July 21, 2009

RCA Supports the Right of Jews to Live, Work, and Build Homes throughout Jerusalem

The Rabbinical Council of America fully supports and stands with the Government of Israel and its insistence on the right of Jews to live anywhere in […]
July 9, 2009

Response to Statement of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops on Covenant, Mission, and Dialogue

Beginning in 1998, representatives of the Rabbinical Council of America and the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America have held semi-annual meetings with a group […]
June 17, 2009

RCA Supports Netanyahu’s Foreign Policy Posture

The Rabbinical Council of America expresses its admiration of, and full support for, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s recent far-reaching address on foreign policy. We laud the […]
May 21, 2009

The RCA Commends Law Enforcement Officials for Terror Arrests The RCA Commends Law Enforcement Officials for Terror Arrests. Calls on all Clergy to Condemn Terror.

The Rabbinical Council of America, the largest Orthodox rabbinical organization in the world, commends all of the law-enforcement personnel responsible for apprehending those allegedly involved in […]
May 12, 2009

2009 Convention Resolution: Encouraging Synagogues to Network for Jobs

Our historic Jewish mission, which charges every individual to look beyond his own seemingly secure four walls and to aid others, arises from a wide range […]
May 12, 2009

2009 Convention Resolution: Supporting Israel’s Defense Forces

The contemporary battles that the Jewish people must confront in the media and the public arena may be, in their own way, as dangerous and destructive […]
May 12, 2009

2009 Convention Resolution: Business Ethics in Synagogue and Jewish Institutional Life Communal and Synagogue Honors must be Given Only to Those with Reputations for Ethical Behavior.

Our Torah commands sanctity in the marketplace and workplace as in the home and synagogue. From Biblical times to the present, Jews have been summoned to […]
May 12, 2009

2009 Convention Resolution: Institutional Transparency

The financial and ethical scandals that have come to light of late have engendered a great deal of cynicism in the members of the Orthodox Jewish […]
May 12, 2009

2009 Convention Resolution: Modesty, Responsibility and Tzedakah A Moral Call for Reducing Spending in the Jewish Community.

Even in ripest times, the Jew is commanded by Torah and tradition to “Walk modestly with G-d,” eschewing ostentation. The Jewish citizen is further required to […]
December 30, 2008

RCA Statement in Support of Israel’s Response in Gaza to Hamas Terror

The Rabbinical Council of America fully supports the government of Israel in its campaign to stop heinous terrorist attacks directed for too long against Israeli civilians. […]
December 23, 2008

In Light of Madoff Scandal, RCA Recommits to Promoting Ethical Standards throughout the Jewish Community

The Rabbinical Council of America, the largest Orthodox rabbinic group in the world, has today issued the following statement: In light of the prominent role of […]
September 2, 2008

Catholic-Orthodox Jewish Statement on Marriage: “Created in the Divine Image”

Many communities within the United States are now engaged in a new conversation on the meaning of the word “marriage”, questioning whether it should describe a […]
August 13, 2008

NY Times Publishes RCA Letter about Agriprocessors Investigations

Below is the text of the letter published by the New York Times on August 13, 2008, in response to an Op-Ed piece, “Dark Meat” published by Rabbi […]
June 3, 2008

RCA Issues Statement about Agriprocessors

The Rabbinical Council of America has been following recent developments taking place at the Agriprocessors kosher meat plant in Postville, Iowa. Like many others, both within […]
May 20, 2008

RCA Advocates Climate Change Education

Whereas in its 2006 resolution, “On The Importance of Preserving the Environment”, the RCA committed that its members should “educate themselves and their constituents both scientifically and […]
May 6, 2008

RCA Affirms its Support for Israel’s Conversion Authority

Leviticus 19:33 : “You (plural) shall not oppress the convert in your land.” Commentary of the Netziv: “The plural form of the verse teaches us that […]
March 11, 2008

The RCA Supports all Valid Past Conversions by its Members

The Rabbinical Council of America wishes to state for the record, and for the express purpose of preventing needless anguish on the part of many genuine […]
October 23, 2007

Statement in Advance of the Israeli-Palestinian Negotiations at Annapolis, MD

In advance of the forthcoming Annapolis conference, the Rabbinical Council of America, consisting of almost 1000 rabbis, respectfully urges the American sponsors of this conference to […]
July 11, 2007

RCA, as a member of IJCIC, Writes Vatican Concerning Prayer about “Perfidious” Jews

Click here for text of IJCIC press release.
July 11, 2007

RCA Recommends Less Restrictive Security Protocol for Religious Texts in Federal Prisons

