RCA Congratulates President Elect Biden
November 8, 2020RCA Mourns the Death of Rav Gedalia Dov Schwartz, זצ”ל
December 10, 2020December 9, 2020
At a meeting of the Executive Committee of the Rabbinical Council of America, held by conference call, on Wed., Dec.9, 2020, President Daniel Korobkin in the chair, and Reuven Tradburks acting on behalf of the secretary, the following items were decided:
President’s Report.
The website to find a rabbi officiant for lifecycle events is ready to go live. The committees are ramping up and becoming active. A shiur with Rav Schachter to address vaccine related questions as well as the status of minhagim that have been foregone during Covid. The online debates, Machlokes l’Shem Shomayim are continuing as a model of respectful debate.
Semicha Standards
A motion to approve Kollel Horaah Or Yitzchok deHassidei Skolya of Brooklyn as a recognized masmich on a one time basis passed unanimously.
Membership
A motion to accept for membership: Meir Bulman passed with one abstention, Scott Hoberman passed unanimously, Leead Staller passed with one abstention and David Rabinowitz passed unanimously.
A motion to approve the 2021 Budget passed unanimously.
A motion adopt the IHRA (International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance) Working Definition of Antisemitism:
“Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.”
Mark Dratch reported on the RCA involvement with both the Jewish Welfare Board and IJCIC, the International Jewish Committee for Interreligious Consultations.
A guest presentation was made by Erica Sager Pelman, Founder and Executive Director, In Shifra’s Arms (jewishpregnancyhelp.org)
In Shifra’s Arms is the only Jewish resource for unplanned pregnancy crises in the United States helping women from any background, at any stage of pregnancy. They offer material and financial aid from the first trimester through the baby’s first birthday, as well as sensitive follow-up in cases of abortion and miscarriage.
