Brit Tzedek v'Shalom
Jewish Alliance for Justice and Peace
Background
Originally founded in Germany in the mid-nineteenth, Reform Judaism thrives today as the largest denomination of American Judaism.
Several organizations in the United States, both religious and political, represent the interests of the movement for Reform Judaism, which today includes 900 congregations and 1.5 million members in North America. They represent approximately 40% of American Jewry.
Reform Movement Organizations
Union for Reform Judaism (URJ). As the congregational arm of the Reform movement the Union's stated aim is "to create and sustain vibrant Jewish congregations wherever Reform Jews live." Founded in America in 1873, currently the Union oversees many national programs and community services, including Israel related activities. The Union, in particular through its President, Rabbi Eric Yoffie, is the central voice for the Reform Movement on Israel.
URJ Recent Statements and Resolutions On Israeli-Palestinian Conflict:
- "Reform Leader Condemns Hezbollah Attacks and Kidnapping of Soldiers; Calls on Syria & Iran to Cease Support of Hezbollah."
Excerpt: "We deplore the policy of Hamas and Hezbollah to use civilians as shields for their terrorist actions. At the same time, as always, we urge Israel to carry out her military activities with maximum sensitivity to humanitarian concerns...." - 2004 Resolution on Unilateral Withdrawals, Security Barriers, and Home Demolitions: Striving for Security and Peace for Israel and the Middle East
Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR). Founded in 1889, the CCAR is the organized rabbinate of Reform Judaism. Among their many other functions, the CCAR speaks out on a broad range of political, social, economic, and humanitarian issues from a Reform Jewish perspective.
CCAR Recent Statements On Israeli-Palestinian Conflict:
Religious Action Center (RAC). Based in Washington D.C., the RAC is the Reform movement's main vehicle for social justice advocacy and functions as a joint instrumentality of the Union for Reform Judaism and the CCAR. Its Director, Rabbi David Saperstein, is a prominent religious leader for progressive values in Washington. The RAC takes on a wide variety of issues and legislation, including those related to Israel. However, most statements on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict are released from the Union offices in New York.
RAC Recent Actions On Israeli-Palestinian Conflict:
- Action Alert "Act on the Situation in Israel"
Excerpt: "The House and Senate have both passed resolutions supporting Israel in her time of need. It is essential for the United States Congress to continue to voice its support for Israel, its strongest ally in the Middle East, as she responds in self-defense to dangerous terrorist organizations such as Hezbollah and Hamas." - RAC Advocacy Resources on Israel and Middle East Peace
Other Organizations Affiliated with the Reform Movement
Association of Reform Zionists of AmericaHebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion
Women of Reform Judaism
North America Federation of Temple Brotherhoods
National Federation of Temple Youth
Kesher, Reform College Program
Background
Conservative Judaism began in Germany in the middle of the nineteenth century with the aim of leading Jewish life in a way to incorporate changes without weakening the historical traditions of Judaism.
The Conservative movement is composed of 760 affiliated synagogues and 1.5 million members, which constitutes approximately 40% of affiliated Jewry.
Conservative Movement Organizations
United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ). Established in 1913 as an association of Conservative congregations in North America, the overall vision of the USCJ is "to motivate Conservative Jews to perform mitzvot encompassing ethical behavior, spirituality, Judaic learning, and ritualobservance." Among the many aspects of the organization's mission are tikkun olam (repairing the world) and strengthening the connections between North American Conservative Jews, the Jewish People and the State of Israel.
USCJ Recent Statements on Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
- "Leadership Council of Conservative Judaism Statement on Israel, Self-Defense, and Peace"
Excerpt: "We insist on the right of every Israeli to live in peace. We affirm that same right for every civilian in the Middle East˙We reach out to all men and women of good will, eager to see a peace in the Middle East that extends to all its inhabitants, Jewish, Muslim, and Christian, to insist on an end to terrorism, and to advance the right of Israel and Palestine to secure and recognized boundaries."