Issues Joint Statement with Agudath Israel of America, Aleph Institute, National Council of Young Israel, and Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America Click here for […]
June 21, 2007

Joining With Three Other Orthodox Organizations, RCA Opposes Redefinition of Marriage In New York State

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 […]
June 12, 2007

RCA and OU Condemn the Recent Desecration of Arab Graves

Joint Statement by the Rabbinical Council of America and the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America Condemning the Recent Desecration of Arab Graves by a […]
May 2, 2007

RCA Membership Formally Embraces New Geirus Procedures

Ratifies Previous Acceptance of New Geirus Policy and Standards Whereas, as a matter of Halakhah, the conversion process needs to be done in a way that […]
May 1, 2007

RCA Advocates Communal and Rabbinic Policies to Combat Smoking in the Orthodox Community

Building on ban by Va’ad Halacha, RCA calls for smoke-free shuls and Yeshivot, as well as educational and therapeutic initiatives to eliminate smoking among Orthodox Jews. […]
May 1, 2007

RCA Seeks to Combat Abuse of Children by Applying Public School Standards to Nonpublic Schools

May 1, 2007 — Whereas, we, the Rabbinical Council of America, are deeply committed to the health, safety and security of all Jewish children attending yeshivas […]
May 1, 2007

RCA Blasts Hypocrisy of UN Human Rights Council

Calls for Council to be Reoganized or Supplanted to Protect World’s Oppressed May 1, 2007 — Whereas our Torah teaches us that all humans were created […]
May 1, 2007

RCA Reiterates Call to Action to Stop Genocide in Darfur, Sudan

May 1, 2007 — Whereas the government of Sudan and its proxy militia, the Janjaweed, have been waging a genocidal campaign against African communities in Darfur […]
May 1, 2007

RCA Urges Further Action to Eliminate Enslaved Prostitutes in Israel

May 1, 2007 — Whereas the Knesset has reported that some 3000-5000 women in Israel are currently enslaved, in violation of Israeli law, as prostitutes as […]
May 1, 2007

RCA Urges Action on Plight of Gush Katif Refugees

Appalled by treatment of refugees since ejection from their homes. May 1, 2007 – The Rabbinical Council of America calls upon the government of Israel, the […]
May 1, 2007

RCA Opposes New Jordanian Minaret on Temple Mount

May 1, 2007 – The Rabbinical Council of America opposes the construction, by the King of Jordan, of a new minaret on the Temple Mount. Har […]
May 1, 2007

RCA Supports Torah-based Environmental Movement

Urches Partnership with Canfei Nesharim and Wide Range of Measure to Protect and Foster Torah Knoelwedge about the Enivornment form a Torah Perspective May 1, 2007 […]
May 1, 2007

RCA Supports Torah-based Environmental Movement

Urges Partnership with Canfei Nesharim and Wide Range of Measures to Protect and Foster Torah Knowledge about the Environment from a Torah Perspective Whereas the Rabbinical […]
May 1, 2007

RCA Commends Rabbi Naftali Hollander

Led RCA’s Israel Region for twenty five years Whereas Rabbi Naftali Hollander has served with devotion and distinction as Executive Director of the Rabbinical Council of […]
May 1, 2007

RCA Calls upon Families to Supervise Teenagers on Vacation

Calls upon Orthodox parents to ensure adult supervision of teenagers on vacation. Recent media attention has been drawn to the conduct of Yeshiva high school students […]
May 1, 2007

RCA Advocates Life Insurance for All

Whereas there are so many young couples who neither the husband nor the wife have life insurance; and, Whereas there are unfortunately so many occurrences of […]
March 1, 2007

RCA Statement on Blood Libels and Current Misrepresentations

The blood libel has always been a lie – and it remains a lie Mar 1, 2007 — The accusation that Jews practice a ritual in […]
December 15, 2006

RCA Asks Press to Ignore Certain Disturbed Jews

All Responsible Jews Revolted by Enemies of Israel, Even Those in Orthodox Garb Dec 15, 2006 — Many reports of the recently concluded Holocaust-denial conference in […]
December 7, 2006

Response to Rabbinical Assembly’s Decisions Regarding Ordination of Gays and Lesbians, and “Commitment Ceremonies”

Dec 7, 2006 — The Rabbinical Council of America (RCA) has, with great sadness, taken note of this week’s decision of the Rabbinical Assembly to allow […]
July 6, 2006

RCA’s Vaad Halacha Bans Use of Tobacco Products

Jul 3, 2006 — The Va’ad Halacha of the Rabbinical Council of America, in its first decision in recent years, has issued a detailed responsum to […]
July 5, 2006

