March 30, 2026

Organizations and coalitions that advance work related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) draw on principles deeply rooted in Jewish tradition, including honoring the divine image, upholding fairness, and embracing difference. Since October 7th, some Jews have felt unseen in these spaces while others have experienced strong support from longstanding multiracial and multifaith partners. In this complex moment, the RA affirms that Jewish flourishing is strengthened—not weakened—through broad coalitions working to combat racism, antisemitism, and all forms of hatred.

Whereas Jewish tradition teaches the inherent dignity and worth of every person, articulated in Genesis 1:27, in the Mishnah’s imagery of humanity’s diversity (Sanhedrin 4:5), and in the halakhic priority of k’vod habriyot (Berakhot 19b), calling us to pluralism and to honor the full humanity of all people; and

Whereas the Torah repeatedly commands us—36 times—to protect those who are vulnerable or marginalized, insisting that fairness and justice guide communal life (Exodus 22:20–21; Exodus 23:9; Leviticus 19:34); and

Whereas our tradition mandates hakhnasat or’him—welcoming the other—as a central expression of embracing difference, regardless of race, ethnicity, or background (Shabbat 127a; Ta’anit 20b–21a); and

Whereas the Rabbinical Assembly has affirmed the centrality of inclusion and belonging in multiple resolutions, including the 2024 Resolution on Jews of Color, the 1993 Resolution on Race Relations, and the 2016 Resolution on Racial Injustice and Police Brutality; and

Whereas the RA has resolved that our rabbis should build bridges and forge alliances with multifaith and multiracial communities to combat antisemitism, hate, and racism (Resolution on Antisemitism, 2020); and

Whereas the events of October 7th and the subsequent rise in antisemitism have caused some Jews to question participation in multiracial and multifaith coalitions, even as many colleagues have received strong support from leaders and organizations of color with whom they already had relationships; and

Whereas strengthening Jewish safety requires partnership with other targeted populations, building solidarity across lines of difference to promote a society in which all people can live safely and freely, and American democracy can thrive; and

Whereas Jews are a historically marginalized group who must be recognized fully within diversity frameworks as a targeted community facing discrimination, prejudice, and exclusion;

Therefore be it resolved that the Rabbinical Assembly reaffirms pluralism, fairness, and the embrace of difference as central Jewish values, and recognizes that these principles deeply align with the aims of diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts; and

Be it further resolved that the Rabbinical Assembly recommits to its prior resolutions encouraging rabbis and the communities they serve to build strong, proactive relationships with racial, ethnic, and religious communities and to promote communal pluralism; and

Be it further resolved that the Rabbinical Assembly will advocate that diversity programs explicitly recognize Jews as a marginalized and targeted community, ensuring that antisemitism is fully addressed alongside other forms of hatred; and

Be it further resolved that the Rabbinical Assembly rejects the false narrative that fighting racism is inherently antisemitic, affirming instead that this work is rooted in core Jewish values and can be shaped to include and protect American Jews as equal partners; and

Be it further resolved that the Rabbinical Assembly affirms that rabbis should continue to participate in multiracial and multifaith coalitions both despite and because of instances of antisemitism that may arise, understanding that such participation enables us to build relationships, address bias directly, and strengthen collective safety; and

Be it further resolved that the Rabbinical Assembly encourages partnerships with organizations committed to fighting both antisemitism and racism, and to strengthening democracy and communal well-being; and

Finally, be it resolved that the Rabbinical Assembly, drawing on pluralism as a core principle of Conservative Judaism, encourages its members to participate actively in local and national coalitions working toward a just, kind, and respectful society, where all people—Jews included—are recognized in their full dignity and can live in safety and mutual respect.

