Resolutions 2003

Resolution On Assistance to Needy Families

Whereas the Torah (Deut. 15:8) enjoins us to provide for the basic needs of the poor (de mahsoro);

Whereas Jewish tradition has always valued work for bringing dignity to the worker, as the Talmud (Nedarim 49b) says, “Great is work, for it honors the workers;”

Whereas the Welfare Reform Act of 1996 profoundly changed the structures within American government and society for meeting the needs of the poor and supporting them while they find work;

Resolution on Continuing Learning

Whereas studies of the Conservative Movement have indicated an increasing interest and involvement in learning and observance on the part of those affiliated with Conservative congregations, school, camps and other institutions; and

Whereas every arm of the Conservative Movement provides significant and valuable educational opportunities which are to be applauded.

Therefore be it resolved that the Rabbinical Assembly through its Joint Committee on Adult Learning coordinate and provide:

Resolution on Compensation of Jews from Arab Lands

Whereas in 1948, there were over 850,000 Jews living in Arab countries;

Whereas in virtually all cases the Jews left their countries of origin under conditions of duress and distress, abandoning individual and communal property which was confiscated without any compensation; and

Whereas President Clinton declared that here should be a fund which compensates the Israelis who were made refugees by the war that occurred after the birth of the State of Israel.

Resolution In Support of Faith in Action Project

Background:
Faith in Action is a program funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. It helps fund and provides support for interfaith community groups and synagogues of various movements to train volunteers to provide health-related services to members of their community. 

Whereas Jewish tradition has long taught that g’milut hasadim, performing acts of kindness, is one of the foundations of human society and the world, as Shimon the Righteous taught (Avot 1:2), “On the things the world stands: on the Torah, on worship, and on acts of kindness;”

Resolution on Energy and Security

Whereas Jewish tradition has derived from the Torah the principles of bal tashhit, "Do not waste" (Deut. 20:19);

Whereas the situation in the Middle East continues to escalate and our own country has engaged in armed conflict with Iraq, it is critical for the United States to reduce our reliance on imported oil;

Whereas energy independence should be seen as a primary strategy of the War on Terrorism;

Resolution On Immigration to Canada

Whereas the United States and Canada have long been a haven for immigrants seeking the political, economic and religious freedoms this country offers and in particular Jews have relied and continue to rely on fair and open immigration policies; and

Whereas the Torah repeatedly emphasizes the value of kindness and respect for the stranger; and

Whereas there has been a deterioration in public policy toward the acceptance of new immigrants and treatment of non-citizens; and

Resolution On Immigration to the United States

Whereas the United States and Canada have long been a haven for immigrants seeking the political, economic and religious freedoms this country offers and in particular Jews have relied and continue to rely on fair and open immigration policies; and

Whereas the Torah repeatedly emphasizes the value of kindness and respect for the stranger; and

Whereas there has been a deterioration in public policy toward the acceptance of new immigrants and treatment of non-citizens; and

Resolution on the Environment and Human Health

Whereas in the last century, public health measures such as sanitation and vaccination helped wipe out many infectious diseases, adding 25 years to life expectancy;

Whereas despite modern advances in medicine, many chronic diseases are increasing among our citizens;

Whereas there is considerable evidence that many of these threats may be linked to factors in the environment, and therefore might be prevented;