The Rabbinical Assembly (RA). Founded in 1901, the RA is the international association of Conservative rabbis. This organization describes itself as "the creative force shaping the ideology, programs, and practices of the Conservative movement, and is committed to building and strengthening the totality of Jewish life."
RA Recent Statement on Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
UCSJ Committee on Social Action and Public Policy. As a part of the USCJ, this committee aims to "advance the causes of social justice," and advocate policy choices consistent with the values of Conservative Judaism" by developing positions on matters of public debate. These positions are often adopted as resolutions at the USCJ Biennial Convention.
Social Action and Public Policy Resolutions on Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
- 2005 Resolution on Treatment of Israel in the United Nations
- 2005 Resolution Against Divestment from Israel
Other Organizations Affiliated with the Conservative Movement
Women's League for Conservative Judaism
Mercaz USA
Jewish Theological Seminary of America
The Conservative Yeshiva in Jerusalem
KOACH
National Ramah Commission
United Synagogue Youth
Solomon Schechter Day School Association
For full list click here
Background
A single rabbinical body or Orthodox congregational organization does not represent Jewish Orthodoxy in America, which makes up about 15% of affiliated Jewry. While it is difficult to estimate the total number of Orthodox Jews in America today, Modern Orthodox Judaism represents a large segment of the Orthodox population, with about 1,000 affiliated congregations nationwide. Other strains of Orthodox Judaism in the US today include Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) and Hasidic sects.
Modern Orthodox Movement Organizations
Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America (OU). Well known for its kosher certification service, this organization supports a network of 1,000 Orthodox congregations nationwide, in addition to offering youth and religious study programs, and community services.
The Rabbinical Council of America (RCA) With about 1,000 rabbis worldwide, the Rabbinical Council of America functions as the rabbinical authority of the OU.
OU Recent Statements on Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
- "A Statement Regarding Israel and the War on Terror against Hezbollah, Hamas, and their State Sponsors in Iran and Syria"
Excerpt: "Together with the leadership and people of Israel, we express our sadness at the unavoidable loss of Lebanese and Gazan civilian life that is made necessary by terrorists who use civilians as shields. We call on all civilized people, including the leadership of the United Nations, to understand that Israel must be given time to finish the war that has been unleashed on her citizens, so that aggression by terrorists and the governments that support them not be rewarded, and be prevented in the future."
The Institute for Public Affairs (IPA.)As the public policy arm of the Orthodox Union, the IPA aims "to bring the unique perspective of Jewish law and tradition to bear upon the widest range of public policy issues confronting American society at-large." To achieve this end the IPA issues 'Action Alerts' to mobilize supporters behind their advocacy efforts.
Recent IPA 'Action Alert' related to Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
- "Action Alert: Palestinian Anti-Terrorism Act of 2006 (H.R. 4681)"
Excerpt: "We urge you to encourage House members to support and sign on to this bipartisan resolution."
Affiliated Organizations:
Yeshiva University
National Conference of Synagogue Youth
Jewish Action Magazine
Young Israel
Background
The Reconstructionist movement in America is composed of three main bodies, which act in concert to address the interests and goals of 'Reconstructionist Judaism', defined by the movement as "a progressive, contemporary approach to Jewish life which integrates a deep respect for traditional Judaism with the insights and ideas of contemporary social, intellectual and spiritual life."
There are 108 congregations affiliated with the Reconstructionist movement, with approximately 100,000 members – about 3% of affiliated Jews.
Organizations of the Reconstructionist Movement
Jewish Reconstructionist Federation (JRF). Founded 1955, the JRF is the synagogue arm of the Reconstructionist movement.
JRF Activity related to Israel-Palestine Conflict
- The movement as a whole encourages 'connecting to Israel' through study, prayer, and action.
- 'Discussion Guide' to talking about Israel within JRF communities, based on JRF "commitment to Jewish values of peace and justice.¨
Reconstructionist Rabbinical College(RRC). Founded 1968, the RRC trains rabbis, cantors, and other Jewish leaders.
Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association (RRA). Founded 1974, is the professional association of Reconstructionist rabbis, with over 200 members.
- On July 21, 2006, the three main branches of the Reconstructionist movement issued a joint statement on the escalating violence in northern Israel, Lebanon, and Gaza, affirming that "The only hope for the future is for a Middle East in which the national and political hopes of all peoples are legitimated."
Affiliated Organizations:
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Background
Jewish renewal defines itself as "a worldwide, transdenominational movement grounded in Judaism's prophetic and mystical traditions." It is an approach to Judaism that incorporates certain elements from the main Jewish denominations, and draws heavily on the teachings of Zalman Schachter-Shalomi as well as late 20th century influences, including the chavura movement and feminism.
Organizations of the Jewish Renewal Movement
Alliance for Jewish Renewal (ALEPH). As the core institution of the Renewal movement, ALEPH aims to "support and grow the worldwide movement for Jewish renewal by organizing and nurturing communities, developing leadership, creating liturgical and scholarly resources, and working for social and environmental justice." Though the exact number of members is not known, ALEPH supports 34 affiliated congregations in the United States, and 1 each in Canada, Australia, England, and Switzerland. 3500 people are affiliated with ALEPH through this network, with an additional 2000 individual members.
- Though Jewish renewal as a movement has not issued a statement on Israel's conflicts with its neighbors, Rabbi Schachter-Shalomi did convey his personal thoughts on Israel's war against Hezbollah in July-August 2006.
Shalom Center. Founded by Rabbi Arthur Waskow in 1983, the Shalom Center "brings Jewish and other spiritual thought and practice to bear on seeking peace, pursuing justic, healing the earth, and celebrating community."
Peace Related Activities
- New Book: "The Tent of Abraham: Stories of Hope and Peace for Jews, Christians, and Muslims"
- Declaration of Peace: Nationwide action, Sept 21-28
Affiliated Organizations
The Association of Rabbis for Jewish Renewal
Elat Chayyim
Background
The newest of the Jewish denominational movements, Secular Humanistic Judaism has its roots in the secular and humanistic Jewish groups of the mid-nineteenth century. The movement today seeks to express Judaism in a progressive way consistent with reason and a human-centered worldview.
There are about 60 communities in North America affiliated with the Secular Humanistic Jewish movement, and about 50,000 members worldwide.
Major Organizations of Secular Humanistic Judaism
The International Federation of Secular Humanistic Jews (IFSHJ). The IFSHJis the umbrella organization that links national and local secular humanistic Jewish organizations in Israel, the United States, Canada,France, Belgium, Australia, Mexico, Argentina, Uruguay, and the countries of the former Soviet Union. The IFSHJ aims to promote Secular Humanistic Judaism worldwide and foster the values of secularism, humanism, and democracy. All the North American groups that comprise the IFSHJ support a negotiated two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The International Institute for Secular Humanistic Judaism (IISHJ). The IISHJ is the intellectual and educational arm of the IFSHJ. Its two main goals are to develop educational materials for the movement and to train rabbis, leaders, teachers, and spokespersons for the movement.
Leadership Conference of Secular and Humanistic Jews (LCSHJ). The LCSHJ certifies qualifying professionals as Secular Humanistic Jewish clergy and provides continuing education for the Movement leadership. The organization also facilitates communication between community leaders.
Recent Israel-Related Activity by IFSHJ Affiliates
- "Stop the Violence, Work for a Just and Lasting Peace in the Mid-East", Statement by Machar Congregation of the Washington D.C. area
- "Ceasefire Between Israel and Hezbollah Welcomed as a First Step Towards Peace¨, Statement by The Workmen's Circle/Arbeter Ring
Affiliated Organizations
Congress of Secular Jewish Organizations
Society for Humanistic Judaism
Center for Cultural Judaism
Workmen's Circle