to protect all the people of Springfield, Ohio, including Haitian immigrants.

Rabbi Erica Asch, President
Rabbi Hara E. Person, Chief Executive
Central Conference of American Rabbis

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[i] https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/4888505-springfield-emergency-proclamation-public-safety/.

[ii] https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/vance-false-claims-haitian-migrants-after-aide-told/story?id=113821189

[iii] Babylonian Talmud, Shabbat 55a.

[iv] https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/blood-libel.

September 16, 2024 

The Central Conference of American Rabbis grieves the death of our beloved Director of Placement Emeritus Rabbi Arnold I. Sher. Rabbi Sher actively served the CCAR and each of its members with friendship and devotion for eighteen years, 1990 to 2008.  

While many have been called “a rabbi’s rabbi,” and Rabbi Sher certainly was one, he was also the rabbinate’s rabbi. As Director of Placement for Reform Judaism, he committed himself to the rabbinic and personal well-being of his individual colleagues and their families. At the same time, he focused his energies and his intellect on the betterment of the rabbinate as a whole and of the congregations we serve. 

Rabbi Sher brought to his position both the insights and wisdom gleaned from his years as a successful congregational rabbi and the unique skills and knowledge gained from his training as an attorney. Those gifts combined with a profound dedication to rabbis, to congregations, and to Reform Judaism enabled him to offer wise advice and much sought-after guidance. He blended care and compassion with realism and seichel (common sense), as he counseled congregations and colleagues. 

Just as important, when the CCAR needed a steadying hand, a reassuring presence, and a wise mind in a time of turmoil, Rabbi Sher, at great sacrifice to himself in time and energy, chose to take on added burdens and responsibilities. As interim executive vice-president, he helped to guide the CCAR through a troubled time. For Reform rabbis, he was truly gadol bador, a towering figure of his or any generation.ⁱ  

The CCAR extends its profound condolences to Rabbi Sher’s beloved wife, Serena, to their children and grandchildren, extended family and friends, and to their congregational family at Congregation B’nai Israel of Bridgeport, Connecticut, where Rabbi Sher had been named rabbi emeritus. The memory of Rabbi Arnold I. Sher is a blessing to the Central Conference of American Rabbis and Reform rabbis everywhere. 

Rabbi Erica Asch, President
Rabbi Hara E. Person, Chief Executive 
Rabbi Steven A. Fox, Chief Executive Emeritus

Central Conference of American Rabbis

September 1, 2024

“A cry is heard in Ramah—wailing, bitter weeping—Rachel weeping for her children. She refuses to be comforted for her children, who are gone.”  Jeremiah 31:15  

We join with millions around the world, including the tens of thousands of Israelis currently pouring into the streets, who are expressing their grief and anger over the murders of six hostages at the hands of Hamas—Hersh Goldberg-Polin, an Israeli-American citizen, and Carmel Gat, Eden Yerushalmi, Ori Danino, Almog Sarusi, and Alexander Lobanov. 

Earlier this year, Hersh’s mother, Rachel, spoke to our Reform movement about her beloved son. No mother could have been a more passionate, articulate, and dedicated champion for her child. Rachel and her husband, Jon, have been unrelenting in their advocacy for Hersh and the other hostages taken on October 7. In their powerful speech at the Democratic National Convention last week, the Goldberg-Polins shared with millions of Americans their love for their son and their pain and anguish over the suffering of the hostages along with the civilians in Gaza.

The murder of these six innocent people was an act of savage cowardice. The pure, unmitigated evil of Hamas, on display to the world in the killing of 1200 people, the abduction of 250 others, and the torture and sexual assault of hundreds more on October 7^th, must be unequivocally condemned. This latest act of brutality and violence only serves to cause more suffering for both Israelis and the innocent Gazans living under Hamas’s violent control. 

At this moment of terrible tragedy, we reiterate our strong call for Prime Minister Netanyahu to heed the voices of the hostages’ families and the millions of Israeli citizens calling on him to not leave the remaining hostages behind and, instead, negotiate for a new ceasefire and hostage deal. Every minute the hostages remain in captivity threatens their chances of survival.