Comments

Submitted by stepheneslater on Wed, 03/04/2026 - 17:58

I write to express my strong opposition to this resolution. The statement asserts that “Organizations and coalitions that advance work related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) draw on principles deeply rooted in Jewish tradition, including honoring the divine image, upholding fairness, and embracing difference.” I believe this characterization is incorrect. Contemporary DEI frameworks are rooted in modern political ideology, not in Torah principles, and their application has contributed to the politicization of academic, civic, and communal life. In university settings, DEI policies have often undermined standards of merit and clear thinking by prioritizing identity categories in hiring and admissions decisions. In the political sphere, DEI-aligned movements have likewise reshaped public discourse in ways that many in our community find deeply troubling, particularly regarding attitudes toward Israel and the Jewish people. Let me be clear: I fully support welcoming and respecting people of diverse backgrounds. Every human being is created b’tzelem Elokim, in the Divine image. However, that is not the same as endorsing DEI policy frameworks. When DEI initiatives advocate for preferential treatment in hiring or admissions on the basis of race or background rather than merit, they raise serious legal and moral concerns. The Torah commands impartial justice: “You shall not render an unfair decision: do not favor the poor or show deference to the rich; judge your kindred fairly.” (Vayikra 19:15-16) Our tradition prohibits favoritism and requires equal treatment under the law. Justice must be blind to status, wealth, and background. Policies that mandate differential treatment based on identity categories stand in tension with this foundational principle. There is also a practical consideration. DEI as a political movement has lost significant public support, and key aspects of race-based decision-making in university admissions have already been ruled unlawful by the United States Supreme Court. As such, this resolution is not only substantively flawed but politically and legally moot. Most importantly, I believe the resolution misunderstands the Torah’s central demand for impartial justice. Our tradition calls upon us to pursue righteousness without favoritism and without prejudice. Hiring, admissions, and communal decisions should reflect that same commitment to fairness. Policies that divide Americans into competing identity groups risk undermining social cohesion rather than strengthening it. If this resolution proceeds, I respectfully request that it be published together with a dissenting opinion, which I would be willing to provide. Thank you for your consideration of this matter.

Submitted by joshua.rabin on Thu, 03/05/2026 - 18:00

Well done.

Submitted by rabbi.talia.kaplan on Thu, 03/05/2026 - 18:46

Thank you for this

Submitted by rabinet on Thu, 03/05/2026 - 19:09

I strongly support this resolution. First and foremost, we will never meaningful impact the proliferation of anti-semitism if we do not also impact the hatred directed at People of Color, Muslims, and other targeted groups. To paraphrase Henry Louis Gates, 'the same people who hate Jews, also hate Blacks. We must stand as allies in response.' Second, it is naive to expect that every member of a large group of 'others' is going to hold beliefs that we can abide. If that were the standard, we would not be allies of most Orthodox Jews. And yet, most of us try really hard to find common cause with many Jewish groups with whom we strongly disagree on so many issues. Affirming alliance with values that are central to Judaism and our Jewish faith (which this resolution absolutely does) is, for me a no brainer. Appreciate our colleagues who developed this.

Submitted by SMorgen on Thu, 03/05/2026 - 19:59

I support the resolution for the reasons cited in the Whereas classes above. DEI policies are no more flawed than other factors used in hiring employees or admitting students to places of learning. Indeed, they tend to help compensate for other factors that are inherently prejudicial and discriminatory Which is, after all, the purpose of having a DEI policy in the first place. Meanwhile, the resolution adequately sets forth the need for outreach and allyship with other minorities that suffer from discrimination, bias, hatred or bigotry. We won't agree with every position of every member of any group. But when we can agree on basic principles of human dignity and respect (which are absolutely deeply embedded in Jewish traditions and texts), we should work together with other groups to promote those values.

Submitted by sshafrin on Thu, 03/05/2026 - 20:18

There is no more dire crisis in our communities that the twin fracturing of pluralistic, cooperative relationships and the immediate dismissing of difference in opinion and experience. We need to make it central again in our movement to provide space for thoughtful and compassionate disagreement, as well as the inherent understanding that our perspectives cannot encapsulate all of the lives of other people we encounter.

Submitted by ruven on Fri, 03/06/2026 - 03:41

In the work I do for the state as Correctional Chaplain, the law is clear that people of protected classes legally cannot be discriminated against without serious consequences. As a Jew, I am grateful for such protections. This allows me to work in a multifaith setting and build relationships through my daily interactions with people from all faith traditions including chaplain colleagues, religious volunteers, and those who are incarcerated whom we serve. This resolution is fundamental to such work that we do as chaplain in multi-faith settings as this one. On a broader level, reaffirming these principles and values of building interfaith understanding and interracial alliances is vital when there is a tendency in the American Jewish community to turn inward. We must reaffirm in this turbulent climate our commitment to these foundational principles in our tradition and our peoples’ ethos. I would like to see committees in each Conservative synagogue that are committed to such work.

