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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.
Resolution on United States Food Policy and International Aid
May 21, 2012
Background
The United States Farm Bill, a comprehensive piece of legislation addressing many aspects of U.S. agriculture and food policy, is up for reauthorization in 2012 (see Resolution #7 which affirms RA support of SNAP [formerly known as...
Resolution in Support of Food Justice
May 21, 2012
Whereas the Rabbinical Assembly has, over many decades, adopted resolutions in support of better working conditions and poverty relief, going back to a resolution in support of the California Grape Boycott (1987);
Whereas agricultural workers,...
Resolution in Support of Fair Trade Practices
May 21, 2012
Background
“And when you sell something to your fellow, or buy from the hand of your fellow, don't oppress each other” (Leviticus 25:14).
Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel teaches, “To us a single act of injustice – cheating in business,...
Resolution on Prison Conditions and Prisoner Isolation
May 21, 2012
Whereas the Torah prohibits excessive punishment “lest your brother be degraded before your eyes” (Deuteronomy 25:2);
Whereas we believe that every human being is created in the divine image, and therefore deserving of dignity;
Whereas the...
Resolution on Hydraulic Fracturing in the United States
May 21, 2012
Background
Hydraulic Fracturing, also known as hydrofracturing or fracking, is the extraction of natural gas from previously impermeable shale. The process uses 1-4 millions of gallons of water withdrawn from streams and rivers, sand, and...
Resolution on Reproductive Freedom in the United States
May 21, 2012
Background
Over the past four decades the Rabbinical Assembly has consistently supported reproductive freedom. This support is firmly based on our members’ understanding of relevant biblical and rabbinic sources as well...
Resolution on Campaign Finance Reform in the United States
May 21, 2012
Whereas Judaism believes in the equality of all human beings regardless of race, creed or financial position;
Whereas Deuteronomy 16 commands, “You shall not judge unfairly: you shall know no partiality; you shall not take gifts, for gifts blind...
Resolution Affirming the Need for Socio-Economic Justice in Federal Budget Prioritization in the US
May 21, 2012
Whereas Jewish tradition commands us to “open your hand [to the poor person] and provide sufficient for the need” (Deut. 15:8); instructs that “[i]f your brother, being in straits, comes under your authority, you shall strengthen him” (Lev. 25:35);...
Resolution in Support of the Release of Alan Gross
May 21, 2012
Whereas Alan Gross was arrested in Cuba in December 2009 while on a humanitarian mission to help the small Cuban Jewish community improve internet access;
Whereas he has been incarcerated ever since, sentenced to 15 years in prison by a Cuban...
Resolution on Equality of Treatment In Israeli Hotels
May 21, 2012
Background
It has become increasingly the case that when Masorti/Conservative groups have wished to daven in Israeli hotels, they have been denied the use of hotel-owned Sifrei Torah if the service was not in accordance with Orthodox practice. In...