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Public Statements and Positions (By Date)

Home » Public Statements and Positions (By Date)

This page contains statements issued or endorsed by Reconstructionist institutions, grouped by the year and month posted.

A listing grouped by topic is available here.

March 2024

Reconstructing Judaism joins Progressive Israel Network organizations in Letter to Biden

Reconstructing Judaism joins multiple organizations affiliated with the Progressive Israel Network in signing on to a public letter to President Biden at this critical moment in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.

November 2023

Reconstructing Judaism and the RRA condemn the attack on Palestinians in Vermont

Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association unequivocally condemn the shooting of three Palestinian students in an alleged hate crime in Vermont over Thanksgiving weekend. We pray for the full recovery of all three students, Hisham Awartani, Kinnan Abdalhamid, and Tahseen Ali Ahmad.  Together, our organizations work to create a diverse, connected and engaged Judaism […]

July 2023

Jewish Groups to the Biden Administration: Help Protect Israel from its Government’s Irresponsible Actions

Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association have signed on to this statement urging the Biden administration, as well as fellow US Jewish organizations, to help protect Israel from the irresponsible actions of its current government.

Reconstructing Judaism & The RRA Signs on to Open Letter Supporting the Full Inclusion of All LGBTQIA+ Youth

Reconstructing Judaism and The Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association has signed on to the open letter supporting the full inclusion of all LGBTQIA+ youth alongside 145 other organizations calling for the full inclusion, protection, and celebration of transgender, nonbinary, and intersex youth.  Read the full statement below. July 26, 2023 In Support of Full Inclusion for Transgender […]

Reconstructing Judaism and the RRA Strongly Condemn Knesset Bill

Reconstructing Judaism and the RRA strongly condemn this bill and call upon responsible leaders in the Knesset to end this divisive plan that will destroy the checks and balances that preserve Israel’s democracy.

Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association join Jewish organizations condemning violent settler attacks on Palestinian communities

Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association join Jewish organizations condemning violent settler attacks on Palestinian communities

June 2023

Call for a Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals by Juneteenth

Reconstructing Judaism, The Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association and 26 other Jewish organizations have signed on to a letter sent to President Biden, urging his administration to establish a commission to study and develop reparation proposals for African Americans through executive order before Juneteenth.

May 2023

Reconstructing Judaism joins Progressive Israel Network in welcoming U.S. National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism

The Progressive Israel Network (PIN) welcomes the Biden administration’s national-level plan to fight antisemitism, a plan that demonstrates the federal government’s commitment to confronting this serious threat.

April 2023

Reconstructing Judaism and the RRA sign on with 92 other Jewish Organizations to oppose H.R. 734

Reconstructing Judaism and The Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association joins together with the Union for Reform Judaism, Keshet and 92 other Jewish organizations to oppose H.R. 734. Read the full letter here.

March 2023

2023 Climate Action Plan

In 2022, Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association signed on as a founding partner to the Jewish Climate Leadership Coalition, along with twenty other national and international umbrella organizations of Jewish life.

Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association join call on American Jewish organizations to refuse to host Smotrich

We, the undersigned, who care deeply about the security and well-being of the State of Israel, are signing this letter to protest the racism and incitement of long-time settlement movement leader and Netanyahu-appointed Finance Minister Betzalel Smotrich who is reportedly planning a trip to the United States. 

January 2023

100+ Jewish groups sign onto open letter to Elon Musk on Twitter antisemitism

Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association have signed on to an open letter to Elon Musk alongside 100+ Jewish organizations denouncing antisemitism on Twitter. Numerous racists and bigots who had been banned from the social media platform have been reinstated since Musk took over.

December 2022

Jewish Rohingya Justice Network Statement on Genocide Prevention Day

Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association have signed on to Jewish Rohingya Justice Network’s Statement on Genocide Prevention Day.

November 2022

Statement on the Formation of a New Israeli Government

The State of Israel and the world’s Jewish Diaspora communities have a relationship built on a common history and shared values.

The reality of a ruling coalition in Israel that will include dozens of Knesset members who freely express racist, homophobic and anti-democratic beliefs is frightening and is an anathema to Progressive Judaism.

August 2022

Reconstructionist movement in solidarity with Israeli organizations protesting raids on Palestinian human rights groups

Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association have signed on to a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken calling on the U.S. Administration to urge Israel’s government to provide clear evidence of terrorism or reverse course in its policies towards the affected organizations.

June 2022

After Roe

The Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association (RRA) and Reconstructing Judaism denounce the Supreme Court’s decision to suppress both bodily autonomy and religious freedom. The RRA and Reconstructing Judaism have long supported access to abortion care as a human right.

The occupation is at the heart of the stream of painful headlines coming from Israel

A statement from Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association: The headlines concerning Israel during the month of May were painful. Israel’s supreme court issued a ruling that authorizes the razing of several Palestinian villages and the forcible eviction of over 1000 Palestinians from the Masafer Yatta region in the West Bank. Some of these […]

May 2022

Response to Buffalo Shooting

As leaders of Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association, we cry out in grief and pain at the senseless deaths of 11 people in Buffalo and Laguna Woods this past weekend. After we express our sorrow and our solidarity, we recommit to bringing to life a reality that counters the hatred and violence espoused […]

The Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association and Reconstructing Judaism affirm their strong commitment to reproductive justice and abortion rights in light of leaked SCOTUS draft.

The Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association and Reconstructing Judaism are deeply dismayed to learn of the leaked draft opinion of the Supreme Court indicating that Roe v. Wade, the landmark decision guaranteeing the right to an abortion, will be overturned imminently. Although this majority opinion has been leaked in draft form, we must face the reality that […]

April 2022

A mid-Passover message during a time of pain in Israel and Palestine

Three sacred seasons are overlapping – Passover, Ramadan, and Easter – days of holiness that celebrate liberation, humility, compassion, and rebirth. We dearly wish that we could be marking this confluence of holy days with celebrations of steady and courageous steps forward towards peace, justice, and co-existence in Israel and Palestine.

Statement on Terrorist Attacks in Israel

Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association are horrified and saddened by yesterday’s terrorist attack in Tel Aviv, and by the recent attacks against Israelis in Beersheva, B’nei Brak, and Hadera.

March 2022

Reconstructing Judaism Joins More than 375 Interfaith Groups Urging Biden to Expedite Refugee Efforts

Following Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s March 16 speech to Congress, more than 375 Jewish and other faith-based groups and organizations urged President Joe Biden to take immediate steps to welcome refugees from Ukraine. Jewish Federations of North America spearheaded the letter, sent March 18.

Women’s Health Protection Act (WHPA)

Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association joined more than 130 other faith and civil rights organizations on a letter urging the Senate to pass the Women’s Health Protection Act (WHPA),  which would create a new tool for safeguarding access to high-quality abortion care and securing constitutional rights by protecting patients and providers from dangerous political interference. While the bill did not garner enough votes needed to pass this time around, we are proud to have stood with this coalition for reproductive justice and will continue to do so in the weeks, months, and years ahead. 

