Whereas 2013 marks the centennial year of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ), formerly the United Synagogue of America;
Whereas the establishment of the USCJ fulfilled a goal of Solomon Schechter, who understood the importance of kehillot of similar philosophy joining together as a fellowship;
Whereas through its first century the USCJ has served our synagogues, strengthened and supported the mission of Conservative Judaism, promoting a vibrant and compelling Judaism;
Whereas USCJ has developed resources for the synagogues and schools of Conservative Judaism;
Whereas the USCJ, through USY and Kadima has trained youth who have become leaders in both the Jewish and general community while inculcating in them a love for Judaism;
Whereas through programs like SULAM and New Directors Institute, USCJ has set new standards for synagogue lay leadership and professional training;
Whereas under the leadership of Rabbi Steven Wernick, USCJ has undergone dramatic transformation to renew its mission in serving the kehillot of the 21st century; and
Whereas the USCJ has invested in building the relationship between Diaspora Jews and Israel through the establishment of the Conservative Yeshiva in 1995, engaging hundreds of Diaspora Jews in the intensive study of traditional Jewish texts, the development of the Fuchsberg Center, its travel programs for congregations and youth, and its college study program, Nativ which recently completed its 32nd year.
Therefore, the Rabbinical Assembly extends warmest congratulations to our partner organization on its 100th year; and
The Rabbinical Assembly urges its members to engage in “The Conversation of the Century” by attending the United Synagogue Centennial in Baltimore in October 2013.
Passed by the Rabbinical Assembly Plenum, June, 2013