June 17, 2015

Statement on Vaccinations from the OU and Rabbinical Council of America

Orthodox Jewish parents, like responsible parents across the United States, overwhelmingly vaccinate their children against measles, mumps, rubella, polio and the other childhood diseases for which […]
April 20, 2015

RCA Shares in World’s Horror over Nepal Earthquake

The Rabbinical Council of America shares in the world’s horror over the terrible loss of lives in the recent Nepal earthquake. Our mentor, the late, Rabbi […]
March 25, 2015

RCA Expresses Alarm at Rhetoric Surrounding US-Israel Relations

The Rabbinical Council of America, the largest organization of Orthodox rabbis in North America, expresses alarm at the excessive criticism leveled at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin […]
March 2, 2015

RCA Calls for Bipartisan Attendance at Netanyahu’s Speech to Congress

The Rabbinical Council of America, the largest organization of Orthodox rabbis in North America, calls on those who have announced that they will not be present […]
November 19, 2014

OU and RCA condemn terror attack on Jerusalem synagogue:

The Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America (OU), the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish umbrella organization, together with the Rabbinical Council of America (RCA), condemns the […]
November 13, 2014

RCA Advocates Tightening Sanctions Against Iran

The Rabbinical Council of America, representing America’s professional Orthodox Jewish rabbinate, builds upon its previous calls for sanctions against Iran and calls on all its members and their congregations […]
August 12, 2014

RCA Denounces Persecution of Christians

The Rabbinical Council of America, the largest umbrella association of Orthodox Jewish rabbis in North America, reacts in horror to the ongoing reign of terror against […]
July 16, 2014

2014 Resolution: Aid to the Hamas-­aligned Palestinian Authority

The Rabbinical Council of America, representing over 1000 Orthodox rabbis throughout the United States, Canada, Israel, and beyond, “calls upon the United States to cut off […]
July 16, 2014

2014 Resolution: Conversion to Judaism in Israel

The Rabbinical Council of America – representing over 1000 Orthodox rabbis throughout the United States, Canada, Israel, and beyond – adopted its Geirut (Conversion) Policies and […]
July 16, 2014

2014 Resolution: Increasing Access for and Participation of Jews with Disabilities in the Orthodox World

Innumerable pastoral and communal experiences of the members the Rabbinical Council of America (RCA) amply demonstrate that Jewish communities are profoundly “strengthened by embracing all Jews, […]
July 16, 2014

2014 Resolution: Torah Study and National Service in the State of Israel

The Jewish and Israeli solidarity that we have witnessed in recent weeks has been a source of inspiration during difficult times. Jews around the world have […]
July 16, 2014

2014 Resolution: Jewish Prayer on Har HaBayit (the Temple Mount)

Har HaBayit (the Temple Mount) is Judaism’s holiest site and the focal point of Jewish worship, and has been so continuously for thousands of years. Given that […]
July 16, 2014

2014 Resolution: Using Violence to Compel a Recalcitrant Husband to Give a Get (Writ of Divorce)

For the past quarter century, the Rabbinical Council of America (RCA) and the Beth Din of America (BDA) have worked to resolve problems relating to agunot who are […]
July 16, 2014

2014 Resolution: The Boycott, Divestment, and Sanction Movement against the State of Israel

Categorically rejecting the “narrative” of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel wherein Jewish Israelis are considering occupiers and/or colonizers of a foreign territory, […]
July 6, 2014

OU/RCA Statement on the Arrest by Israel of Jewish Suspects in Killing of Palestinian Teen

The Orthodox Union and the Rabbinical Council of America unequivocally condemn the brutal murder of Muhammad Hussein Abu Khdeir. We are appalled that this heinous crime […]
June 30, 2014

RCA and the OU Statement on the Deaths of Three Israeli Teens

We cry out in anguish and in outrage at the unspeakable horror of today’s announcement that the three teens, whom Jews and so many other people […]
June 23, 2014

The RCA Condemns Presbyterian Vote on Divestment

The Rabbinical Council of America (RCA), the largest organization of Orthodox rabbis, harshly condemned the adoption of a measure calling for divestment from major companies doing […]
June 3, 2014