February 2022

In solidarity with Ukraine

Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association join countless nations and faith communities around the world in condemning the unprovoked and brutal Russian military invasion of Ukraine. 
Reconstructionist congregations are part of the World Union for Progressive Judaism (WUPJ), which is also home to ten Ukrainian synagogues. We hold them, the entire Ukrainian Jewish community, and all the people of Ukraine in our hearts. 

Responding to Amnesty International’s report on Israel and the charge of apartheid

Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association have issued the following statement in response to the recent Amnesty International report:
Apartheid is one of the most shocking words in the English language, conjuring images of the brutal and racist South African regime that decades of struggle brought to an end in 1994. Last week, Amnesty International became the latest human rights organization to accuse Israel of the crime of apartheid. Amnesty’s report follows reports by Human Rights Watch and by the Israeli human rights organization, B’Tselem, both of which level the same charge. Over the past several days, we have taken the time needed to study Amnesty’s 280-page report and develop our response.

January 2022

Choosing Life: A Reconstructionist Response to Events in Colleyville, Texas.

Reconstructing Judaism offers prayers, and positive action steps, following an 11-hour hostage standoff at a synagogue in Colleyville, Texas. 

Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association join letter urging US Senate to fund Iron Dome replenishment

Today, Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association along with 10 other national Jewish organizations urged the Senate to quickly approve funding for the replenishment of Israel’s Iron Dome air defense system. While the House overwhelmingly voted, on a bipartisan basis, to fund its replenishment last year, the legislation has stalled in the Senate.

Reconstructing Judaism joins Progressive Israel Network to welcome indefinite postponement of settlement construction in E-1 Area

The Progressive Israel Network (PIN) welcomes the news that the Israeli government will not be building Jewish settlements in the E-1 for the near future. We applaud the Biden Administration’s efforts to prevent such construction, and urge them to continue to push back against settlement expansion more broadly.

November 2021

Jewish Organizational Letter on U.S. Special Envoy

We, the undersigned 21 national Jewish organizations, including the four streams of American Judaism, write to urge you to swiftly fill the position of U.S. Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism by considering the current nominee. Filling this position is a high priority for our organizations and of utmost importance in fighting growing antisemitism and hate worldwide.

Calling on Gantz to reconsider designation of Palestinian human rights and civil society groups as “terrorists”

The Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association (RRA) and Reconstructing Judaism express deep concern over last week’s decision by Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz to declare six Palestinian human rights groups to be “terror organizations.” Absent compelling evidence, this policy enacts a draconian measure that will criminalize critical human rights work.

October 2021

Jewish Rohingya Justice Network Applauds Introduction of The Bipartisan, Bicameral Burma Act

The Jewish Rohingya Justice Network applauds House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY), House Foreign Affairs Asia-Pacific Subcommittee Ranking Member Steve Chabot (R-OH) and Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD) for their leadership in introducing the Burma Unified through Rigorous Military Accountability Act of 2021 or the BURMA Act. This legislation comes at a critical moment for all of the people of Burma, including the Rohingya people, and we call on every member of Congress to support this bill’s passage without delay.

July 2021

Statement on the No Fear Rally

Although Reconstructing Judaism has not been asked to participate in the No Fear rally, and has therefore had no opportunity to participate in its messaging or planning, we endorse it in principle because we are firmly opposed to antisemitism and, in our efforts to foster engaged and substantive Jewish life and in our tikkun olam and public square work, we act continuously to counter it. 

June 2021

Reconstructing Judaism Adopts Commitments on Racial Justice

The Board of Governors of Reconstructing Judaism has adopted a comprehensive set of commitments to racial justice.

May 2021

North American Jewish Groups Denounce Antisemitic Attacks in Wake of Hostilities Between Israel and Hamas

As North American Jewish denominations representing a significant majority of American Jewry, we join together to uniformly condemn rising incidences of antisemitism. We commend the many religious, civil society and political leaders of goodwill who have denounced these actions and are urging and implementing steps to strengthen efforts to combat antisemitism and antisemitic attacks.

Statement on the Spiraling Violence between Israelis and Palestinians

The spiraling violence that began in Jerusalem and now includes all of Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank is heartbreaking and frightening. We condemn the rocket attacks by Hamas and Islamic Jihad that have targeted civilians, claimed Israeli lives, and terrified children. We also mourn the scores of dead in Gaza, including dozens of children, and we call on Israel’s leaders to remember that their powerful military response can be devastating for families and children there.

April 2021

Grief and Condolences over Tragedy at Lag B’Omer Celebration in Israel

Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association are shocked and saddened by the tragedy that has taken place at Mount Meron in Israel’s northern region.

Accountability is One Step Toward Justice: Response to a Verdict in the Murder of George Floyd

Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association applaud Tuesday’s guilty verdict in the murder of George Floyd as an important step toward basic accountability for racial violence in America. We join our allies around the world in taking a moment to breathe – a basic human right denied to George Floyd and countless others. For far too long, impunity has been the norm for actors of state-sanctioned violence against Black and Brown people, a pillar of the American racial caste system that has its roots in slavery and the lynchings of the Jim Crow era.

March 2021

National Jewish Organizational Letter to Congress in Support of AAPI Communities

Reconstructing Judaism joined a wide-ranging group of Jewish communal organizations in sending a letter to Congressional leadership urging support of and solidarity with Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.

Letter Supporting the For The People Act (H.R. 1/S.1)

Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Associations were among 79 national Jewish organizations urging members of Congress to pass the For The People Act (H.R.1/S.1) in order to enhance fairness, integrity and transparancy in our elections, create a democracy that values all voices, and build a more just society. 

Statement Condemning Atlanta Attack

Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association mourn the devastating loss of life Tuesday in Atlanta, Georgia. Our hearts are filled with sorrow as we learn of the targeting of Asian American women. We stand with Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) members of our Jewish community and with the broader AAPI community in grief and solidarity for those lost

A Welcome Israeli Supreme Court Ruling on Non-Orthodox Conversions

Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association welcome the recently announced landmark ruling by Israel’s Supreme Court to recognize non-Orthodox conversions carried out in Israel for the purposes of matters relating to eligibility for Israeli citizenship. 

February 2021

American Jewish organizations condemn military rule in Burma, call for U.S. action

Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association joined with other members of the Jewish Rohingya Justice Network in condemning the military’s coup in Burma (Myanmar), its brutal crackdown on peaceful protests, and the unjust and arbitrary detention and arrest of democratic leaders, activists, and protestors.

Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association join chorus of Jewish voices opposing KKL-JNF plan to purchase West Bank land to expand settlements

Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association strongly oppose the plan of Keren Kayemet L’Israel / Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF) to expand Jewish settlements by purchasing private land in the West Bank. We join our friends and colleagues in the Reform movement, the Masorti (Conservative) movement, Liberal Judaism (UK), the Reform Movement in Israel, the World Union for Progressive Judaism, and many others in the global Jewish community in speaking out against this plan. 

In support of Israeli organizations urging their government to provide immediate access to the COVID-19 vaccination in the West Bank and Gaza

We join the call of the many Israeli organizations that are urging their leaders to act quickly and cooperatively with the Palestinian Authority to develop a vaccination plan that will meet the urgent public health needs of everyone living in Israel and the Palestinian Territories. Because COVID-19 knows no boundaries, the wellbeing of Palestinians is inextricably connected to that of Israelis.

