Jewish Continuity (1993)

WHEREAS, in response to the high intermarriage statistics in the 1990 Jewish Population Survey, "Jewish Continuity" has deservedly become a high priority concern of federations throughout North America; and

WHEREAS, the survey confirms the need for improved Jewish education and the centrality of the synagogue in transmitting Jewish identity to future generations; and

WHEREAS, the Joint Task Force on Continuity and the Conservative Movement published a report in May 1993, entitled JEWISH EDUCATION IN THE CONSERVATIVE MOVEMENT: LEADERSHIP IN THE CONTINUITY MOVEMENT which articulated a number of concerns and recommendations relating to Jewish Continuity; and

WHEREAS, the need to intensify and expand the scope of Jewish family education is obvious if the problems identified in the survey are to be meaningfully addressed;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that THE UNITED SYNAGOGUE OF CONSERVATIVE JUDAISM:

1. Recommends the report be widely disseminated and read, that congregations develop resources for the expansion of Jewish family education and youth activities, and work with other congregations/regions to achieve this goal; and
2. Suggests that congregations and regions develop and strengthen relationships with other Jewish streams, local federations and Jewish education agencies and councils in order to marshal community resources and strengthen support for religious based Jewish education in general as well as the programs and institutions identified in the Task Force Report in particular.