RCA Dismayed at US Decision to Work with Hamas Coalition

The Rabbinical Council of America voices its great dismay at the decision of the United States to work with a Palestinian unity government that includes Hamas, […]
April 14, 2014

RCA Mourns Loss of Life in Overland Park, Kansas

The Rabbinical Council of America mourns the tragic loss of life at the Jewish Community Center and Village Shalom in Overland Park, Kansas. Early reports indicate […]
April 3, 2014

RCA on the Ft. Hood Shootings

The Rabbinical Council of America extends its condolences to the families and community of the victims of the recent shooting at Fort Hood. We pray for […]
March 25, 2014

RCA Supports Religious Liberty and Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc., in Amicus Brief to US Supreme Court

The United States Supreme Court will hear oral arguments tomorrow, March 25, 2014, in the cases of Sebelius v. Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc. and Conestoga Wood […]
March 7, 2014

RCA/BDA Statement Regarding Past Conversions

A JTA op-ed (March 6, 2014) accuses the Rabbinical Council of America (RCA) and its affiliated rabbinical court, the Beth Din of America (BDA), of actively […]
February 5, 2014

RCA and OU Repudiate Statement by Some Israeli Rabbis Denouncing US Secretary of State John Kerry

Today, the leaderships of the Rabbinical Council of America, the largest Orthodox Jewish rabbinical organization in the United States, and the Orthodox Union, the largest Orthodox […]
January 16, 2014

RCA and Chief Rabbinate of Israel Enter Historic Agreement Regarding Jewish Status Letters

The Rabbinical Council of America is pleased to announce an agreement with the Chief Rabbinate of Israel regarding the recognition of “Jewish status letters” written by […]
January 12, 2014

RCA Mourns Death of Ariel Sharon

The Rabbinical Council of America (RCA) mourns the loss of Ariel Sharon, Israeli statesman and general, who served as the 11th Prime Minister of the State […]
January 6, 2014

RCA Deplores NY Post Headline in Stark Murder

The Rabbinical Council of America, the largest Orthodox rabbinic association in America, strongly condemns the headline in the Sunday January 5, 2014 edition of the New […]
January 4, 2014

RCA Issues Clarification Concerning Rabbi Avi Weiss and the Chief Rabbinate

Recent assertions that the Rabbinical Council of America advised the Chief Rabbinate of Israel to reject the testimony of RCA member Rabbi Avi Weiss are categorically […]
January 2, 2014

RCA Thanks Canadian P.M. Harper’s Government

The Rabbinical Council of America (RCA) expresses its gratitude to Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and his government for their principled and unyielding support of the […]
November 20, 2013

RCA Condemns Refusal to Deliver or Receive a get

The Rabbinical Council of America strongly condemns the refusal of spouses to participate in the delivery and receipt of a get, the Jewish religious divorce process, when […]
October 18, 2013

RCA Lauds Courage of Abuse Victim

The RCA expresses its pride and respect for the courage of the now 16-year-old victim of Yosef Kolko, the confessed perpetrator of sexual abuse who was […]
October 7, 2013

On the Passing of Maran HaRav Ovadia Yosef, zt”l

The Rabbinical Council of America joins the entire Jewish world in mourning the passing of one of the greatest Torah scholars of our generation, the Rishon […]
July 31, 2013

RCA Statement on Torah Min HaShamayim

In recent days there has been much discussion regarding the belief in Torah Min HaShamayim. We maintain that it is necessary not only to assert the […]
July 24, 2013

The RCA Welcomes New Chief Rabbis of Israel

The Rabbinical Council of America, the largest organization of Orthodox rabbis in North America, congratulates Rav David Lau on his election as Ashkenazic Chief Rabbi of […]
July 15, 2013

RCA’s and OU’s Tisha B’Av Call for Respect

In the shadow of the mournful fast of Tisha B’Av, a day which marks the destruction of our sacred Temples in Jerusalem and the onset of […]
July 12, 2013

RCA Lauds Ambassador Oren Upon His Retirement

The Rabbinical Council of America, the leading organization of Orthodox rabbis, recognizes and expresses deep appreciation for the dedicated and devoted service of Ambassador Michael B. […]
July 11, 2013

