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.
URJ Affirms Support for Cordoba Initiative
RJV is pleased to share with you the joint statement from Rabbi Eric Yoffie, President of the Union for Reform Judaism, and Rabbi David Saperstein, Director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, welcoming the construction of the Cordoba House mosque and community center in Lower Manhattan. RJV was a significant participant in the discussions that led the Reform Movement to publicly affirm its support and looks forward to opportunities for our congregations and Cordoba House to work together.
Get Out the Vote, New Yorkers!
Midterm elections are around the corner, are you registered to vote? On November 2nd, New Yorkers will head to the polls. Both of New York's U.S. Senate seats are on the ballot, as well as candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives, Governor, State Senators, Assembly Members, and local leadership positions. If you're not registered to vote, click here. To participate in the November 2nd election, your registration forms must be postmarked no later than October 8, 2010.
RJV Launches Marriage Equality Website
Last November, when the State Senate failed to pass the Marriage Equality Bill, New York took a backward step on the road to equality. We refuse to let another legislature stifle this much needed civil rights policy. Visit us at www.MarriageForAllNY.org to write letters to your state Senators urging them to support marriage equality. Learn about the Jewish mandate to welcome all families into our community and find additional advocacy and educational resources that you can share with your families, friends and synagogues.
Looking Forward Toward Equality
It has been a long hard road that has brought us to this point and we continue to battle for Marriage Equality in our state. Over the next few months there are a number of ways to get involved with the fight for equality.
Here are three ways to work for equal rights in New York State:
1. Write to your State Senator and remind him/her that equality is religious value.
2. Take Action with Empire State Pride Agenda in their major campaign. (Read more here)
3. Encourage members of your community to join the RJV list-serve.
We are pleased to announce the arrival of our Advocacy Toolkit!
SAVE THE DATE
"And Justice For ALL - A Reform Jewish Voice Advocacy Shabbat" was a great success in 5770!
Mark your calendars now for 5771: Reform Jewish Voice will partner with synagogues throughout the state during the weekend of October 22-24, 2010 to educate congregants on the pursuit of Marriage Equality in 2011. Please contact our Co-chairs Rabbi Marc Gruber or Honey Heller with any questions.
RJV Joint Advocacy Day with Interfaith Impact NYS a Success!
Participants in Reform Jewish Voice Advocacy Day were invigorated by the incredible experience. Our expert-led conference calls on Marriage Equality, the Reproductive Health Act, Economic Justice and Good and Ethical Government ensured that we were well prepared for our numerous meetings with legislators. We walked away feeling that we made an impact on our elected officials. Many of us were so enthused that we will continue to follow-up on these issues with additional visits to our legislators in their local offices.
Reform Jewish Voice of New York Condemns State's Failure to Grant Marriage Equality
On December 2, 2009, Rabbi Marc Gruber and Honey Heller, co-chairs of the Reform Jewish Voice of New York State, issued a joint statement expressing their disappointment in the NY Senate's failure to legalize same-sex marriage in New York, saying, "This backward step is a deeply disappointing delay on the road to equality, and a vote that is on the wrong side of history."
RJV Newsletters
