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About Us
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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Our Torah
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.
Civic Engagement: A Commitment to Systemic Social Change
February 14, 2012
By Simon Greer, President and CEO, Nathan Cummings Foundation
Seven years ago, when I was beginning my first job at a Jewish organization, a prominent rabbi shared an insight that stuck with me. He said that the network of social service...
Reimagining the Rabbinate: Rabbi as Fundraiser
Listen to the recordingThe Reimagining the Rabbinate series features presentations from our colleagues who have made successful career transitions to areas outside the pulpit rabbinate. Topic: Synagogue Executive Director Presenter:...
Keruv, Conversion, and Jewish Peoplehood: Let’s Talk about It
February 7, 2012
Announcing a Multisession Convention Discussion
For over a year, the commission on Keruv, Conversion and Jewish Peoplehood has been reaching out to colleagues to deepen our thinking about this topic that is of such crucial importance to all of...
Remarks at the Jewish Energy Covenant Campaign Signing
February 7, 2012
By Julie Schonfeld
Note: Julie originally gave these remarks on February 6 at the Jewish Energy Covenant Campaign signing.
The Torah describes a quieter world, a world quiet enough to hear God’s holy intentions for us.
The New Jewish Neighborhood Project: Reimagining Jewish Community in the Twenty-First Century
February 7, 2012
By Daniel Cotzin Burg, Beth Am Synagogue, Baltimore, MD
The Project:Last June, we had over 300 volunteers turn out for an inspiring one-day playground build. Identifying a need – there was no clean, safe and beautiful play...
American Judaism and Pigskin: יהדות ארה"ב ועור החזיר של כדור הפוטבול
February 6, 2012
Originally published by מקור ראשון on February 5 (download the original PDF).
לרגל משחק הסופרבול עסקו בסוף השבוע בקהילה הקונסרבטיבית בארה"ב בשאלה האם מותר לשחק פוטבול בכדור מעור חזירמאת צביקה קליין
Rabbinic Authority
February 1, 2012
By Elliot Salo Schoenberg, International Director of Placement, RA
How does a rabbi establish rabbinic authority? Two synagogue lay leaders (Robert Jossen, past president of Temple Israel Center, White Plains and Chistine Levin, President,...
Halakhah at Halftime: On Pigskin & Spectators
January 31, 2012
An alternative to the commercials.
This source sheet explores the myth of the pigskin football as well as the question of being a spectator at gladiator matches. Created by Ashira Konigsburg and Yossi Hoffman for Super Bowl XLVI.
A Reflection on Tu Bish'vat
January 31, 2012
by Jonathan Slater
Adapted from Mindful Jewish Living
The rationale for Tu Bish'vat is that, according to the rabbis, it establishes the separating point between generations of fruits. That is, fruits that flowered and budded...
Update on Inclusive Hiring
January 31, 2012
The Rabbinical Assembly is actively working to promote the career trajectory of women rabbis. In 2004, the RA published the landmark study entitled Gender Variation in the Careers of Conservative Rabbis: A Survey of Rabbis Ordained Since 1985.