January 2021

Progressive Israel Network Groups Oppose Codification of IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism, Citing Strong Potential for Misuse

As organizations that care deeply about the State of Israel and about the wellbeing of the Jewish people, we are deeply committed to the struggle against antisemitism. We are thus obligated to share our concerns about ways in which the effort to combat antisemitism is being misused and exploited to instead suppress legitimate free speech, criticism of Israeli government actions, and advocacy for Palestinian rights. In particular, the effort to enshrine in domestic law and institutional policy the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism, with its accompanying “contemporary examples,” risks wrongly equating what may be legitimate activities with antisemitism. 

We Must Work to Ensure that the January 6th Insurrection Will Not Disrupt American Democracy

We must act now in defense of democracy and in support of a vibrant, principled America that values all voices and that protects all minorities. We must insist that perpetrators of this insurrection — from those who instigated to those who acted — be held accountable. We must work to ensure that the Biden administration works with Congress to enact meaningful reforms in support of racial justice and voting rights, and to combat the white nationalist movement. American democracy is a great, unfolding experiment that requires attention and effort. Let us renew our commitment to the work of furthering it.

December 2020

Letter Regarding November Updates to EEOC Religious Discrimination Compliance Manual

Reconstructing Judaism was among 51 organizations urging the Equal Opportunity Commission to withdraw or suspend its proposed changes to its Religious Discrimination Compliance Manual, due to lack of stakeholder consultation and public hearings with testimony from relevant stakeholders on religious discrimination.

Reconstructing Judaism joins Progressive Israel Network in Opposing New Settlement Expansion Moves

We are alarmed by the recent set of moves by the government of Israel to initiate settlement projects and take other provocative and harmful actions in East Jerusalem and the West Bank, including home demolitions and forced evictions, which further damage the possibility of a negotiated future two-state solution.

November 2020

Counting Every Vote

Many American Jews considering voting to be a mitzvah, a commandment. It is essential that every vote is counted so that every voice is heard and so that our full-throated democracy can flourish.

Access to Clean Water

Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association were among 12 faith organizations endorsing a letter to Congress urging action to ensure universal access to clean water.

September 2020

Letter to Senator Romney re: Supreme Court

Reconstructing Judaism joined a coalition of faith-based organization urging Senator Mitt Romney to reconsider his support for rushing through President Trump’s Supreme Court nominee with the Presidential election underway. 

Letter for Utility Assistance

Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association joined 41 religious and non-profit organizations urging the Pennsylvania General Assembly to allocate relief money in order to cover the outstanding utility bills of vulnerable Pennsylvania residents and businesses facing shut-offs.

Amicus Brief on School Prayer Case (Kennedy Vs. Bremerton School District)

Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association were among 18 religious and non-profit organizations signing onto an amicus brief to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in the case of Kennedy vs. Bremerton School District, in support of the school district’s efforts to protect students from religious coercion.

August 2020

Amicus Brief Requiring Religious Social Services Providers to Comply with Nondiscrimination Law

Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association joined an amicus brief to the Supreme Court opposing the claim of some religious social services providers to be exempt from nondiscrimination law.

July 2020

Jewish, Just Green Recovery Letter

Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association are proud to have joined with other Jewish organizations from around the country to call on Congress to pass a just, green COVID stimulus. Our community is still hurting from the economic effects of COVID, and it is important that we take this opportunity to rebuild in a way that make society sustainable and work for everyone. 

Interfaith Letter Against Utility Shutoffs

Reconstructing Judaism joined a letter signed by over 500 faith leaders and organizations, urging a national moratorium on water, electricity, and broadband shutoffs in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Against Annexation

We strongly support Senator Chris Van Hollen’s proposed amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act, which stipulates that US security assistance to Israel cannot be used to implement unilateral annexation in the West Bank.

Support Project Rozana

Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association are encouraging congregations and individuals to support this life-saving fund-raising effort organized by Project Rozana, a well-respected international non-profit organization that is leading a project supported by both Israel and the Palestinian Authority to purchase badly needed ventilators for West Bank and Gaza hospitals in light of the current COVID-19 spike in the region, which threatens to overwhelm Palestinian hospital ICUs.

Amicus Brief Defending California Public Health Measures’ Application to Religious Organizations

Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association joined an amicus brief filed by religious and civil rights organizations supporting equal application of public health measures to religious organizations.

Letter Opposing Confirmation of Anthony Tata

Reconstructing Judaism joined a coalition of civil rights groups to sign a letter opposing the Senate confirmation of Anthony Tata to a central Pentagon post due to his history of bigoted statements and actions. 

June 2020

500+ Jewish Organizations and Synagogues say: Black Lives Matter

Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association were among more than 500 Jewish organizations from across the racial and political spectrum; from different streams of Judaism; whose members trace their lineage from countries around the world; speaking with one voice to say that Black Lives Matter.

Over 600 Jewish Clergy Call on the Israeli Government to Abandon Plans for Annexing the West Bank

More than 600 rabbis, cantors and seminary students from across the country — including many Reconstructionist rabbis and rabbinic students — have signed on to a public letter warning that the Israeli government’s threatened unilateral annexation in the West Bank “would be a catastrophic mistake…violate human rights, weaken democracy, and make Israelis and Palestinians less secure.”

Ten American Jewish Organizations Send Letter to Gantz, Ashkenazi Opposing Annexation

Members of the Progressive Israel Network penned the following letter to Alternate Prime Minister Benny Gantz and Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi opposing annexation.

Amicus Brief Opposing Coerced Attendance at Religious Services

Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association joined an array of interfaith groups in an amicus brief opposing mandatory attendance at religious services as a condition of parole. Forced religious indoctrination is a violation of religious liberty.

Amicus Brief Opposing Special Religious Exemptions to Generally Applicable Public Health Measures

Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association joined an amicus brief filed by religious and civil rights organizations opposing special religious exemptions to generally applicable public health measures. 

Jewish Clergy Letter in Support of Right to Protest

Reconstructionist leaders were among 800 Jewish clergy from across the Jewish spectrum signing a letter in support of the fundamental right to peaceful protest. 

Jewish And Pro-Israel Organizations Must Not Tolerate The Bigotry Of ZOA’s Morton Klein

As progressive pro-Israel organizations and members of the American Jewish community, we are appalled and outraged by the bigotry and hatred expressed and promoted by Morton Klein, president of the Zionist Organization of America (ZOA), at this painful and important moment of reckoning for our country. Klein’s latest outbursts and long track record of bigotry should make him unwelcome in any mainstream Jewish communal spaces and should lead to his expulsion from organizational umbrella groups such as the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations. 

Standing Up for Racial Justice and Against Racial Violence

The murder of George Floyd is a blatant display of the systemic racism built into the fabric of American society. To our black and brown siblings: your lives matter. We support non-violent protest to build a more just and equitable world for all people. Let our anger and our love lift us up into a better tomorrow.

May 2020

Annexation Endangers the Security and Democracy of Israel

Recontructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association are signatories to the following appeal from J-Link, an international network of progressive Jewish organizations fromIsrael, the United States, Canada, Europe, Latin America, South Africa, and Australia.

