Position of the Reform Jewish Movement
In November, 1997 the URJ adopted a resolution on the issue of English Only, opposing any effort to discriminate against foreign-born citizens and legal residents by denying language-minority citizens equal access to the rights of all citizens. It was decided that it would be more beneficial to accommodate the growing demand for English classes than to punish those that are actively seeking to learn the language.
The Commission on Social Action of Reform Judaism adopted a resolution in the spring of 1998 entitled Bilingual Education. This body resolved to oppose any federal, state or local legislation or policy creating an outright ban on bilingual education, or having that effect.
In 1997 the Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR) passed a resolution in responce to Bilingual Education. No legislative measure is necessary to encourage immigrants to learn English. In some cities, there are long waiting lists for English classes. Therefore, proponents of English as the official language of the United States would better serve their cause by working to accommodate the growing demand for English classes rather than punishing those that are actively seeking to learn the language.