Public Statements – Page 10 – Reconstructing Judaism

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

April 20, 2020

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

April 2, 2020

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.

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

March 26, 2020

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

March 24, 2020

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

March 6, 2020

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.

Statement on New Settlement Expansion Announcements

February 27, 2020

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

February 10, 2020

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.

February 4, 2020

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.

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

January 31, 2020

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.

News

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

Joint Statement of Solidarity by Jewish Communal Organizations

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

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

Letter on Asylum Seekers and “Remain in Mexico” Policy

Statement on New Settlement Expansion Announcements

Please Join in the National Refugee Shabbat

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

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

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