Letter in Support of HEAL for Immigrant Women and Families Act

Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association, already among over 100 organizations endorsing the HEAL for Immigrant Women & Families Act of 2020, signed a group letter urging that the Senate pass it.

Call to Protect Human Rights in in Myanmar (Burma) in Face of COVID-19

Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association signed a joint letter to U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, demanding that Myanmar (Burma) make a priority of promoting human rights as COVID-19 spreads.

Jewish Organizational Letter on Refugee and Asylum Priorities During COVID-19

Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association were among 192 Jewish organizations to urge Congress to insure that COVID-19 response includes refugees and asylum seekers.

Letter Regarding COVID-19 Relief Priorities

Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association were among 23 Jewish organizations writing to Speaker Pelosi and Minority Leader Schumer regarding priorities for COVID-19 relief.

Reopening Our Institutions

Framework for Jewish communities to consider in returning to in-person communal activity

April 2020

Faith Groups Urge Prisons to Protect Religious Needs During COVID-19 and Ramadan

Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association joined a group of 20 faith groups urging federal and state prison systems to accommodate the religious needs of all prisoners and avoid using the coronavirus crisis to restrict their constitutional right to worship, particularly drawing attention to the needs of Muslim prisoners with Ramadan projected to begin on April 24. The full letter is attached.

Joint Statement of Solidarity by Jewish Communal Organizations

Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association were about 180 Jewish communal organizations issuing a statement urging our political leaders and all our fellow Americans to treat this public health crisis as a moment for kindness and solidarity, and to make extra efforts to reach towards one another in support, not look to blame or scapegoat.

March 2020

Statement from the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association on Communal Gatherings during COVID-19 Pandemic

Based on our understanding of the science and the advice of experts, we, rabbis of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association, strongly come down on the side of pikuach nefesh – preserving lives. Therefore, we are issuing these guidelines in preparation for the upcoming Passover holiday and in awareness of the likelihood of continued concern over disease spread at this time.

Jewish Community Statement Calling for Expanded Access to Nutrition Assistance Due to Coronavirus Crisis

Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association joined more than 650 Jewish organizations and clergy in a letter calling for increased and expanded nutrition assistance in the midst of the coronavirus crisis.

Letter on Asylum Seekers and “Remain in Mexico” Policy

Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Organization were among 153 signatories to a letter urging the Department of Homeland Security to end its “Migrant Protection Protocols” preventing asylum seekers from seeking refugee protection in the United States.

February 2020

Statement on New Settlement Expansion Announcements

Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association are alarmed by the Netanyahu government’s recent announcement that seeks to expand settlements in a way that would cut through Palestinian population centers and deny contiguity to a future Palestinian state. Previous Republican and Democratic US administrations have rejected similar plans with good reason. We call on the Netanyahu government to cancel these plans, and we call on all American Jewish organizations that support a two-state solution to join in this urgent message. We continue to oppose unilateral territorial annexation on the part of the Israeli government, and we remain committed to a just, democratic, and peaceful future for Israelis and Palestinians within a framework of two states for two peoples.

Please Join in the National Refugee Shabbat

We urge every Reconstructionist community to stand with Dor Hadash and HIAS this coming March by participating in National Refugee Shabbat. In this way, we act on our values and gain strength from each other to create the world in which we want to live.

Letter Opposing Racial Profiling of Pregnant People Seeking to Enter U.S.

Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association were among 156 signatories to join a letter from the National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum, calling on Secretary Pompeo to end the US policy targeting pregnant people of color and making it harder for them to travel and visit their families.

January 2020

Amicus Brief Opposing Religious Exemption to Antidiscrimination Law: Chelsea Nelson Photography

We have joined a brief opposing a religious exemption to an antidiscrimination law protecting LGBTQ people. Based on our belief in the importance of the separation of church and state, as well as our understanding of Jewish teachings that every human being is created in the divine image, we have long advocated for public policies of inclusion, antidiscrimination, and equality.

Statement on Trump Proposal on Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

For decades Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association have advocated for a negotiated, two-state resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on security, dignity, human rights, and freedom for Israelis and Palestinians alike.

Interfaith Amicus Brief Opposing Indefinite Detention of Immigrant Families

We join more than 40 faith and interfaith organizations to oppose new Trump administration regulations that would authorize indefinite detention of families with children during the course of their immigration proceedings.

Letter from Jewish Rohingya Justice Network to Senate Foreign Relations Committee

Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association joined a letter urging the U.S. Senate to take up and pass the Burma Human Rights and Freedom Act of 2019 (S. 1186).

Interfaith Open Letter: Stephen Miller Must Resign

As a diverse coalition of interfaith partners dedicated to moral and humane immigration policies, we demand the immediate resignation of White House Senior Policy Advisor Stephen Miller. We believe that all people deserve to be treated with dignity, regardless of their immigration status. Our varied faith traditions mandate us to welcome the stranger, love each other, and protect the most vulnerable among us.

Amicus Brief Opposing Overbroad Exemptions to ACA Contraception Mandate

Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association joined Americans United, ADL, and a variety of other religious and civil liberties organizations in an amicus brief opposing overbroad accomodation of employers refusing to participate in the Affordable Care Act’s requirements regarding contraception coverage. The U.S. Constitution’s Establishment Clause forbids the government to shift the costs and burdens of objectors’ religious beliefs onto third parties, and an accommodation without a demonstrated substantial burden on religion is an unconstitutional religious preference. 

December 2019

Statement on Hanukkah Antisemitic Attacks

Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association are heartsick once again to learn of the recent spate of antisemitic attacks against members of the New York Jewish community.

Progressive Israel Network Commends Passage of House Resolution 326 Opposing Annexation, Supporting Two-State Solution

As leading progressive pro-Israel organizations in the American Jewish community, we commend the House of Representatives for passing House Resolution 326. This landmark resolution, which reaffirms support for a two-state solution, marks the first time the House has formally opposed unilateral Israeli annexation of the West Bank and asserted longstanding US opposition to settlements.

Statement Against Cut in Nutritional Aid

Hunger is not a political tool to be played with. Food security is a human right. Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association join our friends at MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger in denouncing the Trump Administration’s final rule to strip nutritional benefits for nearly 700,000 food-insecure Americans.

November 2019

US Jewish Movements: President Trump Must Fire Stephen Miller

As entities who represent a broad diversity of American Jewish life, we share a deep concern about White House advisor Stephen Miller’s support for white supremacist ideology and the disturbing ways in which his dangerous views have influenced U.S. immigration policy.  Such views have no place in the White House or as a basis of American policy.

Response to US Policy Shift on Settlement Legality

Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association are disappointed by and strongly oppose the recent policy statement by U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo declaring that the U.S. no longer views Israeli West Bank settlements as inconsistent with international law.

Amicus Brief Opposing Forcing States to Fund Religious Education

Reconstructing Judaism joined an amicus curiae brief arguing against forcing states to fund religious education in violation of state constitutional provisions that are designed to protect the independence of religious groups.

Interfaith Letter in Support of Title X Funding

Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association joined an interfaith letter to the Senate Appropriations Committee, urging them to block implementation of the proposed “gag rule” affecting the Title X family planning program. 