2013 Resolution: Opportunities and Challenges of the Internet

As rabbis in the modern era, it is our responsibility to accurately and carefully assess both the challenges and the benefits of the modern world, in […]
July 11, 2013

2013 Resolution: Preventing Sexual Abuse in our Community

Whereas the Orthodox community has experienced cases of sexual abuse committed by rabbis, counselors, leaders, and other Jewish professionals; and Whereas such abuse causes immeasurable harm […]
July 10, 2013

2013 Resolution: Prenuptial Agreements for the Prevention of Get-Refusal

Whereas, the Rabbinical Council of America (RCA), meeting in convention, in May 2006 resolved: “that since there is a significant agunah problem in America and throughout […]
July 8, 2013

2013 Resolution: Best Practices Regarding Synagogue Kiddushim following Shabbat and Yom Tov Services

Whereas it is universally recognized that Kiddush followed by a collation on Shabbat and Yom Tov mornings, occasions when the synagogue community comes together more fully […]
June 12, 2013

RCA Issues Clarification of Its Position on Abuse

The RCA remains steadfast in combating and condemning all forms of abuse. We are encouraged by the process that led to the guilty plea of Yosef […]
June 10, 2013

RCA Condemns Ultra-Orthodox Anti-Israel Rally

The Rabbinical Council of America (RCA), the largest Orthodox rabbinic group in North America, deplores the attempt of a small but vocal group to undermine the […]
June 6, 2013

Statement from the Orthodox Union and RCA

The Orthodox Union and the Rabbinical Council of America reaffirm that any individual with firsthand knowledge or reasonable basis to suspect child abuse or endangerment, or […]
June 4, 2013

The Rabbinical Council of America Calls for Calm at the Kotel

The Rabbinical Council of America (RCA), the leading organization of Orthodox rabbis in North America, calls upon all who cherish the Western Wall to maintain its […]
May 7, 2013

RCA Statement Regarding Recent Developments at Yeshivat Maharat

In light of the recent announcement that Yeshivat Maharat will celebrate the ”ordination as clergy” of its first three graduates, and in response to the institution’s […]
December 17, 2012

Rabbinical Council of America Extends Condolences to Families of School Massacre

The Rabbinical Council of America joins with our fellow citizens in expressing our heartfelt condolences and empathy to the families and community of Newtown, CT. The […]
December 13, 2012

The Rabbinical Council of America on Yeshiva University Abuse Allegations

The Rabbinical Council of America is deeply troubled by the allegations made in the Jewish Forward regarding abuse at Yeshiva University’s High School some twenty-five years ago. Abuse […]
December 12, 2012

The Rabbinical Council of America Condemns Defacement of Christian Holy Sites in Jerusalem

The Rabbinical Council of America, the largest organization of orthodox rabbis in the world, condemns the recent attack on Christian holy sites in Jerusalem. The malicious […]
December 12, 2012

RCA Urges Strengthening of Synagogue and School Policies

Dear Chaverim, We are proud that the RCA has become a strong voice in advocating accountability and responsibility in the Jewish community’s response to child abuse. […]
December 10, 2012

RCA on Guilty Verdict of Orthodox Jew for Child Molestation

The Rabbinical Council of America (RCA), the world’s largest organization of Orthodox rabbis is encouraged by the process that led to the conviction of Nechemyah Weberman, […]
December 10, 2012

RCA on Guilty Verdict of Orthodox Jew for Child Molestation

The Rabbinical Council of America (RCA), the world’s largest organization of Orthodox rabbis is encouraged by the process that led to the conviction of Nechemyah Weberman, […]
December 5, 2012

Rabbinical Council of America Supports Israel’s Position on Developing the E 1 Corridor

The Rabbinical Council of America, the largest organization of Orthodox rabbis in the world, decries the sheer distortion by critics of Israel of the meaning of […]
November 30, 2012

Rabbinical Council of America and Orthodox Union Express Dismay Over UN Vote Upgrading Palestinian Status

