(Newark, NJ)
May 17, 2005
—
Whereas gambling in general, and card games involving significant
wagering such as poker in particular, have received tremendous public
attention as a result of numerous depictions in the media of both gaming
professionals as well as popular celebrities engaging in high-stakes
games of chance; and,
Whereas certain Jewish communal institutions – e.g., synagogues, day
schools, federations, and other Jewish fraternal organizations – have
recently placed an increased emphasis upon offering “Las Vegas” nights
and poker games as a new way to raise significant funds; and,
Whereas it is readily apparent that high stakes gambling runs counter to Jewish values; and,
Whereas Jewish communal organizations must always model appropriate
ethical and moral standards not only as they carry out their mandates,
but also as they promote themselves, especially when encouraging Jews to
participate in specific activities for fundraising purposes; and,
Whereas the Orthodox community recognizes that the alarming, “at-risk”
behavior of many adolescents, including excessive gambling, is in part
fostered by the well-publicized activities of their adult role-models
and of the Jewish institutions of their communities:
Therefore, the Rabbinical Council of America hereby calls upon all
Jewish communal institutions not to use gambling as a fundraising
vehicle and to seek alternative fundraising methods instead, even if
they thereby raise less money.