Statement on Recent Rocket Attacks on Israel

Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association condemn the 300 rockets indiscriminately launched at Israel from the Gaza Strip over the past few days.

Letter to Israeli Political Leadership Opposing Annexation

As heads of American Jewish organizations who care deeply about the State of Israel and are committed to safeguarding its future as a democratic homeland for the Jewish people, we implore you to consider the costs of any unilateral annexations in the West Bank, and ask that you refuse to support annexation as a policy guideline for any government that your party may join.

October 2019

Statement Urging Renewal of Violence Against Women Act

Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association joined over 200 national and local organizations to urge the U.S. Senate to pass the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act.

One Year After Pittsburgh, Jews and Allies Pledge Solidarity

Reconstructing Judaism was among fifteen organizations co-sponsoring the following statement, which was organized by Bend the Arc.

Statement on Yom Kippur Attack on Synagogue in Germany

Reconstructing Judaism is horrified and saddened by the antisemitic terrorist attack carried out upon a synagogue in Halle, Germany by a German white nationalist on Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish calendar.

Amicus Brief Challenging Excessively-Broad Religious Exemptions for Health Care Employees

Reconstructing Judaism joined an amicus brief submitted by the ADL and Americans United for Separation of Church and State to challenge the Conscience Rights in Health Care Rule issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in 2018. 

Endorsement of HEAL for Immigrant Women and Families Act

Reconstructing Judaism endorses the Health Equity and Access under the Law (HEAL) for Immigrant Women and Families Act of 2019

September 2019

Request To The United Nations To Call For A Global Ban On Fracking

Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association joined over 400 signatories to a letter to the UN Secretary General calling for a ban on fracking.

Statement Opposing Netanyahu’s Annexation Pledge

Both Israelis and Palestinians want and deserve to live in peace, with justice and dignity. Israelis deserve to live in a healthy and vibrant democracy. Palestinians deserve to live free from occupation. 

August 2019

Brief Asking Federal Court to Reverse Ruling Allowing Strip Searches of Female Inmates As Training Exercise

We ask the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit to re-hear and reverse a ruling that found that staff at an Illinois prison did not violate the Constitution when they forced female inmates to engage in a deeply humiliating and dehumanizing strip search as part of a training exercise. The ruling “opens the door to other violation of prisoners’ First Amendement religious freedom rights and protections.”

Statement by Congregation Dor Hadash on Justice Department Decision to Seek Death Penalty

Yesterday, we learned that the U.S. Justice Department will seek the death penalty against the suspected shooter in the 2018 mass shooting that devastated three congregations and rocked the entire North American Jewish community. Reconstructing Judaism is proud to share this moving statement from our Pittsburgh affiliate, Congregation Dor Hadash. And we note that Jewish tradition is weighted heavily against the use of the death penalty.

Jewish Rohingya Justice Network Letter to Under Secretary Mandelker

Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association have joined with 18 organizations, representing the Jewish Rohingya Justice Network, in calling for justice and accountability for the Rohingya people and all ethnic minorities in Burma.

Statement on Violence Against Jewish Protesters at ICE Detention Center

Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association condemn the violence committed against peaceful protestors at the entrance to an ICE detention center in Rhode Island.

Statement on Israeli Government Decision to Bar Entry to Reps. Omar and Tlaib

Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association strongly oppose the decision of the Government of Israel to deny entry into Israel to U.S. Congressional Representatives Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib.

Joint Letter on Refugee Policy

Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association have joined with 166 Jewish organizations and institutions in urging the United States to return to historic numbers for refugee resettlement. “The United States has historically distinguished itself as a beacon of hope and as a safe haven for those who most need it… Resettling zero refugees in the U.S. in FY2020 would effectively gut the refugee resettlement program, violate our values as Jews and Americans, and abdicate the American promise of freedom and opportunity.”

Statement on El Paso and Dayton Attacks

While raising our voices in prayer and condolences for the victims of this latest mass-shooting, we also raise our voices to call for the enactment and enforcement of reasonable gun laws throughout this country that would help prevent such tragedies. 

July 2019

Rabbi Deborah Waxman co-authors op-ed on xenophobic dangers and democratic hopes in Israel and U.S.

These demagogues sow fear and stoke racial tension. They promote an exclusivist, chauvinist white nationalism. But they will not win. Jewish history teaches us that tyranny cannot sustain itself. From Pharaoh to the Roman Emperors to the monarchs who expelled us from multiple parts of Europe, Jews have outlasted the tyrants who have sought our destruction. And we American Jews know that the only way for the Israel-America friendship to survive — and not be tossed out along with these demagogues — is to center our democratic values.

Letter in Opposition to “US Commission on Unalienable Rights”

Reconstructing Judaism joined 430 human rights, civil rights, faith, and professional organizations, leaders, and scholars in an open letter expressing deep concern about the State Department’s recently announced Commission on Unalienable Rights. The signers object to the Commission’s stated purpose, which they believe is harmful to the global effort to protect the rights of all peopl

June 2019

New Progressive Israel Network Launched By Ten Leading Jewish Organizations

Today, ten leading organizations representing Americans who are committed to pursuing democracy, equality and peace in Israel announced the launch of the Progressive Israel Network. The new coalition will provide a strong, unified voice in support of its members’ common goals: democracy and equal rights, religious freedom and pluralism, and a two-state solution that would secure a peaceful future for Israel and end the 52-year-long occupation.

Endorsement of House Resolution in Support of Two-State Solution

Reconstructing Judaism joins nine other Jewish organizations in endorsing House Resolution 326, which reaffirms longstanding bipartisan support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and opposes any US actions that would encourage or endorse unilateral Israeli annexations in the West Bank. 

May 2019

Letter Opposing Rollback of Predatory Lending Protections

Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Assocation were among seventeen Jewish organizations writing to the Consumer Protection Finance Bureau in opposition to an administration proposal to rescind protections against predatory lending.

Statement Supporting Equality Act

Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Assocation were among 15 national Jewish organizations writing Congress in support of  the Equality Act (H.R. 5). Driven by our Jewish values, we are committed to supporting laws that protect the civil rights and individual liberties of all people. The Equality Act is a significant step forward for the LGBTQ community, and we urge Congress to swiftly pass this important bill.

Resolution on Rohingya Genocide

In May of 2019, the board of Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association adopted this resolution condemining genocide of the Rohingya people of Burma and urging action.

Letter to New York Times Regarding Antisemitic Cartoon

Reconstructing Judaism was a signatory to a letter that the the Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA) sent to the New York Times Executive Editor condemning the Antisemitic cartoon published on April 25, 2019, and urging tangible steps to ensure that such inflammatory material will not be published in the future.

April 2019

Letter to Tennessee Legislation on Child Welfare

Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association were signatories to a letter objecting to the Tennessee legislature’s proposed legislation that would allow federally funded foster care and adoption agencies to practice taxpayer-funded religious discrimination against potential adoptive and foster parents.

Statement on Shooting at Chabad of Poway

Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association send our deepest condolences and wishes of refu’ah shlaymah — full and complete healing — to all who were affected by the shooting at Chabad of Poway, California.

