Mazal Tov to Rabbi Saperstein

As you may have heard, the United States Senate voted to confirm Rabbi David Saperstein, director of the Religious Action Center to the post of United States Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom at the State Department. We are incredibly proud of the legacy Rabbi Saperstein has built at the Religious Action Center over these last 40 years. The RAC is a cornerstone of the identity of the Reform Jewish Movement. Its engagement with and support for and by synagogues, rabbis, lay leaders, and the broader Jewish community, has situated social justice at the heart of expression of Jewish values and Jewish living across North America. Thousands come to the RAC to learn about how our Movement seeks to apply our moral values to shaping the policy decisions of our government; our online resources have impacted countless more. The RAC has flourished under Rabbi Saperstein’s tenure – a truly incredible era. The Reform Movement and the RAC have become influential in so many important public debates about religious liberty, international human rights, women’s equality and health, civil rights and LGBT equality – and many more crucial issues. And yet, the RAC makes a difference precisely because of your advocacy work and your ongoing financial support. The senior staff team at the RAC (most of whom have been around for a decade or more) are all committed to ensuring the future of the RAC and to keeping Rabbi Saperstein’s legacy alive. We know that you will continue to be partners with us in speaking out for justice by attending our programs and advocating through our networks. And at this time, please consider making a contribution to the Saperstein Legacy Fund, established to honor 40 years of Rabbi David Saperstein’s visionary leadership. Rabbi Rick Jacobs, President of the Union for Reform Judaism, said after the confirmation: “David's clear and powerful voice has been the voice of our Movement for 40 years. More than that, it has been the voice of the all-too-many among us who are often voiceless.” Rabbi Steve Fox, CEO of the Central Conference of American Rabbis concurred: “While he will be sorely missed in our own institutional leadership, we are delighted that Rabbi Saperstein is Reform Judaism’s gift to those around the world who need him most.” At this moment of great honor for Reform Judaism, let us all wish Rabbi Saperstein a hearty mazal tov. May Rabbi Saperstein, and his beloved Religious Action Center, all continue to go from strength to strength.