RCA Protests Planned Gay Pride Parade in Jerusalem

Statement on a Parade Slated for the Sacred City of Jerusalem July 5, 2006 — The Rabbinical Council of America has today communicated to the appropriate […]
May 18, 2006

On the Importance of Preserving the Environment

RCA calls upon its members to educate concerning the importance of preserving the environment. May 18, 2006 — Whereas the Rabbinical Council of America recognizes that […]
May 18, 2006

On the Evacuees of Gaza and Shomron

The RCA calls upon the State of Israel to assist the evacuees of Gaza and Shomron in assimilating back into Israeli society. May 18, 2006 — […]
May 18, 2006

Responding to Dishonest Behavior of Prominent Jewish Figures

The RCA condemns dishonest behavior, especially that of prominent Jewish figures, and urges steps to educate against future recurrences. May 18, 2006 — Whereas the Torah […]
May 18, 2006

Maintaining Passion for the State of Israel

The RCA calls upon its members to help maintain and foster a passion for the State of Israel, especially during a time when Israel is making […]
May 18, 2006

Use of Prenuptial Agreement

RCA reaffirms that no member rabbi should officiate at a wedding unless a proper prenuptial agreement has been executed. May 18, 2006 — RESOLVED that since […]
May 18, 2006

Protocols for Interfaith Dialogue

RCA reaffirms the need for continued adherence to Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik’s guidelines regarding interfaith dialogue. May 18, 2006 — Whereas lately there have been suggestions […]
May 18, 2006

Increasing Demonization of the Settlers in Israel

RCA calls upon the government of Israel to deal with the settler population with respect, patience, and within a context of brotherhood. May 18, 2006 — […]
May 18, 2006

RCA Urges Proactive Iran Policy

The RCA urges steps to counter the serious and growing threat of the current Iranian government. May 18, 2006 — Whereas a long bitter history has […]
May 18, 2006

RCA Condemns Darfur Genocide

The RCA calls upon the Jewish community to do all that is in its power to put a stop to the genocide in Darfur, Sudan. May […]
May 18, 2006

Convention Issues Educational Support Initiatives

The RCA reaffirms the need to support and fund our Jewish day schools and Yeshivot, and make a quality Jewish education accessible and affordable. May 18, […]
May 18, 2006

RCA Advocates Steps to Reduce Oil Consumption

The RCA urges the reduction of America’s dependence on oil. May 18, 2006 — Whereas America’s oil dependence endangers our economic and national security; and, Whereas […]
April 7, 2006

Darfur Genocide: The RCA and OU Comment President Bush for his Strong Stand

They condemn Sudanese government supported atrocities and persecution of millions of innocent people. Apr 7, 2006 — President George W. Bush The White House 1600 Pennsylvania […]
February 14, 2006

RCA Applauds Bush’s Stand Against Hamas

RCA Congratulates President Bush for his State of the Union Comments on Hamas Election Victory Feb 14, 2006 — The Rabbinical Council of America applauds the […]
February 7, 2006

Statement Regarding Events in Amona, Israel

The Rabbinical Council of America Issues a Statement Regarding Events in Amona, Israel Feb 7, 2006 — The RCA is appalled at the images and first […]
December 27, 2005

Creation, Evolution, and Intelligent Design

In response to the public debate over Intelligent Design and Scientific theory, the RCA has issued the following statement clarifying its view on this matter as […]
May 17, 2005

The Israeli Disengagement Plan

RCA Affirms the Importance of Peaceful, Democratic Processes in the Context of Israel’s Plan to Withdraw from Yesha May 17, 2005 — Whereas the Torah records […]
May 17, 2005

Criminal Background Checks for Workers with Youth

RCA Encourages All Institutions Dealing with Jewish Youth to Conduct Criminal Background Checks on Employees, and Advocates Legislation Requiring Same (Newark, NJ) May 17, 2005 — […]
May 17, 2005

Israeli Supreme Court Conversion Policy

RCA Reaffirms Commitment to Conversion, Decries Israeli Supreme Court Decisions Favoring non-Halachic Conversions Over National Unity (Newark, NJ) May 17, 2005 — Whereas the Rabbinical Council […]
May 17, 2005

Gambling as Communal Fundraising Vehicle

RCA Calls Upon Communal Institutions to Desist from Using High-Stakes Gambling to Raise Funds (Newark, NJ) May 17, 2005 — Whereas gambling in general, and card […]
May 17, 2005