Statement on Easter Sunday Bombings in Sri Lanka

Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association are shocked by and condemn the terrorist attacks carried out on Easter Sunday at multiple churches and other locations in Sri Lanka. With broken hearts, we stand in solidarity with the Christian communities of Sri Lanka, and with people in grief and shock around the world.

Jewish Rohingya Justice Network Supports Bipartisan Legislation on Burma

The American Jewish community stands united against the genocide of the Rohingya people and the persecution of all ethnic minorities in Burma. We applaud the bipartisan group of lawmakers in the Senate for their moral courage and leadership in introducing powerful legislation that would authorize humanitarian assistance for Rohingya refugees and hold the Burmese military officials responsible for this persecution accountable.

Letter in support of the Never Again (Holocaust) Education Act

Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association were among more than 300 organizations to support the Never Again Education Act (H.R. 943). The attached letter, sent to the chair and ranking member of the House Committee on Education and Labor, urges the swift passage of the bill, which uses public funding and private donations to provide teachers with resources and training on lessons of the Holocaust and the consequences of bigotry and hate.

March 2019

Letter opposing nomination of Ronald Mortensen

Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association were among sixteen national Jewish organizations signing onto a letter of opposition to the nomination of Ronald Mortensen, an anti-immigrant extremist, as assistant secretary of state for the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration.

Statement Opposing Restrictions on Food Aid

Reconstructing Judaism joined 35 national faith-based organizations in a statement opposing attempts to restrict states from providing food aid to the hungry.

Statement on New Zealand Mosque Attacks

Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association are horrified by and condemn the terrorist attacks carried out this morning against Muslims in New Zealand. Our hearts are broken and we are shaken. We stand in solidarity with the Muslim communities of the Al Noor and Linwood Mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, and all who are in shock, grief, and fear everywhere as a result of this devastating news.

Amicus Brief Affirming Boston Policy Against Endorsing Religious Symbols

Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association signed onto a friend-of-the-court brief filed by Americans United in the case of Shurtleff vs. City of Boston,  urging a federal appeals court to uphold the constitutionality of Boston’s policy against flying religious flags in front of City Hall due to such an act’s violation of the Establishment Clause. 

Invitation to Support Israelis Opposing Kahanists in Knesset

Reconstructing Judaism invites communities to show solidarity with thousands of Israelis who are taking action to try to prevent Kahanists from being allowed to enter the Knesset.

February 2019

Kahanists are a Danger to Israelis and Israeli Democracy

We call on our colleagues in the American Jewish community and Jewish organizations to stand for democracy and equality and join us in affirming that Kahanists have no place in the Knesset.

Letter on Religious Discrimination in Foster Care

Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association joined more than 100 organizations in protest of the recent decision to exempt federally funded foster care agencies in South Carolina from federal religious nondiscrimination protections.

Letter Opposing Repeal of Johnson Amendment (April 2019)

Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association were among 131 organizations sending a letter to the House Ways and Means and Senate Finance committes, urging them not to repeal or weaken the “Johnson Amendment” that currently ensures that tax-exempt organizations do not support or oppose candidates for political office.

January 2019

Reconstructing Judaism Joins Amicus Brief Challenging Constitutionality of Government Sponsorship of Religious Symbols

Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association joined an amicus curiae brief urging the U.S. Supreme Court to affirm that religious symbols erected on public property and maintained with taxpayer dollars are unconstitutional.   

December 2018

Letter Opposing Repeal of Johnson Amendment

Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association were among 109 organizations sending a letter to the House of Representatives, urging them not to repeal or weaken the “Johnson Amendment” that currently ensures that tax-exempt organizations do not support or oppose candidates for political office.

Statement on Recent Events in Israel

Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association condemn and are saddened by the recent terror attacks by Palestinian extremists against Israeli soldiers, police and civilians in the West Bank and Jerusalem.

Letter Opposing Plans to Adopt Legal Definition of Sex

Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association were among sixteen national Jewish organizations expressing opposition to a proposed restrictive legal definition of sex that would effectively define out of existence the gender identities of millions of people.

October 2018

Statement on the Pittsburgh Synagogue Massacre

Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association mourn the devastating losses that a white nationalist domestic terrorist inflicted upon the Jewish community this past Shabbat morning at Tree of Life – Or L’Simcha Congregation in Pittsburgh. Included among the dead and wounded are members of our affiliate, Congregation Dor Hadash, which meets there.

Responding to Today’s Tragedy

All of us at Reconstructing Judaism are still processing the shock, grief and heartbreak of the shooting that took place in Pittsburgh at Tree of Life – Or L’Simcha Congregation, which is also the home of our Reconstructionist affiliate, Congregation Dor Hadash.

Initial Statement on the Pittsburgh Shootings

We are shocked and horrified by the shootings at the Tree of Life Synagogue in the Squirrel Hill section of Pittsburgh. Our hearts, support and condolences go out to the community members of the Tree Of Life – Or L’Simcha Congregation, to the community members of our affiliated congregation, Congregation Dor Hadash, who were meeting at the Tree of Life Synagogue, and to the people of Pittsburgh.

Statement Opposing Trump Plan to Curtail Rights of Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming People

We lift our collective voices in support of transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming people — our loved ones, our community leaders, and people across the globe.

Statement on October 7th Terrorist Attack

Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association condemn the terrorist attack that killed two Israeli civilians. Terrorism is never justified and will not help end the Occupation of the West Bank, nor will it pave the way to a lasting, fair peace agreement. May those who work for peace, justice, and reconciliation throughout the region be strengthened in their work and their ideals.  

September 2018

Response to Murder of Ari Fuld

Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association condemn the stabbing attack carried out by a Palestinian youth that killed Ari Fuld, an American-Israeli father of four, at the Etzion junction in the West Bank.

August 2018

Jewish Communal Letter on Refugee Admissions

Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association were among the 36 Jewish organizations that signed onto a letter urging President Trump to support a safe and strong U.S. refugee admissions program that represents the best of America.

July 2018

Statement on Israel’s Passage of Nation State Law

Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association strongly oppose the Nation State Law that the Knesset has now established as one of Israel’s Basic Laws, which carry constitutional weight.

Letter of Concern Regarding Human Rights in Burma

Reconstructing Judaism is among 46 organizations signing onto a letter of concern by Human Rights Watch about Burma’s human rights record, addressed to the US House and Senate Armed Services Committees. 

June 2018

Joint Statement on Immigration

The leadership of Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association condemn with horror the travesty that has become our immigration system under the administration of U.S. President Donald J. Trump.

Jewish Letter on Family Separation

Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association stand with other national Jewish organizations to protest the Trump administration’s immigration policies that separate children from their parents.

May 2018

Amicus brief in California vs. Azar

Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association signed onto an amicus curiae brief challenging religious organizations’ claim to be exempt from from providing, and empowered  to block access to, women’s contraceptive services for their employees. Reconstructing Judaism believes both in the importance of the separation of church and state and that the reproductive rights of women must be preserved and protected.

Joint Letter Urging Secretary of State to Fill Anti-Semitism Special Envoy Position

Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association were among the organizational signatories of a letter directed to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, urging him to fill the vacant position of Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism. 

