Resolutions 2007

Resolution on Welcoming Chancellor Arnold M. Eisen to The Jewish Theological Seminary

Whereas Professor Arnold M. Eisen, steeped in the institutions and traditions of Conservative Judaism, is a distinguished scholar in the field of American Judaism;

Whereas Professor Arnold M. Eisen has contributed significantly to the revitalization of modern American Jewish life by teaching its leadership the core values of Judaism; and

Whereas Professor Arnold M. Eisen, a graduate of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, has demonstrated a deep commitment to Israel and Zionism.

Resolution on Support for International Action in Darfur

Background:
Darfur has been embroiled in a deadly conflict for over three years.  At least 400,000 people have been killed; more than 2 million innocent civilians have been forced to flee their homes and now live in displaced-persons camps in Sudan or in refugee camps in neighboring Chad; and more than 3.5 million men, women, and children are completely reliant on international aid for survival. Not since the Rwandan genocide of 1994 has the world seen such a calculated campaign of displacement, starvation, rape, and mass slaughter.

Resolution Celebrating the State of Israel

“…if I do not keep Jerusalem in memory even at my happiest hour.” (Ps. 137:6)

Whereas in the coming year (2007-2008) the Jewish People will mark the following historic events:
the 40th anniversary of the reunification of Jerusalem (May 17, 2007);
the 90th anniversary of the Balfour Declaration (November 2, 2007);
the 60th anniversary of the UN Partition Plan (November 29, 2007);
the 60th  anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel (May 2008);

Resolution on the Safe Return of Israeli MIAs

Whereas Israel completely withdrew its forces from Lebanon in full compliance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 425, as certified by the UN Security Council; and also withdrew from Gaza on September 12, 2005, demonstrating its willingness to make sacrifices for the sake of peace;

Whereas in completely unprovoked attacks on undisputed Israeli territory, Israeli Defense Forces Corporal Gilad Shalit was kidnapped by Hamas and First Sergeant Eldad Regev and Master Sergeant Ehud Goldwasser were kidnapped by Hezbollah; 

Resolution on the Election of a New President of Israel by the Knesset

Whereas the president of Israel is elected by the members of the Knesset to serve as the head of state;

Whereas the office of the president represents national values and norms and is the official representative of all sectors of the population; and

Whereas the president of Israel as head of state symbolizes national unity for the citizens of Israel and between the citizens of Israel and Diaspora Jewry.

Resolution in Support of the Hekhsher Tzedek Initiative

You shall not abuse a needy and destitute laborer, whether a fellow countryman or a stranger…You must pay him his wages on the same day…for he is needy and sets his life on it; else he will cry to God against you and you will incur guilt.  (Deut. 24:14-15)

Keeping the salary of a worker is like taking his/her life, and transgresses five negative commandments and one positive command.  Shulhan Arukh (Hoshen Mishpat 339:2)

Resolution on the Environment

God took the man and placed him in the Garden of Eden, to till it and tend it. (Gen. 2:15)

Whereas the Rabbinical Assembly has passed 13 resolutions since 1991 on protecting and enhancing the environment and the quality of life for all God’s creatures;

Whereas climate change can be attributed to human activity with 90% certainty;*

Resolution on Reproductive Freedom

Background:
While over the past 30 years the Rabbinical Assembly has come out in favor of Reproductive Freedom and Choice in a number of areas, such as abortion (1975 and subsequently); violence and pro-choice (1993);  the 2005 resolution supporting informed access to reproductive care and the letter sent later that year to Senator Arlen Specter,  expressing concern on the use of reproductive choice as a litmus test in the appointment of Federal judges;  there has not yet been a comprehensive resolution on the whole issue of Reproductive Freedom of choice.

Resolution on Immigration to the United States

“You shall not oppress a stranger, for you know the feelings of the stranger”  (Ex. 23:9)

Whereas the Jewish people have been immigrants and wanderers for most of our history;

Whereas the United States, which has long been a home and haven for economic and political refugees, maintained open immigration policies in the early twentieth century that saved the lives of hundreds of thousands of Jews and others;