The 2023-2024 Eisendrath Legislative Assistant Fellowship Focuses on Racial Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
For more than six decades, the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism has worked to educate, inspire, and mobilize the Reform Jewish Movement to advocate for social justice both within our Jewish community and outside of it. Key to that work are the emerging leaders of the Eisendrath Legislative Assistant Fellowship.
A Letter to the 118th Congress
This is the cover note of a letter to the 118th Congress outlining the Reform Jewish Movement's policy priorities and urging all Members of Congress to join us in pursuit of a more just and equitable world.
Hate Crimes in 2021: An Incomplete Picture
Last week, the FBI released its annual compilation of hate crimes statistics, summarizing all hate crimes reported to the FBI in 2021. While the statistics themselves are grim and disturbing, the most alarming statistic in this year’s announcement is what was not reported. While underreporting of hate crimes has been an ongoing issue, this report is more inaccurate than usual.
Cultivating the Next Generation of Jewish Social Justice Leaders: How a RAC Legislative Assistant Can Impact the Future
Whenever I see the notice that the Religious Action Center (RAC) is recruiting for Legislative Assistants (LAs), I immediately flash back to 1983 when I was an intern at the RAC. It was an amazing experience!
Bring Back the Child Tax Credit
The following blog post is adapted from remarks given by Rabbi Jonah Pesner, Director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism and senior vice president of the Union for Reform Judaism, at a press conference on Capitol Hill on Thursday, December 15, 2022.
Learning from our Students: Why We Must Safeguard Title IX Protections for LGBTQ+ Kids
The following blog post is adapted from remarks given by Rabbi Joshua Caruso (Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple, Beachwood, Ohio) at the Ohio Board of Education Hearing on December 12, 2022.
Congress Must Pass the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act Before it’s Too Late
The following blog post is adapted from remarks given by Rabbi Eliana Fischel (Washington Hebrew Congregation) at the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act Rally on December 1, 2022.
Gun Violence Prevention Shabbat (I Should Have Gotten Involved Sooner)
Gun Violence Prevention Shabbat is December 9-10 this year, and in the Torah portion, Parshat Vayishlach, Jacob wrestles with an angel to receive protection from a battle he foresees coming with his brother.
We Will Not Go Back: It’s Time to Pass the Respect for Marriage Act
The following blog post is adapted from remarks given by Cantor Jason Kaufman (Beth El Hebrew Congregation, Alexandria, VA) at the Faith Voices for the Respect for Marriage Act Press Conference on November 17, 2022.
Every Voice, Every Vote: Reflections on the 2022 Midterms and What Comes Next
With so much at stake, including the integrity of our democratic institutions, Reform Jewish activists showed up in record numbers to make sure every voice was heard, and every vote was counted.