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...
Reform Movement Hopes Souter Successor Preserves Church/State Separation
Pelavin: "We hope that the next Supreme Court Justice will follow in Justice Souters footsteps as strong defender of religious freedom and the separation of church and state."
Saperstein Welcomes Dismissal of AIPAC Case
"We are gratified that the government has made the decision to drop the charges against Steve Rosen and Keith Weissman and welcome the dismissal of this case."
House Passage of Hate Crimes Bill Vital Step Forward for Civil Rights
Saperstein: "Crimes rooted in bias, hatred and intolerance against people who belong or are perceived to belong to particular groups are intended to intimidate and victimize entire communities and cannot be ignored."
On Equal Pay Day, a Reform Jewish Call to End Wage Discrimination
Weinstein: "In these trying economic times, fair pay is not only a right but a vital tool, enabling women to provide for themselves and their families."
Saperstein Calls to Eliminate Crack-Cocaine Sentencing Disparities
"Prison bars do not treat addiction and prison walls cannot rehabilitate communities. We must support at-risk communities and decrease demand for illegal substances."