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.
Capitol Confidential Drops by Advocacy Day
Over 50 Reform Jews from around New York State joined Reform Jewish Voice on Monday to urge lawmakers in Albany to protect a woman's right to choose, increase the minimum wage and implement campaign finance reform. A highlight of the day was a fiery speech by Sen. Liz Krueger on the importance of RJV's advocacy and the presentation of letters of recognition for RJV's 10th Anniversary from Rabbi Rick Jacobs, incoming President of the Union for Reform Judaism, Rabbi David Saperstein, Director of the Religious Action Center, and Rabbi Marla Feldman, Director of the Women of Reform Judaism. To read more about the day, head over to the Times Union Capitol Confidential blog.
Advocacy Day Resources
Take advantage of our one page issue briefs on reproductive rights, campaign finance reform and the minimum wage before joining us in Albany on Monday. To refresh yourself on how to be an effective advocate, check out our lobbying tips so you feel prepared and confident when meeting with legislators and their staff.
OUR REGISTRATION PAGE IS NOW OPEN!
Advocacy Day is Around the Corner!
Want to learn about the issues we will be advocating on in Albany next month? Check out our reproductive rights, campaign finance reform and minimum wage issue pages. Not registered yet? No problem. Click here to register for Advocacy Day and spend the day in Albany meeting with legislators and celebrating RJV's 10th anniversay!
RJV co-sponsoring event featuring Cecile Richards, President of Planned Parenthood
RJV is co-sponsoring an event hosted by One Voice to Save Choice on April 23 at 7pm that will include a dialogue entitled The War on Women: What's at Stake and What You Can Do between Cecile Richards, President of Planned Parenthood Federation of America; The Rev. Dr. Katharine Rhodes Henderson, President of Auburn Seminary; and Rabbi Robert Levine, the Senior Rabbi at Congregation Rodeph Sholom.
The panel will discuss how the concept of religious liberty is being used as a means of assaulting women's access to contraceptives and health care services.
RJV Supports Public Funding Option for Elections
In his State of the State address, Gov. Cuomo pledged to work towards "fundamental campaign finance reform by implementing a system of public funding of elections." Reform Jewish Voice of New York State signed a letter with 117 organizations from around New York expressing our support for Gov. Cuomo and his endeavor to create a public funding option for New York state elections. Read the full letter here.
Now Seeking Steering Committee Nominations
Much of the work of RJV is directed by a Steering Committee of committed volunteers from across our state. We are currently seeking nominations. Please nominate yourself or another individual with a passion for social justice work who can help RJV grow as an effective voice for Reform Judaism and advocate for social justice. Read more here to learn about service on the Steering Committee and how to nominate yourself or others.
Anti-Choice Censorship in State Senate Unacceptable
In response to the burgeoning controversy over the use of terms such as contraception and reproductive rights in a state Senate resolution celebrating "Reproductive Rights and Justice Week", which has been renamed "Women's Health Week", Honey Heller and Rabbi Jennifer Jaech, Co-Chairs of Reform Jewish Voice of New York State, sent a letter to all New York State Senators stating the Reform Movement's commitment to the notion that a woman should make personal decisions about reproductive health without governmental interference; that constitutes justice. Read the full letter here.
RJV Submits Hydrofracturing Comments to NYDEC
Reform Jewish Voice of New York State (RJV) has been supportive of the morotorium on hydrofracturing in New York State until more research into the effects of the process is conducted. The New York Department of Environmental Conservation is accepting public comments on the proposed regulations and RJV submitted comments calling for the extension of the morotorium and extensive research into the effects of hydrofracturing on water, air, and public health. Read our comments here.
WE DID IT!
RJV Applauds Passage of Historic Marriage Equality Act
Reform Jewish Voice of New York State (RJV) enthusiastically welcomes the passage of the historic Marriage Equality Act, which removes the current barriers same-sex couples face in recognizing their relationships, protecting their families and obtaining essential benefits. Honey Heller and Donald C. Cutler, co-chairs of RJV, issued the following statement: “We applaud the State Senate for passing long overdue Marriage Equality legislation. Friday’s momentous vote puts New York State on the right side of history ensuring that loving same-sex couples in our state enjoy the protections and benefits of the law granted to their heterosexual peers." Read more here.
RJV Newsletters
