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Learn more about the work of the Rabbinical Assembly, the global association of Conservative/Masorti rabbis, shaping and strengthening Jewish life worldwide through scholarship, leadership, and service since 1901.
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Explore our RA bookstore, articles on Exploring Judaism, teshuvot of the Committee on Jewish Law & Standards (CJLS), our Tzedek Center, holiday guides, and more.
You Shall Strengthen Them: A Rabbinic Letter on the Poor
You Shall Strengthen Them: A Rabbinic Letter on the Poor, was derived from earlier published essays
Ushpizin
This ready-to-use text, which includes commentary and kavanot, has been excerpted from Or Hadash: A Commentary on Siddur Sim Shalom.
Seder N'tilat Lulav
This ready-to-use text, which includes commentary and kavanot, has been excerpted from Or Hadash: A Commentary on Siddur Sim Shalom.
Hakafot
This ready-to-use text, which includes commentary and kavanot on the Hakafot for Simhat Torah, has been excerpted from Or Hadash: A Commentary on Siddur Sim Shalom.
Simhat Torah Songsheet
This ready-to-use songsheet was compiled by Ashira Konigsburg, Assistant Director of Rabbinic Services, RA.
Purim Song Sheet
This 1-page song sheet, prepared by Yossi Hoffman, contains the text, transliteration, and translation of popular songs for Purim.
RA Praises Religious Affairs Ministry, Calls for Immediate Implementation of Local Selection of Religious Leadership by Israeli Communities
May 31, 2013
Also calls for official, non-Orthodox administration of Robinson’s Arch
NEW YORK – In response to the announcement by Israel’s Ministry of Religious Services that it will develop criteria enabling communities to select rabbis of their own...
Mazal Tov to the Newest RA Members
May 28, 2013
The Rabbinical Assembly extends a hearty mazal tov to our new colleagues who were ordained at the ordination ceremonies of the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies and the Jewish Theological Seminary:
Uri...
Translation of Women of the Wall Jerusalem District Court Decision
May 24, 2013
This April 2013 ruling of the Jerusalem District Court is a long-sought victory for the Women of the Wall. The decision coincides with active discussions between Jewish Agency President Natan Sharansky and Jewish communal leaders regarding a plan...
A Prayer for Oklahoma
May 21, 2013
By Abby Jacobson, Emanuel Synagogue, Oklahoma City, OK
Lord our God, we stood before You just a week ago to receive the Ten Statements of Your Torah. We stood, as though with our ancestors, and listened to the Torah reader chant ...
RA Shocked and Saddened by Clashes at Western Wall
May 10, 2013
NEW YORK – In the wake of rioting by extreme, ultra-Orthodox segments of the Israeli population, resulting in violence against women seeking to pray according to their understanding of Jewish tradition and in accordance with Israeli law, Gerald...
Hodesh Tov - Sivan
"Mahshevet Hazal"
by Shmuel (Richie) Lewis, Rosh Yeshiva, Conservative Yeshiva
Source...
Lessons Learned from Chaplains in the U.S. Military
April 29, 2013
By Elliot Salo Schoenberg
Last week, I was privileged to attend the annual training course and spiritual retreat organized by the Jewish Welfare Board Jewish Chaplains Council and attended by 10 colleagues serving in the United States Armed...
Inclusivity as a Path to Holiness
April 25, 2013
Adapted from a d’var Torah by Gilah Dror, RA past president
Over the years, I have struggled with some of the "difficult" portions of Torah – portions that challenge my understanding of basic human equality, that raise up questions of...
RA Condemns Senate’s Failure to Pass Stricter Background Checks Legislation
April 18, 2013
NEW YORK – In response to Wednesday’s failure in the Senate to pass an amendment supporting a compromise on stricter background checks on firearms for private-party gun sales at gun shows and online, Gerald Skolnik and Julie Schonfeld issued the...
A Prayer in the Wake of the Boston Marathon Bombing
April 16, 2013
by Mark Greenspan
We reach out to the people of America.
We pray for healing of body and soul
For all those who were injured
And for a city traumatized by terror.
We call out to them: You are not alone!
“May...