Statement on Recent Events in Israel and Gaza

A statement from Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association

A Message of Condolence

We express condolences on the tragic death of Rabbi Aaron Panken, Ph.D., 12th president of HUC-JIR.

April 2018

Statement on Nashville and Toronto

For those of us in North America, what words are adequate to this week’s domestic horrors happening in close succession and dominating headlines: the murder by gun of four people in Nashville and the murder with a van of ten and injury of countless others in Toronto? What actions can we take?

National Jewish Group Letter supporting the Americans with Disabilities Act

Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association were among the 55 national Jewish groups joining together in a letter to Senate leaders opposing the House-passed ADA Education and Reform Act (H.R. 620), legislation which would turn back the clock on the civil rights of people with disabilities by weakening the 28-year old Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

An Open Letter Concerning the Safety and Future of African Asylum Seekers

In an open letter to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Reconstructing Judaism and the other undersigned organizations urge him to pursue a humane solution for the 39,000 asylum seekers currently within Israel’s borders.

Responding to Recent Events Involving Israel’s African Asylum Seekers

Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association (RRA) urge Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government to reconsider its decision to abandon the agreement it initially announced it had struck with the United Nations refugee agency, UNHCR, on April 2, 2018.

Response to Recent Violence on Gaza Border

Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association (RRA) are deeply saddened and concerned following the deaths of approximately 18 Palestinians,  and the wounding of many others, by Israeli army fire during last Friday’s Palestinian-led marches near the border fence between Gaza and Israel.

February 2018

Response to Parkland, Florida Shooting

Statement in response to the Parkland, Florida shooting. While raising our voices in prayer and condolences for the victims of violence, we also raise our voices to call for the enactment and enforcement of reasonable gun laws throughout this country that would prevent such tragedies.

January 2018

Letter Urging Israel to Halt Deportation of Asylum-Seekers

Reconstructionist leaders were among the early signatories of this letter urging the Israeli government to stop the deportations of asylum seekers from Sudan and Eritrea who have sought refuge in Israel.

Amicus Brief Supporting Unions

Reconstructionist organizations joined an amicus curiae brief by religious organizations in support of the rights of unions. 

Joint Statement on Recent Abbas Speech

We strongly condemn the recent public remarks made by Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, which contribute to undermining prospects for a viable peace process.

National Jewish Letter on DREAM Act

RRC/JRC signed onto a letter urging members of Congress to support the bipartisan DREAM Act.

Statement on Israeli Government Blacklist

Statement expressing disappointment in Israeli government’s viewpoint-based blacklist on entry into Israel

Open Letter on Burma Human Rights and Freedom Act

In the face of unconscionable atrocities against the Rohingya people by the Burmese military, RRC/Jewish Reconstructionist Communities joined a broad coalition of organizations from across the Jewish community to press for the immediate passage of the Burma Human Rights and Freedom Act of 2017.

December 2017

Reconstructionist Statement on Trump Announcement Recognizing Jerusalem as Capital

Statement on President Trump’s decision to formally recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.

November 2017

Statement on Use of Force Against Reform Leaders at the Kotel

We stand in solidarity with the leaders of the Reform movement who were confronted with force by police and Western Wall security personnel as they attempted to carry Torah scrolls to the site.

October 2017

Joint Filing Opposing Anti-LGBTQ Religious Exemptions in Supreme Court Case

Reconstructionist leaders joined an amicus brief in a Supreme Court case, urging against religiously-based exemptions to anti-LGBTQ discrimination.

Statement on Fire at URJ Camp Newman

Last week, amidst the tragic loss of life and widespread devastation from the ongoing wildfires in Northern California, we learned the heartbreaking news that much of URJ Camp Newman was destroyed by the fires. Together with the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College/Jewish Reconstructionist Communities and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association, all of us at Camp Havaya and Havaya Arts send our love and support as the community now works to rebuild.

Letter in Support of OFF (Off Fossil Fuels) Act

RRC/JRC signed onto a letter urging members of Congress to support HR-3671, “Off Fossil Fuels for a Better Future Act.”

Statement on Las Vegas Shooting

Response to the violent shooting in Las Vegas that so far has ended 58 human lives and injured hundreds more.

September 2017

Statement on the Har Adar Terrorist Attack

RRC / Jewish Reconstructionist Communities and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association condemn the terrorist attack that took place in the West Bank settlement of Har Adar.

Statement on Decision to End Deferred Action on Childhood Arrivals program

The Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College/Jewish Reconstructionist Communities are strongly opposed to President Trump’s recently announced decision to end the Deferred Action on Childhood Arrivals or DACA and put the lives of over 800,000 young people in America at risk.

August 2017

Statement by the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association on Foregoing Annual High Holy Day Call with Trump

The RRA and America’s other leading rabbinic organizations have decided, in light of  President Trump’s statements during and after the tragic events in Charlottesville, so lacking in moral leadership and empathy for the victims of racial and religious hatred, that we cannot organize a rabbinic call with the president this year. 

Petition Against Fascism

A petition to the elected leadership of our country to take steps to stop the spread of fascism.

Faith Voices Letter in Support of Keeping Houses of Worship Non-Partisan

Reconstructionist leaders were among the more than 4000 signatories to a letter urging the U.S. Senate not to repeal or weaken current law that prevents tax-exempt religious organizations from partisan political endorsements.

Response to Charlottesville

We condemn in the strongest terms the white supremacist groups that gathered in Charlottesville, VA, over the weekend to promote racism, anti-Semitism, and other ideologies of bigotry, and we mourn with the families of the murdered protestor and of the law enforcement officials who were killed in the line of duty. 

July 2017

Statement on July Violence in Israel

Statement condemning recent terror attack and addressing Temple Mount violence

Endorsement of Letter on Middle-East Peace

Reconstructionist leaders were among the 35 Jewish, Christian, and Muslim national religious leaders sending a letter to President Trump agreeing that Israeli-Palestinian peace is possible. 

Faith Organization Letter Against Funding the Commission on Election Integrity

RRC/JRC signed onto a letter by faith organizations opposing funding of the proposed “Commission on Election Integrity,” calling on Congress to resist efforts to restrict the right to vote.

Statement on Terror Attack at Entrance to Temple Mount

Condemnation of terror attack at the entrance to the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. 

June 2017

Statement on Cancellation of Western Wall Agreement

The Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College/Jewish Reconstructionist Communities jointly condemn Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to cancel an agreement that would have allowed for mixed and egalitarian prayer services at the Western Wall in Jerusalem.  

Statement on June 14 Shooting

We are deeply shocked by the shooting that targeted members of Congress and others. We fear that guns and bullets are replacing speech and debate, and we know that all those who believe in democracy and human dignity will not allow that to happen.

Public Letter on Withdrawal from Paris Climate Accord

Letter from American Jewish groups in response to the announced withdrawal from the Paris climate accord

Public Letter on Anti-Muslim Marches

Reconstructionist leaders joined other faith leaders in a letter from Shoulder to Shoulder speaking out against anti-Muslim behavior. Shoulder to Shoulder is a coalition of 32 religious denominations and organizations committed to standing with American Muslims to uphold American values.

