The Reform Jewish Voice (RJV) of New York State engages congregations as advocates for progressive social and economic policies at the state level. Through conferences and advocacy programs, RJV interacts with more than 100 Reform congregations in New York State with nearly 100,000 members. RJV brings Reform Jewish values and the spirit of tikkun olam to state policy makers through this extensive network of individuals and congregations.
RJV is a project of the Commission on Social Action of Reform Judaism, modeled after the nationally renowned Religious Action Center in Washington D.C. It takes positions consistent with those of the North American Reform Jewish Movement as they apply to New York State.
RJV Signature Programs
Consultation on Conscience educates participants about policy issues, social justice and legislative priorities in New York State.
Interfaith Advocacy Day brings individuals and religious leaders from around the state to meet with legislators and advocate for change in our state capital.
RJV Meets with NY State Agency Commissioner to Discuss Poverty Issues On August 5, 2008, RJV Steering Committee members, Barbara Zaron and Arleen Urell joined other members of the Faith and Hunger Network in a meeting in Albany with David Hansell, Commissioner, NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA is NYS’s welfare agency) and members of his executive team* to discuss issues related to providing assistance to New Yorkers who are poor and working poor. We discussed food assistance, raising the basic welfare grant, home heating assistance allowances, support for education and training – what the agency is doing and where we can help move their agenda. Briefly, the following actions were discussed: Read more
Religious Leaders Ask Governor To Raise Welfare Grant Religious leaders, including Reform Jewish Voice, and the Hunger Action Network sent a letter on September 15, 2008 to Governor David A. Paterson asking him to raise the basic welfare grant and provide universal health care in New York. Faith leaders appeal to the governor on moral grounds to raise the basic welfare grant, from $291 to $475 for a family of three. Read more
Union for Reform Judaism Fights Poverty with Faith A new initiative to fight poverty, called Fighting Poverty with Faith: A Week of Action was launched on September 9, 2008 with a national conference call. The week’s activities ended with a Prayer Vigil on Capitol Hill. Representatives of various faith groups participated in these activities. Fighting Poverty with Faith is a coalition of over 20 national faith-based groups working together to raise attention about poverty and economic insecurity in the country. Read more
To read the Review of the Executive Budget for FY08-09, Click Here. All RJV Position Papers are available on the Advocacy page within this site. Click hereto be redirected.
NY Consultation
