Whereas the book of Psalms teaches and we recite in our liturgy, “When Adonai restored our exiles to Zion, it was like a dream.” (Psalms 126:1), the Jewish People began achieving that dream sixty five years ago with the establishment of the State of Israel;
Whereas in Iyar, Israel celebrated its 65th year of independence as a democratic Jewish State in the land promised to our ancestors;
Whereas Conservative/Masorti Judaism embraced Zionism early on and promoted the centrality of a Jewish homeland in Israel;
Whereas in recognition of the centrality of the State of Israel the Rabbinical Assembly will be holding its Convention in Israel in 2013 for at least the sixth time; and
Whereas Conservative/Masorti institutions have been a presence since the founding of the modern State of Israel, and the Masorti Movement in Israel has grown from a few synagogues to dozens of communities throughout the country, with a thriving youth and young adult program, and a myriad of activities that enhance Israeli society and life.
Therefore, the Rabbinical Assembly congratulates the government and citizens of the State of Israel;
The Rabbinical Assembly supports the concept as articulated in the Megilat Ha’atzmaut that the State of Israel "be based on the precepts of liberty, justice and peace taught by the Hebrew Prophets; uphold the full social and political equality of all its citizens, without distinction of race, creed or sex; guarantee full freedom of conscience, worship, education and culture; safeguard the sanctity and inviolability of the shrines and holy places of all religions;” and
The Rabbinical Assembly reaffirms its mission to:
- advocate for the peace and security of Israel as a welcome and respected member of the broader international community and the political arena;
- encourage Conservative/Masorti Jews to fulfill the mitzvah of Aliyah;
- arrange and promote trips to Israel in their congregations, schools, youth groups, Hillels and other institutions including raising scholarship funds for students to visit and study in Israel;
- plan a wide variety of educational and cultural programs for youth and adults on Israel;
- recite prayers for the welfare of the State of Israel, its soldiers, especially those being held captive;
- support the work of our Rabbinical Assembly colleagues in Israel for their efforts on behalf of the Masorti Movement and K’lal Yisrael with financial assistance and visits to their institutions which will further strengthen the Masorti presence in Israel; and
- urge Conservative Jews to join MERCAZ, the Zionist membership organization of the Conservative/Masorti Movement.
Passed by the Rabbinical Assembly Plenum, June, 2013