Submitted by Dianne on Fri, 03/06/2026 - 07:00

In a time of increasing erosion of bonds between Jews and other groups I believe it is essential for us to rebuild connections and nurture them where possible, even, or especially in the face of increasing antisemitism.

Submitted by ambardack on Fri, 03/06/2026 - 07:57

This is an important, and long overdue, resolution. I support it enthusiastically.

Submitted by Vreinstein on Fri, 03/06/2026 - 14:13

I strongly support this well crafted and urgently needed resolution. As a resolution, it is needed to affirm our place as a Jews at the common table of the historically rich and celebrated American fabric of diversity. In the face of current cynical denial of that pillar of American democracy, the resolution is needed as reminder and inspiration to act, to extend a hand across difference for the sake of the commonweal. As made clear in the resolution, it is only by being at the table that we can make clear our own needs as Jews, even as we hear the needs of others.

Submitted by amwolf on Fri, 03/06/2026 - 14:15

Thank you to those who worked so hard to draft this. It is much needed in this time.

Submitted by scg822 on Sun, 03/08/2026 - 13:33

I agree with Stephen Slater on this, and will vote against it. DEI has been used against the Jewish community rather viciously. We have no business in dealing with it formally. I note two transliterations in the text, as well as reference to the books of Exodus and Leviticus. It is too easy in this day and age to shift from typing in English to typing in Hebrew, and then to switch back. Can we insist on the primacy of לשון הקודש and downgrade our use of transliteration?

Submitted by geclaussen on Sun, 03/08/2026 - 17:53

I'm very grateful to those who drafted this resolution. It is very important, and I support it wholeheartedly.

Submitted by debracantor on Sun, 03/08/2026 - 20:32

This is an important resolution; thank you for drafting it. I couldn't agree more.

Submitted by adamgillman18 on Tue, 03/10/2026 - 11:05

I truly appreciate this. Given the current moment, it feels even more essential. This resolution resonates deeply with my experience as a Jewish chaplain serving Veterans.

Submitted by syweintraub on Tue, 03/10/2026 - 21:21

This resolution is at once the best of Conservative Judaism and true to deeply-held values of our historic tradition and global community. It represents a critical roadmap for climbing out of the snares of tribalism and taking our hard-earned place at the table of togetherness. Sincere thanks to the authors who affirm a uniquely Jewish lens/angle to these basic issues facing democracy and freedom in the U.S., particularly in the current climate of divisiveness and distortion.

Submitted by Julie Roth on Tue, 03/10/2026 - 22:53

More important now then ever

Submitted by misafra on Wed, 03/11/2026 - 13:39

While I worry that the using the term DEI may needlessly cause people to read this resolution through the lens of a 50+-year-old conversation in this country about the value of affirmative action (the letters DEI could be stricken and/or replaced with the word "diversity" and the resolution would be just as strong), I strongly support this resolution. Whatever the challenges of engaging people of color and institutions that don't share all of our goals (and those challenges are real), the situation would be worse for Jews if we adopted a strategy of "going it alone." The response to October 7 is not to abandon our allies; the response has to be to engage our allies on issues that matter to us while continuing to support them on issues that matter to them (which also align with our universalist Jewish values, as articulated beautifully in this resolution).

Submitted by jsacks on Wed, 03/11/2026 - 14:03

I find this resolution thoughtfully developed and written and strongly support it. One thought that might be a suggestion: As I read it, one of the core points of this resolution is the importance of maintaining/sustaining relationships and partnerships, even when and especially when the persons and groups we are in partnership disagree on approaches and perspectives on matters important to us. Walking away from the table often sustains the others' thinking about issues and concerns, and prevents us from having a voice where that voice might be important. It also suggests that we were not dialogue partners, just people who wanted something and that when we didn't get it, we walked. Staying at the table ensures not only our voice, but tells the others that we are committed to working in partnership. That's where we draw on the relationship we already developed to jump start the important of difficult conversations we desperately want to have, but in a way that values the dignity of all people at the table, with no hint of waving the cudgel of "if you do not agree, we will walk." For this reason, I would ask the authors to think about the title of the resolution, with a view to incorporating something that alludes to the importance of maintaining relationships and coalition-building. I am very grateful for this resolution and very appreciative of the effort put into it. Respectfully submitted.