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.
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 Lauds Governor Cuomo on His Marriage Equality Act
Reform Jewish Voice of New York State congratulates Governor Cuomo on the introduction of his Marriage Equality Act. Honey Heller and Donald C. Cutler, co-chairs of RJV, issued the following statement of support: “We are enthusiastic that our Governor has been such an outspoken supporter of Marriage Equality for same-sex couples and have mobilized our community to voice its support..." Read more here.
Interfaith Groups Advocate for Marriage Equality, Reproductive Health and IndependentRedistricting
Progressive religious advocates from Reform Jewish Voice of New York State and Interfaith Impact of New York State took to the State Capital on Monday, May 16th to advocate for three vital social justice issues. In more than fifty legislative meetings, participants highlighted their support of marriage equality, the Reproductive Health Act, and the establishment of an independent redistricting commission. Read more here.
RJV Welcomes Major Push for Equality
RJV co-chairs Honey Heller and Donald C. Cutler responded to the recent formation of the New Yorkers for Marriage Equality coalition: "We are extremely excited to see such powerful voices for equality amplify their message through this partnership, and we look forward to aiding in this pursuit of marriage equality. Our tradition teaches that all people are created b’tselem Elohim, in the Image of God, and should be treated accordingly. The Reform Jewish Movement has long held that civil marriage between two adults, regardless of gender or sexuality, should be permitted under the law." Read more here.
The Governor's Budget Does Not Reflect Reform Jewish Values
In response to Gov. Cuomo's planned budget, Honey Heller and Donald C. Cutler, RJV Co-Chairs, announced, "Governor Cuomo’s attempt to balance the state budget on the backs of those who can leunacceptable. The budget is the great moral document of our state, and its priorities should reflect the values of a responsible and compassionate society. While we agree with the Governor that closing the budget gap demands shared sacrifice, we are deeply dismayed by the severe cuts proposed to programs benefiting low-income New Yorkers, including programs for the youth and homeless and child welfare funding.” Read more here.
RJV Inducts New Team of Co-Chairs
As the Steering Committee of Reform Jewish Voice of New York State convened for its annual leadership retreat, Honey Heller and Donald C. Cutler assumed their positions as the new team of co-chairs. Mrs. Heller and Mr. Cutler have set an ambitious legislative agenda for the year that will include marriage equality, reproductive choice, economic justice, good government, and environmental issues around hydrofracturing.
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo Delivers State of the State
In Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo's first State of the State address, he emphasized the critical crossroads facing New York State government ( read his remarks here ). As expected, the highest priority on his list is the restoration of fiscal responsibility to the State government, which currently faces a deep budget deficit that Gov. Cuomo measured yesterday at $10 billion. AMong other urgent social justice priorities addressed by Gov. Cuomo are marriage equality, ethics reform and reproductive choice. Read more here.
RJV Launches Facebook Page!
Are you on Facebook? Join Us! RJV has created a Facebook page to circulate time-sensitive information about important legislative developments in Albany as well as special events and other advocacy opportunities throughout New York State. Click the "like" button to add us to your news feed and receive articles, action alerts and interesting tidbits about pressing social justice issues. Our Facebook page will serve as a forum for conversation where you can express your opionions and share information about the issues you prioritize.
Reform Jewish Movement Condemns Homophobic Violence
Reform Jewish Voice is outraged by the recent spate of homophobic violence that has plagued our state and our country. Now, more than ever, we are reminded of the urgent need for marriage equality legislation that protects same-sex couples and normalizes and humanizes their commitments and relationships, and we are grateful for the passage of the Dignity For All Students Act, which protects all LGBT students from discrimination. From hate speech to violence, we refuse to sit silently while intolerance threatens to poison our communities and our nation. In response to the tragic anti-gay bullying that resulted in the death of Tyler Clementi and others, President of the Union for Reform Judaism, Rabbi Eric Yoffie, released a statement. Read Rabbi Yoffie's statement here >>
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And Justice For ALL - A Reform Jewish Voice Shabbat
"Well-attended" "People were excited"
Rabbi Jennifer Jaech, of Temple Israel of Northern Westchester, shares her testimony about last weekend's RJV Advocacy Shabbat: "We publicized the 'And Justice for ALL' Advocacy Shabbat in our newsletter and our weekly e-mail communication to the congregation. Our publicity included an announcement of my sermon on Marriage Equality and Jewish views on homosexuality. As the sermon promised to address a controversial topic, the program was well-attended. After the service, I talked with people who were excited about Marriage Equality about my sermon and about the work of Reform Jewish Voice. Several individuals made commitments to advocate on Marriage Equality and we posted the sermon on our website with a link to RJV's Marriage Equality campaign so others in the community could learn more."
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.
We are pleased to announce the arrival of our Advocacy Toolkit!
RJV Newsletters
