March 30, 2026

Whereas Torah commands protection of the vulnerable—especially the ger (most properly translated as immigrant)1“You shall not oppress an immigrant” (Ex. 23:9) and “The immigrant who resides with you shall be to you as one of your citizens… you shall love him as yourself” (Lev. 19:33–34); and

Whereas Torah and Prophets demand truthfulness as a covenantal obligation: “Keep far from a false matter” (Ex. 23:7) ; “You shall not deal deceitfully or falsely with one another” (Lev. 19:11–12) ; and “Speak the truth to one another” (Zech. 8:16); and

Whereas Jewish tradition insists that power be bound by justice—“Justice, justice shall you pursue” (Deut. 16:20)—and that public speech which distorts reality to justify harm violates the covenant of emet (truth) and endangers innocent life.2; and 

Whereas The Rabbinical Assembly was a signatory to the “Jewish Cross-Denominational Statement Against Violent Immigration Enforcement”3 of January, 2026;

Therefore be it resolved that the Rabbinical Assembly affirms a Movement standard of Emet and Tzedek: The movement adopts a clear communal standard that Jewish public leadership must be consistent with Torah obligations toward the ger, due process, human dignity (tzelem Elohim), and truth-telling (emet), especially when state power is exercised against vulnerable populations; and 

Be it further resolved that the Rabbinical Assembly encourages colleagues to use their influence: to teach, advocate, and advise members of our communities involved in public leadership surrounding immigration policy and enforcement. Particularly to remind them of our values in treating the stranger with dignity and reminding them as well of our long history as refugees and immigrants; and 

Be it further resolved that as the moral voice of the Jewish community, we encourage colleagues to: speak publicly, write op-eds, form/join local coalitions, and gather support for immigrants, refugees, and targeted minority populations. Additionally, many in these communities are frightened, intimidated, and feel alone. They are scared to go grocery shopping, to work, to school, for medical care, to seek financial/social services, and to attend court hearings out of fear of being detained or deported without due process. Therefore, we encourage our colleagues to: help in the efforts to deliver food, accompaniment to hearings, educational access for children, and many other means of outreach and compassion; and  

Be it further resolved that the Rabbinical Assembly commits to dignified, nonviolent enforcement of this Resolution: The movement supports implementation through nonviolent, respectful communal processes—explicitly rejecting harassment, threats, doxxing, or dehumanization—so that our response models the very Jewish values we seek to defend.

[1] https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/22/opinion/immigrants-religion-bible-politics.html

[2] Psalms 64:3-4; Jeremiah 9:8; Proverbs 25:18; Proverbs 12:18

[3] https://www.rabbinicalassembly.org/story/jewish-cross-denominational-statement-against-violent-immigration-enforcement

Comments

Submitted by stepheneslater on Wed, 03/04/2026 - 17:24

I oppose this resolution as currently written. It reflects an a-historical understanding of how immigration law has been enforced in the United States over many years. For example, the administration of Barack Obama deported more non-citizens than the current administration. Enforcing immigration law, in and of itself, is not a violation of ethical norms. I am also troubled by the selective moral framing of this resolution. When Israel faced the arrival of thousands of refugees from Sudan and Eritrea—many fleeing violence in Darfur and repression in Eritrea and South Sudan—where was this same level of public moral concern? Those migrants encountered detention, deportation efforts, financial penalties, and ultimately the construction of a border fence along the Egyptian frontier. The absence of comparable outcry at that time underscores the partisan character of the present resolution. No resolution advanced by this body should be partisan in nature. Rabbis, in particular, should strive to rise above political battles. Their role is to teach Torah and embody its values, not to engage in partisan advocacy from the bimah. At a time of deep polarization, what we need are thoughtful forums for learning and open dialogue among Democrats and Republicans alike—not further entrenchment in partisan positions. This resolution risks increasing politicization within our sacred spaces. It may also alienate members of our community, including Republicans, and contribute to further division. I welcome continued conversation on this matter.

