Updates
Anti-Semitism in Congress
Our presence at CPAC, fighting anti-Semitism in three different, contrarian ways, and more.
Religious Liberty for All
We see clear, ongoing evidence that our statements help to promote traditional values by demonstrating that they are not sectarian ideals, but principles valued by America’s Founding Fathers.
Finding Our Place
The highlight of last month, of course, was our invitation to the annual Hannukah Reception at the White House; the photo at right (of CJV Vice President Rabbi Yoel Schonfeld, Managing Director Rabbi Yaakov Menken and President Rabbi Pesach Lerner) was taken as we...
Making an Impact
People have asked, “how does the CJV have an impact?” This month, we can point to several cases where we affected public dialogue and perception.
A New Resource for Values
From the White House to the New York Jewish Week, and even in Israel, the CJV is recognized as a positive voice.
A New Level of Coverage
Given that mobilization of the Orthodox community is key to our efforts, perhaps the greatest step this month was prominent coverage in each of the two glossy magazines serving the traditional audience.
Bringing Rabbis and Officials Together
This month we arranged a Rabbinic Roundtable in Queens, NY, bringing together Rabbinic leaders and officials of the Republican National Committee. This was an unprecedented opportunity for RNC officials to hear from rabbis regarding our concerns, and it was they who requested this meeting (and paid for dinner!).
Fighting for Our Values
Fighting bigotry in academia became the focus of the past month — whether at a NY high school, Maryland’s state university, or California’s Reform seminary… and celebrating a victory against bigotry at the US Supreme Court.
Special Memorandum: Concerning the Recent HUC Graduation
On May 14 at the Stephen S. Wise Temple in Los Angeles, California, the Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion held its annual graduation and ordination ceremony. The speaker was a well-known anti-Israel activist, who used the opportunity to not only demonize Israel’s self-defense, but even to oppose Jewish endogamy, Jews marrying Jews.
Calls, Conferences and Coverage
We inaugurate a series of conference calls with leading rabbis and public officials. The cumulative impact of being in the news was also highlighted this month, along with issues, such as protecting religious foster care services, that we are now privileged to address.