Syngagogue Relations with State and Local Governments (1995)

WHEREAS, concern for the less fortunate is a hallmark of Judaism and Jewish teachings are replete with specific guidelines in this regard; and

WHEREAS, the current leadership of the Congress of the United States and the Parliament of Canada are embarking on a course that will transfer control to most safety net and other social and welfare programs to state and local government units; and

WHEREAS, these changes will affect many of the programs of concern to local Jewish Federations and communal organizations as well as other areas which have been the subject of resolutions in prior years.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that THE UNITED SYNGAGOGUE OF CONSERVATIVE JUDAISM urges its affiliated congregations and their members to use their best efforts to strengthen their relations with state, provincial and local governments through meetings with officials of these governments and regulatory agencies in order to ensure the continuation of programs of concern to their members; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that THE UNITED SYNGAGOGUE OF CONSERVATIVE JUDAISM, through its Regions should undertake a campaign to encourage their constituent congregations to work for an increase in voter registration and participation of its members and their families in all levels of the political process.