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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.
Additional Piyyutim for Use on the Yamim Noraim
Although Mahzor Lev Shalem contains many more piyyutim than was true of the previous RA mahzor, several rabbis, cantors, and lay leaders have requested three additional piyyutim.
Home Observances: Shabbat
One-page sheets containing Shabbat rituals and blessings for the home.
Miracles in Those Days and in Our Own: A Note on the Hanukkah Blessings
November 29, 2012
By Alvan Kaunfer
You may have grown up, as I did, singing the two Hanukkah candle blessings thanking God for "performing miracles for us " ... ba-yamim ha-heim ba-z'man ha-zeh.” Many of you may have noticed a small but significant change in...
Leaders of Conservative Movement Stand with Israel, U.S., Against Enhanced Palestinian Status at U.N.
November 30, 2012
NEW YORK – Today, the United Nations General Assembly voted to grant the Palestinian Authority’s non-member observer status at the UN. Calling the outcome a diversion to peace between Israel and the Palestinians, the leaders of the two international...
RA Appalled by Hungarian Lawmaker’s Anti-Semitism
November 28, 2012
NEW YORK – This week, Hungarian Parliament member Marton Gyongyosi suggested in Parliament that all Jews in his country’s government should be counted and monitored as dangerous. On behalf of the Rabbinical Assembly, the Gerald Skolnik, RA...
Inspired by Noam: Day 1 of the Masorti Solidarity Mission to Israel
December 4, 2012
Julie Schonfeld participated with over a dozen colleagues in the Masorti Solidarity Mission to Israel.Her experiences on the first day follow below:By Julie Schonfeld In the United States, it often seems that our discussions about religious...
Treasuring a Timeless Message
December 10, 2012
Gerry Skolnik participated with over a dozen colleagues in the Masorti Solidarity Mission to Israel. By Gerry Skolnik As the festival of Hanukkah approaches, hanukkiyot - Hanukkah menorahs - seem to sprout from every public building in Israel,...
A Prayer in Wake of a School Shooting
December 14, 2012
by Menachem CreditorIn mourning and solidarity with the community of Newtown, ConnecticutAdonai,Your children and teachers are dead and wounded. Our souls are burning with anguish. Until When, Adonai?! (Ps. 6:4)How long must we...
Conservative Movement Leaders Express Need for Restrictions on Gun Ownership
December 17, 2012
NEW YORK – In response to Friday’s tragedy in Newtown, Conn., the leadership of Conservative Judaism, which includes the Rabbinical Assembly and the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, together issued the following statement: The sacred Jewish...
A Shot Heard Round the Nation
December 20, 2012
By David LernerLast Friday morning, I was sitting in my study writing a sermon as I heard the unfolding nightmarish news about a school shooting in Newtown, CT. Watching our preschoolers running around the playground, I was overwhelmed by sadness.
Newtown Shooting: A Prayer
December 20, 2012
by Rick SherwinOur thoughts are with the friends and families of those whose lives were taken. In light of this tragedy, we offer this prayer:Embracing God, While some ask where are You that wanton disregard for life violates all moral standards in...
The Tragedy in Newtown: A Prayer of Healing
December 20, 2012
by Naomi Levy, spiritual leader of Nashuva
Our thoughts are with the friends and families of those whose lives were taken.
In light of this tragedy, we offer this prayer:
Our hearts are breaking, God,
As our nation buries innocent...