Celebrating 40 Years of Rabbi David Saperstein

It was forty years ago today that one part of the landscape of American Jewish life was changed forever for the better. After a New York City goodbye party that featured a screening of “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington,” a very eager and young Rabbi David Saperstein packed up his car and headed for the nation’s capital to begin an exciting new job, investing his life’s work in the growth and vibrancy of the Religious Action Center.

To honor David on his 40th Anniversary, we are establishing the Saperstein Legacy Fund for the Future of the RAC to serve the continuing growth and vitality of this remarkable institution - a jewel in the crown of our Reform Jewish Movement. Whatever you can contribute, whether $5 or $5,000, think what a 100% response will mean to David, to all who work at the RAC, and to the success of this campaign. Please take a moment right now to respond.

On his first day, it was just David and another staffer. Forty years later, David’s vision and passion have drawn hundreds of people who have worked or interned at the RAC – either as permanent staffers, rabbinic interns, summer fellows, or Eisendrath Legislative Assistants. And well over 60,000 have participated in the RAC’s skills training programs and conferences over these decades. These people have gone on to become national leaders of the American Jewish community, influential figures in Washington DC and committed social justice activists across North America. And over the course of these years, the reputation of the Religious Action Center as an institution of social justice, the key Jewish institution in interfaith coalitions for justice, and a leading faith voice in broad-based national coalitions has only grown.

Today, Rabbi Saperstein bears the distinct badge of honor of being the longest-serving faith leader representing a national denomination in Washington. And we, the nation and the world, are all the better for those many years of service.

Whether you have only met David once, have been lucky enough to have known him for much longer, or know him by reputation alone, you are aware of the remarkable power of his intellect, compassion, and tireless devotion in strengthening those who face challenges to their rights and freedoms at home or abroad. As many of you already know, David may now be leaving the RAC to enter public service. It makes this even more of a fitting time to launch this Fund to secure his legacy.

David: On behalf of everyone whose lives you have touched, either directly or indirectly – thank you. Thank you for being always among the first to speak truth to power – and for teaching others to do the same. Thank you for being a model leader, and mentoring others to do the same. Thank you for providing thousands upon thousands of people with the skills to lend a Jewish, moral voice to healing the world in which we live. And last but not least, thank you for all you have done to make the RAC the success it has been.

Even in this daunting political climate and with all the challenges looming before us, I could not be more confident in the success of the RAC than in knowing that the extended RAC family will address these challenges together. I know that I look forward to seeing what the next 40 years will bring for you – and for the RAC.

Forty years! Mazal tov, on this important milestone. Please join me in paying tribute to his remarkable career in the way that would mean the most to him and so much to our Movement by contributing to the Saperstein Legacy Fund for the Future of the RAC.

With best wishes to you and your loved ones for a year of sweetness, health, fulfillment, and peace. May you all be inscribed in the Book of Life.