The Rabbinical Council of America (RCA) and the Orthodox Union (OU) voice their disappointment in passage of the resolution by the United Nations General Assembly upgrading […]
November 29, 2012

Rabbinical Council of America’s Statement Regarding JONAH (Jews Offering New Alternatives to Homosexuality)

In the years since the Rabbinical Council of America’s first comment about JONAH (Jews Offering New Alternatives to Homosexuality), “the only Jewish based organization dedicated to […]
November 20, 2012

RCA/OU/NCYI Call for Torah Study for Israel this Wednesday and Thursday

Rabbinical Council of America, Orthodox Union, and National Council of Young Israel Call for Torah Study for Israel this Wednesday and Thursday At time of great […]
November 19, 2012

Rabbinical Council of America Praises President Obama for Supporting Israel

The Rabbinical Council of America (RCA), the largest organization of Orthodox rabbis in the world, expresses its gratitude to President Barack Obama for his strong reaffirmation […]
September 21, 2012

OU, RCA Call Upon Shuls to Pray During Yom Kippur for End to Iranian Threat

ORTHODOX UNION AND RABBINICAL COUNCIL OF AMERICA CALL UPON THEIR CONGREGATIONS TO PRAY DURING YOM KIPPUR SERVICES FOR END TO IRANIAN THREAT: “THE THREAT IS DIRE […]
September 13, 2012

RCA Condemns Violence in Name of Religion

The Rabbinical Council of America (RCA), the largest organization of Orthodox rabbis in the world, extends its deepest sympathies to the families of American Ambassador J. […]
September 10, 2012

The RCA, Calling for Safe Circumcision Practices, Disapproves of Unilateral Government Regulation

The Rabbinical Council of America (RCA), the largest group of Orthodox rabbis in the world, in light of the pending directive of the New York City’s […]
September 5, 2012

RCA Condemns Violence in Israel

The Rabbinical Council of America (RCA), the largest professional organization of Orthodox rabbis, applauds the swift and decisive reaction of the Israeli government to two acts […]
August 27, 2012

German Court Ban on Brit Milah

The Rabbinical Council of America, representing more than 1,000 rabbis worldwide, calls upon German Bundestag to expedite the passage of legislation that assures the right of […]
August 1, 2012

Daf Yomi: Celebrating Jewish Unity Through Torah

The Rabbinical Council of America congratulates all those who completed the 7 year cycle of the Shas, the entire Talmud, both the teachers and the students. […]
July 26, 2012

RCA and OU Call for Commemoration of Israel’s Olympic Athletes Slain in 1972 The IOC Still Has Time to Act, Our Synagogues Surely Will

Today, the Rabbinical Council of America, representing more than 1000 member rabbis, and the Orthodox Union, the largest Orthodox Jewish umbrella organization in the United States, […]
May 10, 2012

2012 Convention Resolution: Tuition Affordability

Whereas communally funded, obligatory, local Torah education for Jewish youth has been a mark of distinction and pride for Jewish communities for 2000 years since the […]
May 10, 2012

2012 Convention Resolution: Safeguarding the Religious Rights of all Americans

Whereas as Americans we must never compromise freedom of religion for all of our citizens; and Whereas the Rabbinical Council of America stands united with Americans […]
March 20, 2012

RCA Condemns Attack in Toulouse, France, and Expresses Appreciation to the Government of France

The Rabbinical Council of America extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims of today’s horrific attack on the Otzar Hatorah school in Toulouse, […]
March 14, 2012

United State Memorial Day and Shavuot in 2012 – and every year

On March 14, 2012, the Executive Committee of the Rabbinical Council of America unanimously approved the following: As the U.S. Memorial Day this year (2012) falls […]
December 29, 2011

RCA and OU Join in Condemning Extremist Violence in Beit Shemesh, Israel – and Call for Care to Not Assign Guilt to Entire Communities for the Actions of the Few

The Rabbinical Council of America and the Orthodox Union join together to strongly and unambiguously condemn the recent violence and intimidation committed by segments of the […]
December 15, 2011

Rabbinical Council of America Responds to Jewish Attack against Israeli Army Base