Illegal Internet Downloading

RCA Calls Upon Community to Desist from Downloading Copyrighted Music and Other Materials from the Internet (Newark, NJ) May 17, 2005 — Whereas the Internet has […]
May 17, 2005

Aliyah

RCA Encourages its Rabbis to Promote Aliyah (Newark, NJ) May 17, 2005 — In keeping with its longstanding, foundational commitment to promoting the welfare of Israel […]
April 12, 2005

Pope John Paul II

On the Death of Pope John Paul II Apr 12, 2005 — On the Death of Pope John Paul II A Statement by the Rabbinical Council […]
March 28, 2005

Letter to the Prime Minister

Open Letter by the RCA to Prime Minister Ariel Sharon Regarding Referendum Mar 28, 2005 — The Honorable Ariel Sharon Office of the Prime Minister of […]
March 1, 2005

Bris Milah and Metzitza Be’Peh RCA Policy

Mar 1, 2005 — The Rabbinical Council of America, the largest group of Orthodox rabbis in the world, has today issued a statement regarding Brit Milah […]
March 1, 2005

Metziza be’Peh – Halachic Clarification

Regarding Metzitza be’Peh, RCA Clarifies Halachic Background to Statement of March 1, 2005 (New York, NY) Jun 7, 2005 — It is well known that there […]
October 22, 2004

Statement on Stem Cell Research

RCA Reissues 2001 Statement of RCA/OU on the Important Topic of Stem Cell Research, as formulated as a Letter to President Bush Oct 22, 2004 — Dear […]
September 23, 2004

Chief Rabbinate

RCA Endorses Chief Rabbinate Regarding Current Situation in Israel  Sep 23, 2004 — The Rabbinical Council of America wishes to inform its membership, and the concerned public, […]
August 29, 2004

Statement on Sudanese in Darfur, Sudan

A Statement of Moral Principle, and a Call to Action by the RCA Regarding the Impending Genocide of more than 1,000,000 Black Moslem Sudanese at the […]
June 15, 2004

Resolution on Allegations of Sexual Impropriety

Policy and Procedures Regarding Allegations of Impropriety Against an RCA Member Jun 15, 2004 — Each member of the Rabbinical Council of America is committed to conducting […]
June 1, 2004

Proposal for RCA National Charity Registry 2004

Jun 1, 2004 — Proposal for RCA National Charity Registry  Rabbi Yaakov Luban The meshulachim phenomenon in America has reached crisis proportions. Probably every Rabbi can write […]
May 5, 2004

Geirus Report 2004 A Report Delivered at the RCA 2004 Convention

May 5, 2004 — A Report of the Geirus Commission to the RCA Convention Rabbi Solomon F. Rybak, ChairmanMay 5th 2004 The Geirus Commission of the RCA […]
April 23, 2004

Amendment to the RCA By-Laws, Article 3, Section 4 2004

Apr 23, 2004 — Amendment to the RCA By-Laws, Article 3, Section 4 4/23/2004 Section 4 currently reads as follows: The Executive Committee shall have the power […]
March 30, 2004

Same-Sex Marriage

Rabbinical Council of America & Union of Orthodox Congregations of America Oppose Same-Sex Marriage “Stand opposed to any attempt… to bestow the sanctity of marriage upon […]
March 19, 2004

Etz Hayim

OU/RCA Statement Regarding Publication of Conservative Movement’s New Torah Commentary Mar 19, 2004 — With pained hearts, we take note of the Conservative movement’s new Torah commentary, […]
May 28, 2003

RCA Resolution Regarding Allegations of Sexual Abuse by Rabbis Adopted May 28, 2003

May 28, 2003 — WHEREAS, in recent years there have been reported a number of incidents of sexual, physical and/or emotional abuse perpetrated by rabbis and teachers, […]
February 21, 2002

Israeli Supreme Court Ruling

OU/RCA Statement Regarding Israeli Supreme Court Ruling on Non-Halachic Conversions Feb 21, 2002 — The Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America and the Rabbinical Council of […]
November 9, 2001

Prayer for Military Forces

Rabbinical Council of America Releases Special Prayer for Safety of American Military Forces Nov 9, 2001 — Cognizant of the harms way in which American Military Forces […]
May 17, 2001

Jonathan Pollard

Rabbinical Council of America Resolution on Jonathan Pollard May 17, 2001 — In the noblest spirit of Biblical teachings, religious virtue and benevolent aspirations,we, the Rabbinical Council […]
May 16, 2001

Solidarity with Israel

Solidarity with Israel May 16, 2001 — The Rabbinical Council of America in convention assembled, REAFFIRMS its solidarity with the State of Israel, as a visible sign […]
May 16, 2001

