Resolution Affirming the Need for Socio-Economic Justice in Federal Budget Prioritization in the US
Resolution on Helping the Poor in a Recessionary Economy

WHEREAS Jewish tradition teaches “Open your hand [to the poor person] and provide sufficient for the need” (Deut. 15:8), and “Just as God clothed the naked…so too you must supply clothes for the naked [poor]” (Talmud B. Sotah 14a);” and

WHEREAS the burden of the current recession and the aftermath of Sept. 11 falls disproportionately on low income families; and

WHEREAS the safety net for people who have lost their jobs has deteriorated and government income supports are no longer available to many who lost their jobs and fell into poverty due to the current recession; and

Resolution In Support of Aid to States (USA)

Whereas Jewish tradition has long taught that it is the community’s responsibility to provide for its poor, as Lev. 25:35 teaches, “If your brother, being in straits, comes under your authority, you shall strengthen him;”

Whereas Jewish communities always provided for their poor, as Maimonides teaches, “We have never seen nor heard of an Israelite community that does not have a charity fund;”

Whereas the number of people receiving welfare increased in more than ¾ of the states during the last quarter of 2002;

Resolution on Poverty in the United States

Whereas Jewish tradition commands us to “open your hand [to the poor person] and provide sufficient for the need” (Deut. 15:8), and reminds us that “just as God clothed the naked- so too must  you supply clothes for the naked [poor]” (Talmud B. Sotah 14a);

Whereas the Jewish community has long demonstrated a commitment to economic and social justice in the United States as exemplified by the involvement of hundreds of Conservative synagogues, schools and camps in social justice programs such as food banks, homeless shelters, home rebuilding projects and medical clinics;