No more families should suffer the pain felt today by the Goldberg-Polins and the families of Carmel, Eden, Ori, Almog, and Alexander. The memories of those murdered by Hamas will be a blessing, always. We pray for comfort for the bereaved and strength for the hostages still held captive. 

Union for Reform Judaism
Shelley Niceley Groff (she/her), Chair
Rabbi Rick Jacobs (he/him), President

American Conference of Cantors
Cantor Seth Warner (he/him), President
Rachel Roth (she/her), Chief Operating Officer

Central Conference of American Rabbis 
Rabbi Erica Asch (she/her), President
Rabbi Hara E. Person (she/her), Chief Executive

Women of Reform Judaism  
Karen Sim (she/her), President
Rabbi Liz P. G. Hirsch (she/her), CEO

February 26, 2024

The Central Conference of American Rabbis is appalled by a recent Alabama Supreme Court ruling that frozen embryos should be considered as children, and therefore, that destroying an embryo frozen for in vitro fertilization in a laboratory constitutes actionable death of a minor child. This ruling further attenuates reproductive freedom in a state where people must already travel great distances to access the full range of reproductive care. Alabama and neighboring states already enforce a total abortion ban or severely restrict abortion rights. This ruling means that residents of Alabama must now travel to access in vitro fertilization (IVF) in addition to reproductive healthcare.

As a result of this Supreme Court ruling, the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital, the state’s largest hospital, has suspended all IVF procedures.  Additionally, two other centers have suspended IVF procedures, which is critical medical care for some individuals and couples who face challenges to their fertility. 

In his concurring opinion, Alabama Chief Justice Tom Parker makes explicit that the Court’s ruling is a religious, not a legal, act. He quotes Christian theologians, including John Calvin and St. Thomas Aquinas extensively, and concludes: “Even before birth, all human beings have the image of God, and their lives cannot be destroyed without effacing his [sic] glory.”^[1] This ruling is therefore a violation of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, which prohibits the establishment of a state religion.

Our Talmudic sages understood that an embryo had the potential to grow into a person and also held the potential of not developing. They declared that “the embryo is considered to be mere water until the fortieth day [after conception].”^[2] Judaism does not grant the status of personhood to an embryo or fetus at any stage of pregnancy.^[3] Moreover, p’ru ur’vu, the mitzvah to be fruitful and multiply, is among the highest blessings in our tradition. Therefore, Jewish authorities across the ideological spectrum strongly support the availability of reproductive endocrinology to assist individuals and couples struggling with infertility.

Reform rabbis do not ask that Jewish law be enshrined in the laws of the United States or any state. We demand, however, that individuals in this free country be permitted to make their own choice about engaging the use of in vitro fertilization and other reproductive technologies. The government should not limit their choices in this matter. Indeed, many Reform rabbis and members of our communities have welcomed children into their families through the use of in vitro fertilization. The Central Conference of American Rabbis condemns the Alabama Supreme Court’s ruling in the strongest terms. We call upon our members to support those who are impacted by this ruling, to let our elected officials know of our strong objection to the court’s decision and to work to pass legislation that affirms that frozen embryos are not people. We further call on the United States Supreme Court to overturn this decision forthwith.

Rabbi Erica Asch, President
Rabbi Hara E. Person, Chief Executive
Central Conference of American Rabbis

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^[1] Le Page v. Center for Reproductive Medicine, P.C., Supreme Court of Alabama, February 16, 2024, https://law.justia.com/cases/alabama/supreme-court/2024/sc-2022-0579.html.

^[2] Babylonian Talmud, Y’vamot 69b.

^[3] Exodus 21:22–23, Mishnah Ohalot 7.6.

October 7, 2023

The Central Conference of American Rabbis stands in solidarity with the State of Israel and all of its residents in the midst of the horrifying, deadly attacks of Hamas terror—unleashed by land, sea, and air. We grieve the lives lost, which continue to grow in number. Those killed include children and adults of all ages and walks of life. The prayers of Reform rabbis across North America and around the world are directed to the Land of Israel. We pray for comfort for mourners, healing for the wounded, we pray for the release of those taken captive, and safety for all who have taken shelter. We pray for the citizen-soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces, those on active duty, and all who have been urgently called into service as reservists.

