Executive Order on Gun Violence is a Historic Step Toward Preventing Future Tragedies
WASHINGTON, D.C., January 5, 2016 — In response to the executive order announced today by President Obama to address gun violence, Rabbi Jonah Dov Pesner, Director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, issued the following statement:
Reform Leader Commends LGBTQ Task Force for Reversing Decision to Cancel Reception with Israeli Group
Dear Rea:
On behalf of the Union for Reform Judaism, whose more than 900 congregations across North America encompass 1.5 million Reform Jews, and the Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR), whose membership includes more than 2,000 Reform rabbis, I write to commend you for your renewed commitment to holding a reception sponsored by A Wider Bridge and featuring the Jerusalem Open House at your convention this week.
Reform Movement and GreenFaith Announce New Partnership
WASHINGTON, D.C. and HIGHLAND PARK, NJ, January 20, 2016 — Continuing a long history of collaboration the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism and GreenFaith have announced a major joint initiative to promote energy savings and greenhouse gas emissions reductions, environmental leadership training, advocacy, and strengthened inter-congregational learning among Reform congregations nationwide. The collaboration will engage more Reform congregations than ever before in environmental work, and with greater environmental impact.
RAC Leader Condemns Protests at LGBT Conference
Washington, D.C., January 25, 2016 – In response to hateful protests at a pro-Israel LGBT event...
RAC Leader Commends Executive Order on Solitary Confinement
Washington, D.C., January 26, 2016 – In response to President Obama’s executive order to limit the use of solitary confinement in federal prisons...
Draft Climate Legislation Marks Significant Step Forward On Environment
Pelavin: "The world is looking to the United States to lead the way in confronting the environmental and economic crisis of climate change, and the draft bill released today is a significant step toward tackling this global problem."
Reform Jewish Movement Praises Amicus Brief on Key Voting Rights Case
Saperstein: "We strongly urge the Supreme Court to affirm the lower courts ruling and ensure that section 5 of the 1965 Voting Rights Act remains a stronghold of protection at the polls for members of minority communities."
Reform Movement to Newspapers: Remove Anti-Semitic Cartoon
Pelavin: "Published during a tenuous cease-fire in Gaza, this cartoon will only add fuel to the proverbial political fire and stroke the flames of anti-Semitism."
Plan B Ruling A Victory for Women's Health
Pelavin: "By allowing for expanded access to emergency contraceptives, we can provide young women with the resources necessary to make decisions about their own reproductive health."
Reform Movement Launds Introduction of Disability Rights Bill
Rabbi Landsberg: "Too often, American society excludes those who need assistance.