Partnership with Israel

The Rabbinical Council of America’s Partnership with Israel May 16, 2001 — WHEREAS the State of Israel, under several previous governments, led by the Likud and by […]
May 16, 2001

Standards of Conduct

A Proclamation Reinforcing the Importance of Standards of Conduct for Jewish Leaders May 16, 2001 — WHEREAS in the last few years there have been several allegations […]
May 1, 2001

Sanctions to be Imposed on One Who Withholds Issuance or Receipt of a Get Resolution, 2001 RCA Convention

May 1, 2001 — Resolved that our community will impose sanctions against any party who withholds consent to the issuance or receipt of a Get under the […]
September 25, 2000

Tzioni Dati Educational System

Rabbinical Council of America Urges the Israeli Government’s Continued Support of the Tzioni Dati Educational System Sep 25, 2000 — The Rabbinical Council of America views with […]
June 28, 2000

Ya’ar Ramot Synagogue

The Rabbinical Council of America and Orthodox Union Condemn Torching of Ya’ar Ramot Synagogue Jun 28, 2000 — The Rabbinical Council of America and the Orthodox Union, […]
March 30, 2000

Homosexual Relationships

Rabbinical Council of America Condemns Reform Statement on Homosexual Relationships Mar 30, 2000 — The Rabbinical Council of America condemns the declaration of the Central Conference of […]
January 18, 2000

Golan Heights

Golan Heights Jan 18, 2000 — The Rabbinical Council of America congratulates Prime Minister Barak for his courage and commitment in the pursuit of peace. At the […]
December 21, 1999

Vermont Supreme Court

Rabbinical Council of America Critical of Vermont Supreme Court’s Ruling Regarding Same-Sex Couple Recognition Dec 21, 1999 — The Rabbinical Council of America, the world’s largest Orthodox […]
June 10, 1999

Iranian Jews Arrested

The RCA and Orthodox Union Ask for the Release of 13 Iranian Jews Arrested Jun 10, 1999 — The RCA and Orthodox Union in a joint commission […]
June 1, 1999

The Jewish Woman and the Torah Community 1999

Jun 1, 1999 — The Jewish Woman and the Torah Community Women have been responsible for the perpetuation of Jewish ideals and religious beliefs throughout our history. […]
June 1, 1999

Synagogue Activities 1999

Jun 1, 1999 — Synagogue Activities The Orthodox synagogue remains the focal point of Orthodox communal life. Educational programming that stimulates and challenges synagogue members of every […]
June 1, 1999

Support for the Family 1999

Jun 1, 1999 — Support for the Family Throughout history, Judaism has placed a primary emphasis on the family. From timein1ffiemorial, it is in the family setting. […]
June 1, 1999

School Choice 1999

Jun 1, 1999 — School Choice The RCA favors educational choice programs. We believe that the Jewish community hastraditionally been committed to principles that should lead it […]
June 1, 1999

Religion and State 1999

Jun 1, 1999 — Religion and State As Jews, we are particularly sensitive to the relationship between “church and state” in American society. In particular, we appreciate […]
June 1, 1999

Jewish Education and Outreach 1999

Jun 1, 1999 — Jewish Education and Outreach There is much to be done. Most Jewish children do not receive any formal Jewish education, special education remains […]
June 1, 1999

Israeli Religious Integrity and the North American Jewish Community 1999

Jun 1, 1999 — Israeli Religious Integrity and the North American Jewish Community It has become increasingly prevalent for North American Jewish organizations to publicly interfere in […]
June 1, 1999

International Religious Persecution 1999

Jun 1, 1999 — International Religious Persecution In recent years, the scourge of persecution based on religion has become more widespread. Around the globe, many people of […]
June 1, 1999

Human Law and Dignity 1999

Jun 1, 1999 — Human Law and Dignity Jewish law commands us to uphold tile dignity of all workers regardless of their station or task. Relations between […]
June 1, 1999

Health Care Reform 1999

Jun 1, 1999 — Health Care Reform The RCA welcomes meaningful health care reform that expands the availability of quality health care. Health care is an issue […]
June 1, 1999

Engery Policy 1999

Jun 1, 1999 — Energy Policy The United States has become an energy dependent nation, vulnerable to the oil producing nations and cartels. The issue of energy […]
June 1, 1999

Communal Propriety 1999

Jun 1, 1999 — Communal Propriety The social and cultural norms of the society that surrounds us have, sadly enough, impacted on our community. Extravagant personal consumption […]
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