Not for the first time in its history, Israel has been assaulted with a heinous surprise attack on a sacred,  holy day—in this case, Atzeret-Simchat Torah and Shabbat. A day of peace and rejoicing has been turned into a day of war and grief.

Hamas’s despicable terror attacks have killed, wounded, and continue to threaten all residents of Israel—making no distinction between religion, ethnicity, citizenship, or political belief. Reform rabbis today stand with all in Israel whose lives are being threatened.

Our minds turn especially to our beloved CCAR colleagues in Israel, members of MARAM, the Israel Reform rabbinical organization, who have been leading their communities in demonstrations for democracy and are now leading them in prayers for peace. They are comforting the bereaved, seeking shelter from attacks, and serving their communities with compassion and fortitude under the most difficult of circumstances. CCAR members around the world stand in support of our Israeli colleagues and the communities they serve. So too we hold close the whole community of the IMPJ and its leadership.

Reform rabbis pray that the Israel Defense Forces will swiftly repel this terrorist invasion, minimizing the devastating loss of life, and will be able to safely recover the captives. We are grateful to President Biden and to American leaders of both parties who have articulated unwavering support for the Jewish State under attack.

שאלו שלום ירושלים

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem” (Psalms 122:6).

Rabbi Erica Asch, President
Rabbi Hara E. Person, Chief Executive
Central Conference of American Rabbis

February 28, 2023

The Central Conference of American Rabbis condemns recent terrorist attacks on Jewish Israelis in the Occupied West Bank. We mourn the deaths of brothers, Hillel and Yigal Yaniv—and, most recently, an American citizen, Elan Ganeles.  

Reform rabbis join Israelis, the Jewish people, and decent human beings everywhere in demanding that the perpetrators be brought to justice.  

However, at the same time, we are horrified by the vigilante violence carried out by Jewish extremists against innocent Palestinians in the area of the attacks. Violence never justifies violence, and justice is not served by an eruption of extrajudicial action and collective punishment carried out by individuals seeking vengeance.  

The Torah commands, “Justice, justice shall you pursue” (Deuteronomy 16:20). We learn from our Sages that the repetition of the word “justice” demands that we seek a just outcome through a just process.  

Over 250 CCAR rabbis have only now returned home after our convention in Israel, where we stood alongside our Israeli siblings, particularly our Reform rabbinic colleagues and the communities they serve in the Israel Movement for Progressive and Reform Judaism. While in Israel, we lifted our voices together for justice and for peace. We will continue to pray and work for those values in Israel and around the world. 

Rabbi Erica Asch
President 

Rabbi Hara E. Person
Chief Executive 
Central Conference of American Rabbis 

Rabbis Forgo Annual High Holy Days Call with President

Wednesday, August 23, 2017

The High Holy Days are an opportunity for reflection and introspection. As the leaders of major denominations in American Jewish life, we have been deeply engaged in both, considering the events of the Jewish year that is ending and preparing spiritually for the year to come.

In so doing, we have thoughtfully and prayerfully considered whether to continue the practice in recent years of playing key roles in organizing a conference call for the President of the United States to bring High Holy Day greetings to American rabbis. We have concluded that President Trump’s statements during and after the tragic events in Charlottesville are so lacking in moral leadership and empathy for the victims of racial and religious hatred that we cannot organize such a call this year.

The President’s words have given succor to those who advocate anti-Semitism, racism, and xenophobia. Responsibility for the violence that occurred in Charlottesville, including the death of Heather Heyer, does not lie with many sides but with one side: the Nazis, alt-right and white supremacists who brought their hate to a peaceful community. They must be roundly condemned at all levels.

The High Holy Days are a season of t’shuvah for us all, an opportunity for each of us to examine our own words and deeds through the lens of America’s ongoing struggle with racism. Our tradition teaches us that humanity is fallible yet also capable of change. We pray that President Trump will recognize and remedy the grave error he has made in abetting the voices of hatred. We pray that those who traffic in anti-Semitism, racism, and xenophobia will see that there is no place for such pernicious philosophies in a civilized society. And we pray that 5778 will be a year of peace for all.

Central Conference of American Rabbis
The Rabbinical Assembly
Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association
Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism