Inclusion

Inclusion & Diversity 

The Conservative/Masorti Movement has a “big tent” philosophy, meaning that our proverbial sukkah walls are open to all who wish to share in our way of Jewish life. The inclusion of many diverse groups is key to a thriving congregation. 

We celebrate the diversity among and within our synagogues and encourage the engagement of all those who seek a spiritual and communal home in an authentic and dynamic Jewish setting.

  • USCJ Standards for Congregational Practice, Section V – Membership

At-A-Glance:

  • Egalitarianism
  • Interfaith Inclusion
  • LGBTQIA+ Inclusion
  • Racial Justice
  • Masorti Environmental Sustainability Initiative 
  • Social Justice Commission

Meet the Inclusion Team 

Rabbi Ashira Konigsburg

Chief Movement Strategy Officer

Contact Ashira

Dr. Keren R. McGinity

Director of Intermarriage Engagement and Inclusion

Contact Keren

Tony Westbrook, Jr.

Racial Justice and Inclusion Specialist

Contact Tony

Egalitarianism

The Conservative/Masorti Movement was founded with the core belief of egalitarianism: the doctrine that people of all genders deserve equal rights and opportunities. Our Movement doesn’t demand or prohibit any member from participating in traditionally gender-based roles or mitzvot. 

Interfaith Inclusion

USCJ is committed to helping twenty-first-century synagogues engage twenty-first-century families, welcoming them as they are and inspiring them to join in the spiritual vision of the congregation. Learn more.

LGBTQIA+ Inclusion

USCJ is partnered with Keshet, a nondenominational Jewish organization dedicated to LGBTQIA+ equality and inclusion, to bring resources and support to our members. 

Find LGBTQIA+ inclusion resources on the Member Lounge, or click here to learn more.

Racial Justice

Jews were spread to the four corners of the Earth. We look like everyone from everywhere, yet a majority of American Jewry doesn’t realize that 1 in 5 Jews identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, or Person of Color). USCJ is committed to providing resources and support to our members on racial justice and inclusion efforts. Learn more.

Masorti Environmental Sustainability Initiative 

Now is exactly the right time for our Jewish communities to continue moving forward and taking action to halt global warming, end climate catastrophes, and take action to heal our environment. More than 50 synagogues have committed to meaningful sustainability action. Learn more.

Social Justice Commission

Serving as a central address within the movement, the Social Justice Commission (SJC) works through consensus to evolve a vision of social justice through the lens of Conservative/Masorti Judaism. We strive to educate, advocate, and organize around the issues of today, articulating that acts of social justice are mitzvot.  

The SJC’s subcommittees focus on topics such as the environment, ethical sourcing of animal products, food justice, human rights, LGBTQIA+ rights, racial justice, reproductive rights, and strengthening democracy. Membership is open to clergy, staff, lay leaders, and seminary students of the Movement. Learn more.