The Rabbinical Council of America views the reprehensible attack perpetrated by Jews against Israel Defense Force (IDF) officers, soldiers, and an IDF base with deep concern. […]
December 12, 2011

RCA Reaffirms Policies regarding Same Sex Attraction and Marriage, while Clarifying its Position on Reparative Therapy

In light of the extensive media coverage concerning the attitude of Orthodox Judaism towards homosexuality, the Rabbinical Council of America, the largest Rabbinical group within Orthodox […]
November 17, 2011

In the Matter of Clemency for Jonathan Pollard As adopted by the Executive Committee of the RCA on November 17, 2010

Whereas, Jonathan Pollard committed illegal acts of spying against the United States for an American ally for which he was sentenced to life in prison; and […]
October 19, 2011

With Souls in the Balance: A Statement by the Rabbinical Council of America on the Release of Gilad Shalit

Together with millions of Israelis, Jews, and others around the world, the members of the Rabbinical Council of America express our heartfelt joy, immense relief, and […]
August 28, 2011

RCA Partnership With Community Security Service (CSS)

[A letter to RCA members]: We are all properly concerned about the safety of our various Jewish institutions and those who visit them with whatever frequency […]
July 25, 2011

RCA Reaffirms Halachic Requirement to Report Knowledge or Suspicion of Abuse or Endangerment to Secular Authorities Without Delay

The Rabbinical Council of America has today reaffirmed its position that those with reasonable suspicion or first hand knowledge of abuse or endangerment have a religious obligation […]
June 23, 2011

On Banning Circumcision An Op Ed by the RCA as published in the Washington Post and JTA

by Rabbi Basil Herring, Executive Vice President, and Rabbi Joel Finkelstein, Vice President Circumcision, or “bris milah,” has long been the stuff of cheap jokes and […]
May 24, 2011

RCA Issues a Statement in Response to President Obama’s Statements on Israel-Palestinian Peace

The Rabbinical Council of America thanks President Obama for his welcome clarifications at the AIPAC Conference regarding the quest for peace between Israel and its neighbors. We […]
May 23, 2011

RCA Joins with Other Organizations in Reaffirming its Opposition to Same Sex Marriage

On the issue of legalizing same-sex marriage, the Orthodox Jewish world speaks with one voice, loud and clear: We oppose the redefinition of the bedrock relationship […]
May 18, 2011

2011 Convention Resolution: Supporting Israel

Whereas the US/Israel partnership is the cornerstone of American interests in the Middle East; and Whereas the Rabbinical Council of America (RCA) continues its unwavering support […]
January 7, 2011

Brain Stem Death and Jewish Law RCA Clarifies Its Stance Regarding Brain Stem Death and Jewish Law

The recent release to our membership of the RCA Vaad Halacha’s study on the issue of brain stem death has engendered strong reactions from many quarters. […]
December 24, 2010

Observance of Israeli Holidays in the Diaspora

In many years, there is confusion about the proper dates for observing Yom Hashoa, Yom Ha’atzmaut, and Yom Yerushalayim is the Diaspora. After discussions and consultation […]
July 19, 2010

RCA Statement Regarding The Rotem Knesset Legislation Pertaining to Conversions

The Rabbinical Council of America is fully aware of the current significant and broad-ranging communal debate regarding the so-called Rotem legislation in the Israel Knesset, dealing […]
June 2, 2010

The Rabbinical Council of America Condemns Gaza Flotilla Provocations that Led to Violence and Loss of Life

The Rabbinical Council of America regrets the unnecessary violence and loss of life aboard one of the six ships in the Gaza-bound flotilla that sought in […]
April 27, 2010

2010 Convention Resolution: The Challenge of Guaranteeing Rights for All

Whereas with regard to religious values, balancing is required between the rights of individuals to go about their lives as they see fit, and the rights […]
April 27, 2010

2010 Convention Resolution: Women’s Communal Roles in Orthodox Jewish Life

1) The flowering of Torah study and teaching by God-fearing Orthodox women in recent decades stands as a significant achievement. The Rabbinical Council of America is […]
April 27, 2010