Submitted by misafra on Wed, 03/11/2026 - 13:31

I agree. I understand how the resolution could be read to oppose specific policies. But it doesn't have to be read that way. The tzelem elohim issue is about modes of enforcement, selective enforcement, and intimidation. The fact that previous administrations also enforced the law (with the result that the Obama administration deported more people than any other) just reinforces the point. Administrations from both parties have enforced the law. This resolution speaks to the fact that it is the current administration that has used enforcement of the law to create a culture of intimidation such that immigrant families are afraid to leave their homes, attend school and work, or even attend regular immigration appointments. Wording can always be tightened or improved, but to not say anything in this moment would be a moral stain on our movement. I agree that this clause should be moved to the "Whereas section": Additionally, many in these communities are frightened, intimidated, and feel alone. They are scared to go grocery shopping, to work, to school, for medical care, to seek financial/social services, and to attend court hearings out of fear of being detained or deported without due process.

Submitted by rafi.spitzer@g… on Thu, 03/05/2026 - 04:18

Seems like a bunch of this section belongs in the whereas part of the resolution, and the way this is written lacks clarity. Be it further resolved that as the moral voice of the Jewish community, we encourage colleagues to: speak publicly, write op-eds, form/join local coalitions, and gather support for immigrants, refugees, and targeted minority populations. Additionally, many in these communities are frightened, intimidated, and feel alone. They are scared to go grocery shopping, to work, to school, for medical care, to seek financial/social services, and to attend court hearings out of fear of being detained or deported without due process. Therefore, we encourage our colleagues to: help in the efforts to deliver food, accompaniment to hearings, educational access for children, and many other means of outreach and compassion; and

Submitted by stepheneslater on Thu, 03/05/2026 - 11:53

I also had to spend quite a while looking carefully to find the actual topic. It’s tucked away in the first “Be it further resolved,” which states that rabbis should educate and pursue public advocacy and social action regarding “immigration policy and enforcement.” In other words, this resolution is indeed addressing the enforcement of immigration law. The resolution appears to express moral concern about both immigration policy and its enforcement. However, those are fundamentally political questions, and they fall beyond the purview of our Rabbinical Assembly. There is also a significant risk that taking positions like this will further politicize members of our congregations. My sense is that, as often happens, this is too little and too late. The likely result will simply be to deepen divisions within an already shrinking group of Conservative Jews who still feel comfortable attending Conservative synagogues.

Submitted by andelman on Thu, 03/05/2026 - 14:38

I think it’s extremely important for us to make a statement on these issues at this time. Unfortunately I think this needs quite a lot of rewriting and reorganizing to be clear, coherent, and effective. (One example of many: the whole truth-telling theme/mandate is vague throughout; it does not make clear which lies we are concerned about and what specific truth-telling we are calling for.)

Submitted by scg822 on Sun, 03/08/2026 - 13:26

"Jewish public leadership must be consistent with Torah obligations toward the ger." This sentence has two problems. The first is that speaking of Torah obligations smacks of being right out of an Artscroll publication. The second is that the sentence should read "...consistent with Torah obligations and דינא דמלכותא..." Also, the second 'resolved' paragraph contains "Particularly to remind them of our values in treating the stranger..." This sentence is a fragment.

Submitted by jsacks on Wed, 03/11/2026 - 13:38

I find find that the heart of the resolution is on point. What the resolution reacts to and hopes fort is important. The documentation of unethical practices and inhumane treatment in the enforcement of immigration laws is now overwhelming. [For full disclosure, this has occurred where I live, and has affected my family.] That stated, I agree with some of the concerns listed. 1) I agree that the title of the Resolution should state clearly what this is about: "Resolution on Unethical Practices and Inhumane Treatment in the Enforcement of Immigration Laws." The current title seems to hide what the resolution is about. Perhaps in part this has led to the reaction of some that this is not just touching on politics, but is politicizing events. By clearly naming, I think most everyone would agree that this is an important ethical and human rights concern. 2) I agree that the second "Be it further resolved paragraph" should be subdivided. From "Additionally" to "without due process" can be rewritten as a separate "Whereas clause," and then from "Therefore" on can be rewritten as a "Be it further resolved" clause. Respectfully submitted.