May 2017

Statement on Terrorist Attacks

Statement on terrorist attacks on Egyptian Coptic Christians in May 2017

Joint Letter Opposing H2431 (“SAFE Act”)

RRC and Jewish Reconstructionist Communities were among nearly 200 local and national organizations to sign this joint letter asking House Judiciary Committee members to oppose H.R. 2431 as a draconian measure that would criminalize undocumented immigrants and undermine due process protections. 

Joint Statement on Israel Conversion Bill

RRC/Jewish Reconstructionist Communities joined a statement strongly opposing a bill proposed by Israel’s Ministry of the Interior, which would nullify Israel’s recognition of Reform and Conservative conversions performed in Israel, as well as overturn Israel’s High Court ruling requiring the Ministry to recognize Orthodox conversions performed by private rabbinic courts.

Joint Letter Urging Support for Haitians at Risk of Deportation

RRC/JRC joined more than 400 faith leaders and organizations in this letter urging Secretary of Homeland Security John Kelly to extend Haitian refugees’ Temporary Protected Status.

April 2017

Joint Letter Calling for Syrian Refugee Resettlement

On April 27th, RRC/JRC co-signed a letter with 36 national organizations calling on President Trump to resettle more Syrian refugees after the horrific chemical attacks on Syrians earlier in the month.

Amicus Brief: EEOC vs. Harris Funeral Homes

RRC/JRC and the RRA joined this brief in opposition to the asserted right of a for-profit employer to fire a transgender female employee based on religious beliefs about sex roles and gender identity.

Amicus Brief: Opposing Travel and Refugee Ban, 9th Circuit

Reconstructionist institutions signed onto an interfaith Amicus Curiae brief to the 9th Circuit opposing the Executive Order travel ban.

Amicus Brief: Opposing Travel and Refugee Ban, 4th Circuit

Reconstructionist institutions signed onto an interfaith Amicus Curiae brief to the 4th Circuit opposing the Executive Order travel ban.

March 2017

Resolution Affirms Full Inclusion of Transgender, Non-Binary Jews

All branches of the Reconstructionist movement have adapted resolutions affirming the full equality of transgender, non-binary and gender non-conforming individuals.

Statement on the Israeli Knesset’s Passage of the “Entry Bill”

The Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association (RRA) and RRC/Jewish Reconstructionist Communities (RRC/JRC) are strongly opposed to and deeply disappointed by the Israeli Knesset’s passage of the “Entry Bill.”

February 2017

Statement on Petach Tikvah Open Market Terrorist Attack

RRC/Jewish Reconstructionist Communities and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association condemn today’s terrorist attack in an open market in Petach Tikvah that wounded six people.

Statement on Knesset Law that Retroactively Authorizes Settlement Outposts

The Reconstructionist movement opposes the Knesset’s passage of the Regularization Bill.

Statement on Supreme Court Nominee Judge Neil Gorsuch

The Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College/Jewish Reconstructionist Communities express grave concerns over the nomination of Judge Neil Gorsuch to the US Supreme Court to fill the seat left empty by the death of Justice Antonin Scalia almost one year ago. 

January 2017

Statement on Terrorist Attack in Quebec

We at RRC/Jewish Reconstructionist Communities grieve for the victims of yesterday’s terrorist attack on worshipers at the Grande Mosquée de Québec.

Joint Letter on Price Nomination for Secretary of Health and Human Services

RRC/JRC joined this interfaith letter opposing the nomination of Tom Price as Secretary of Health and Human Services.

Statement on President Trump’s Executive Order Concerning Refugees

We are dismayed as President Trump prepares to take action to close the doors to thousands of refugees seeking shelter and relief from the humanitarian crisis in which they find themselves.

December 2016

Statement on Proposed David Friedman Ambassadorship

The Reconstructionist movement’s statement on President-Elect Trump’s plan to appoint David Friedman as the next U.S. Ambassador to Israel

Rabbi Deborah Waxman Speaks to Faith Leaders on Solidarity

Rabbi Deborah Waxman made this statement to faith leaders during a 11/28/2016 call on “Faith and Solidarity during a time of White Supremacy.”

November 2016

Statement in Solidarity with the Reform Movement in Israel

Our movement responds to recent vandalism of an Israeli Reform synagogue and death threats made against leaders of the Reform movement.

Statement on Fires in Haifa

The Reconstructionist Movement expresses solidarity with Israel’s firefighters and emergency rescue services who are working tirelessly to combat the spread of multiple wildfires in the Haifa region.

Statement on White House Appointment of Stephen Bannon

The Reconstructionist Rabbinical College and Jewish Reconstructionist Communities, along with the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association, urge Trump to reconsider appointment of Stephen Bannon to a senior White House post.

Statement Following the Presidential Election

A statement following the Presidential election

October 2016

Statement Condemning UNESCO’s Temple Mount Resolution

UNESCO’s resolution denying the Jewish history of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem flies in the face of scholarship and history and is in no way helpful to the goal of peace.

Statement on October 9th Terrorist Attack

A condemnation of the 10/19/16 terrorist attack in Jerusalem

September 2016

Mourning a Statesman, Peacemaker, and Legend

The Reconstructionist Rabbinical College, Jewish Reconstructionist Communities and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association mourn the loss of Shimon Peres, z’l, one of the most important and influential founders and shapers of the State of Israel.

Joint Letter Urging Vote on Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act

Joint letter from Jewish organizations and rabbis urging action to protect Syrian civilians

Statement on Recent Acts of Violence

The leadership of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College/Jewish Reconstructionist Communities and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association extend our heartfelt condolences and prayers to the victims and families of the frightening acts of violence that have shaken several of our cities this weekend

July 2016

Joint Letter on Racism, Xenophobia and Violence in 2016 Campaign

Joint letter from 28 Jewish groups imploring political candidates to put an end to the racism, anti-Semitism and xenophobia that has emerged in this year’s campaign.

June 2016

Statement on the Orlando Attack: We Mourn, We Pray

In the wake of terror, a call to choose life and reject hate and intolerance.

March 2016

Statement Urging AIPAC to Rescind Donald Trump Invitation

A statement from Reconstructionist movement leaders regarding Trump’s invitation to speak at AIPAC.

Letter Opposing H.R. 4731’s Dismantling of Refugee Program

RRC/JRC joined a letter signed by 234 organizations opposing H.R. 4731, the “Refugee Program Integrity Restoration Act of 2016,” which would have dismantled the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program.

February 2016

Statement on Historic Western Wall Compromise

he Reconstructionist movement is overjoyed that on Jan 31, 2016, the Israeli cabinet voted to dramatically expand the space for egalitarian prayer at the Kotel. This is a blessed and welcome decision.

October 2015

Joint Letter Supporting EACH Woman Act

Joint letter from 20 American Jewish organizations and communities supporting the EACH Woman Act to end bans on abortion coverage.

August 2015

Statement on Summer 2015 Violence in Israel

Statement addressing knife attack on Jerusalem LGBTQ parade and arson attack on Palestinian family. 

June 2015

Statement Responding to Same-Sex Marriage Ruling

The Reconstructionist movement celebrates the Supreme Court decision on Obergefell v. Hodges, ruling marriage equality for our country

The Reconstructionist Network