Resolutions 2010

Whereas the mission of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism founded in 1913 is to help strengthen the Conservative movement in Judaism by strengthening Conservative congregations;

Whereas Rabbi Steven Wernick has served the Movement as a congregational rabbi at Temple Beth Sholom (Cherry Hill, New Jersey) and Temple Adath Israel (Merion Station, Pennsylvania) as well as during his student years;

Whereas the Talmud states in discussing the merits of the opposing legal opinions of Rabbis Hillel and Shammai, (Eruvin 13b) “eilu ve-eilu divrei Elohim chayim – these and these are the words of the living God”;

Whereas Conservative/Masorti rabbis worldwide, especially those in Israel, have worked tirelessly for decades with the Israeli Government, the World Zionsit Organization, The Jewish Agency, the Chief Rabbinate and local governments to contribute to the building of the Jewish National homeland;

 Whereas:

Whereas the Rabbinical Assembly passed resolutions in 2007 and 2008 expressing our concern over the threat of a nuclear armed Iran;

Whereas the regime of Iran has demonstrated anti-Semitism repeatedly, publically and shamelessly and has called for the destruction of the State of Israel;

Whereas Iran funds and provides material support for Hamas, Hezbollah and other terrorist organizations around the world;

Whereas it has taken brutally repressive acts against its own citizens to quell any threats to its hegemony;

Whereas the Rabbinical Assembly supports the democratic process and democratically elected governments of the State of Israel;

Whereas the State of Israel has consistently extended its hand in peace to its Arab neighbors and has, over the years, made numerous sacrifices and concessions in the interest and hope of achieving peace with its enemies;

Whereas Israel is a vibrant democracy with a free press and a high level of participation in its electoral process;

Whereas May 2, 2010 marked the 150^th anniversary of the birth of Theodor Herzl, the founder of the modern Zionist movement whose bold and daring vision and inspirational leadership gave impetus to the dream of founding our modern homeland;

Whereas political discourse has become increasingly rancorous and disparaging, replacing reasoned argument with demonizing invective and ad hominem attacks;

Whereas public debates too often descend into what political scientist Thomas Mann calls, “The politics of accusation and moral annihilation,”;

Whereas at its upcoming convention in July of 2010, the Middle East Study Committee of the Presbyterian Church will present a report entitled, “Breaking Down the Walls” presenting its findings and perspectives on the Middle East;

 “You shall appoint magistrates and officials for your tribes, in all the settlements that the Lord your God is giving you, and they shall govern the people with due justice.  You shall not judge unfairly:  you shall show no partiality; you shall not take bribes, for bribes blind the eyes of the discerning and upset the pleas of the just.  Justice, justice shall you pursue, that you may thrive and occupy the land that the Lord your God is giving you.  (Deuteronomy 16: 18 – 20) 

Whereas Gilad Shalit, the son of Aviva and Noam Shalit, was abducted by Hamas terrorists at Kerem Shalom within Israel’s borders as part of an unprovoked attack on Sunday, June 25, 2006 when he was 19 years old and has been held captive now for 1,426 days (as of May 21, 2010);

Whereas he has not seen or spoken with family members during these almost four years;

Whereas Hamas, in violation of international law, has not permitted Pvt. Shalit to be visited by the International Red Cross; and