2010 Convention Resolution: Preserving Jewish Religious Sites in the Land of Israel

Whereas, Hebron’s Me’arat HaMachpela (“Tomb of the Patriarchs”) and Bethlehem’s Kever Rachel (“Rachel’s Tomb”) have deep religious and historical significance for the Jewish people of Israel […]
April 27, 2010

2010 Convention Resolution: Post-High School Torah Study in Israel

Whereas, there can be no question that studying in Israel in a Torah institution for one, two or more years between high school graduation and the […]
April 27, 2010

2010 Convention Resolution: Assisting Rabbis in Difficult Employment Situations

Whereas as rabbonim, we embody in our lives and career choices the belief that the rabbinate is a most noble calling and a magnificent path; and, […]
April 27, 2010

2010 Convention Resolution: Extending the Ethical Guidelines Initiative to Businesses Beyond Kashruth

Whereas, due to a number of unfortunate situations that have come to light of late within the Jewish community, heightened awareness and sensitivity with regard to […]
April 27, 2010

2010 Convention Resolution: Supporting and Defending Converts

Whereas, those who convert to Judaism according to the halakhah (Jewish law) are welcomed as complete members of the Jewish people; and Whereas, the Torah obligates […]
April 27, 2010

2010 Convention Resolution: Exercising Care When Interacting With General Society

Whereas as Orthodox Jews, we are dedicated to the proposition that God has placed us in this time and milieu to engage with the world and […]
April 27, 2010

2010 Convention Resolution: Expressing Concern and Developing Sensitivity for Disaster Victims

Whereas, we are proud that the State of Israel responded so generously and effectively to the medical and personal needs of thousands of displaced, injured, hungry […]
April 27, 2010

2010 Convention Resolution: Condemning and Combating Child Abuse

May 2010 Convention Resolution: Whereas we have become increasingly aware of incidents of the sexual and physical abuse of children in our community; and Whereas, there […]
April 27, 2010

2010 Convention Resolution: Supporting Operation Cast Lead and Opposing the Goldstone Report

Whereas from the time of her inception, the State of Israel has faced incessant threats to her very existence from nations along her borders; and Whereas […]
April 27, 2010

2010 Convention Resolution: Dialogue and Partnering with the Greater Orthodox Organizational World

Whereas the Rabbinical Council of America is the proud home of Orthodoxy; a large tent under which we truly strive to occupy the vast center of […]
March 16, 2010

RCA Issues Statement Regarding Current US-Israel Tensions

The Rabbinical Council of America wishes to express its astonishment and dismay at the ongoing response of our elected leaders to the recent announcement by Israel […]
January 21, 2010

Jewish Principles and Ethical Guidelines (JPEG) for the Kosher Food Industry

Our Torah commands sanctity in the marketplace and workplace as in the home and synagogue. From biblical times to the present, Jewish tradition has summoned us […]
January 19, 2010

The RCA’s GPS Conversion System: Proof Positive of its Importance and Value

Recent allegations of impropriety on the part of the founder and head of the Eternal Jewish Family (EJF), an organization involved with potential converts to Judaism, […]
January 15, 2010

RCA Urges Prayer and Assistance for Haiti

Our hearts go out to the citizens of Haiti, reeling from this week’s devastating earthquake. We pray that God will sustain and heal the injured; protect […]
December 22, 2009

RCA Issues Statement Regarding Recent Developments Surrounding The Eternal Jewish Family Organization

We are deeply appalled, saddened and pained by reports that have reached us concerning alleged inappropriate behavior on the part of the chairman of the rabbinic […]
September 8, 2009

Rabbinic and Synagogue Organizations Urge Eight Actions Against a Nuclear Iran RCA Joins with Other Rabbinic and Synagogue Organizations to Urge Action Against a Nuclear Iran

We, the leadership of the rabbinic and synagogue organizations of the American Jewish Community are calling upon American Jews to make Iran a matter of the […]
July 29, 2009

The RCA Responds to Serious Charges against Orthodox Individuals Accused of Money-Laundering, and Expresses Support for Syrian Jewish Community

The Rabbinical Council of America expresses its deep dismay over the recent charges brought by the United States Attorney General against numerous individuals, including several prominent […]
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