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Frequently Asked Questions about the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism

The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism
Rapaport House
820 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10017-4504
(212) 533-7800

What is The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism?

The United Synagogue, founded in 1913, is the association of Conservative congregations in North America, today consisting of approximately 700 affiliated synagogues and over one-and-a-half-million members.

What are the objectives of The United Synagogue?

The objectives of The United Synagogue are set forth in the preamble to its Constitution as follows: "The advancement of the cause of Judaism in America and the maintenance of Jewish tradition in its historic continuity; to assert and establish loyalty to the Torah in its historic exposition; to further the observance of Sabbath and the Dietary Laws; to preserve in the Service the reference to Israel's past and the hopes for her restoration; to maintain the traditional character of the liturgy, with Hebrew as the language of prayer; to foster Jewish religious schools, in the curricula of which the study of the Hebrew language and literature shall be given a prominent place..."

When and where did the Conservative movement originate?

The Conservative movement originated in Germany in the middle of the nineteenth century and centered around the Jewish Theological Seminary of Breslau, founded in 1854 and directed during its first two decades by Zecharias Frankel (1801-1875).

What prompted the creation of the Conservative Movement?

Protest against the excesses of the Reform Movement of that day was the immediate cause which brought the Conservative Movement into being. However, the founders of the Movement were not interested merely in preserving Judaism in the precise form in which they received it from their immediate fathers. They knew that a living organism cannot remain static, and that change, leading to growth or decay, is inevitable. Hence, they sought to guide Jewish life in a manner that would allow for necessary changes without destroying or impairing the essential tradition and the historical continuity of Judaism.

Is there a body for the creation of Conservative Jewish law?

The Committee on Jewish Law and Standards of the Rabbinical Assembly is the Conservative Movement's authority on Jewish law. The United Synagogue has both lay and rabbinic representatives on this body.

Are there rules that relate specifically to congregations?

Recognizing the responsibility of the congregations to teach Judaism by example as well as by precept, and moved by the desire to guide congregations in standards of conduct which exemplify and reflect Jewish traditions and values, The United Synagogue many years ago established its Standards for Congregational Practice, which are reviewed annually and amended at biennial conventions, as needs dictate.

How is The United Synagogue itself structured?

The United Synagogue is a grass-roots organization, with the base consisting of its 760 Conservative synagogues, whose delegates elect the central officers and board of directors in odd-numbered years at the biennial convention. Congregations are grouped within geographic regions in which they elect their own regional officers and directors. The regions are the vehicle through which congregations can become directly involved in the work of the organization. Regional offices provide services and direction in all of the areas listed below.

What are some of the services The United Synagogue renders to its affiliated congregations?

How can I get involved?

We in the United Synagogue have always sought the input of our membership. If you have suggestions, or wish to become more active in our work, please contact your regional office or write to the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, Rapaport House, 820 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10017; (212) 533-7800.

Constituent Organizations of the Conservative Movement:

  • Cantors Assembly
  • Federation of Jewish Men's Clubs
  • Jewish Educators Assembly
  • Jewish Theological Seminary of America
  • Jewish Youth Directors Association
  • MERCAZ
  • North American Assn. of Synagogue Executives
  • Rabbinical Assembly
  • United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism
  • Women's League for Conservative Judaism
  • World Council of Conservative/Masorti Synagogues
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