Resolutions 2000

WHEREAS, in recognition of the importance of Torah Lishmah, the United Synagogue of  Conservative Judaism established its Conservative Yeshivah at the Fuchsberg Center for Conservative Judaism in Jerusalem to offer an intensive program of study of traditional texts and Jewish observance in an egalitarian environment for students who have completed their undergraduate studies; and

WHEREAS, the Conservative Yeshivah is in its fifth year of operation, and has grown from two to forty full-time students.

WHEREAS the State of Israel was founded as a homeland for the Jewish people; and

WHEREAS we recognize yeshuv ha'aretz and aliyah as mitzvot; and

WHEREAS we recognize the central contribution made to Israel through our rabbis, professionals, and lay leaders who have fulfilled this mitzvah.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Rabbinical Assembly call upon the State of Israel to support the Masorti programs of aliyah sponsored by Tnuat AM, the Movement for Masorti aliyah, and the shaliah for aliyah to the Conservative Movement in North America; and

WHEREAS Masorti Judaism is a worldwide movement whose purpose is to strengthen traditional Judaism in the modern world; and

WHEREAS the absence of Jewish religious pluralism in so many Jewish communities deprives contemporary Jews of attractive options for remaining involved as Jews; and

WHEREAS the State of Israel is the State of all Jews; and

WHEREAS the nature of Judaism in the State of Israel has a major effect on Judaism everywhere; and

WHEREAS the Rabbinical Assembly and the Conservative Movement both realize that they must be as active as possible in promoting Conservative Judaism in Israel.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Rabbinical Assembly will lead the Conservative Movement, out of solidarity with Masorti Jews all over the State of Israel, in a funding campaign to raise $50,000,000 for the Masorti Movement and Machon Schechter.

WHEREAS the Megillat ha-Atzmaut of Israel declares that the State of Israel will guarantee freedom of religion to all of its citizens; and

WHEREAS Jewish history has shown that the Jewish religion and the Jewish people are strengthened by a pluralistic outlook, whereby Jews embrace the spirit of the dictum that differing opinions are the "words of the living God" (TB Eruvin 13b); and

WHEREAS such religious freedom and religious pluralism will strengthen the Jewish identity of Israel's citizens of the State itself.

WHEREAS the needs of the Conservative Movement and especially of our youth are of utmost concerns to all Conservative Jews; and

WHEREAS staffing for our youth programs at the various Ramah camps and USY kinusim, conventions and encampments has been, and continues to be, an ongoing concern to the Movement; and

WHEREAS these youth programs are strengthened by a strong rabbinic presence.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Rabbinical Assembly encourage its members to devote one week each year voluntarily to the youth programs of Conservative Judaism; and