November 26, 2024

Rabbinical Council of America Condemns Canada’s Compliance with ICC Indictment

November 26, 2025 The Rabbinical Council of America (RCA) has issued a rebuke of Canada’s decision to comply with the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) indictment of […]
June 29, 2022

RCA Response to the Supreme Court’s Decision on Roe vs Wade

June 29, 2022 – The recent decision by the United States Supreme Court to overturn Roe vs Wade has elicited intense emotions ranging from elation to despair. […]
October 11, 2021

RCA Protests Ban on Kosher and Halal Slaughter

October 5, 2021 – The Rabbinical Council of America, the leading membership organization of orthodox rabbis in North America, strongly protests the Constitutional Court of Belgium’s […]
July 21, 2021

RCA Condemns Ben and Jerry’s Policy Supporting BDS

July 20, 2021 – The Rabbinical Council of America, the leading membership organization of orthodox rabbis in North America, condemns the latest expression of the BDS […]
December 28, 2020

RCA Protests EU’s Ban on Shechitah Without Stunning

December 28, 2020 – The Rabbinical Council of America, North America’s leading membership organization of orthodox rabbis in North America, strongly protests the European Union Court […]
December 15, 2020

COVID-19 Vaccine Guidance

December 15, 2020 – Presented by the Orthodox Union and the Rabbinical Council of America Click here for the full PDF This is shared based on […]
October 29, 2020

RCA Calls for Respect During Election Season

October 29, 2020 At this time of unbridled political debate and heated rhetoric on the eve of the election, the Rabbinical Council of America calls on […]
August 17, 2020

RCA Guide to Tefillot for Rosh Hashanah During COVID

August 17, 2020 Planning davening this year for theYamim Nora’im is quite a challenge. We need to make difficult (and heart-wrenching) decisions as to how long […]
April 30, 2020

Recording: Contracts and COVID-19

April 30, 2020 – with thanks to the Beth Din of America When a highly unexpected event happens, a party’s contractual obligations may become difficult, unprofitable […]
April 6, 2020

In Memory of the Jewish Victims of COVID-19

April 6, 2020 – with thanks to Rav David Katz The coronavirus prevents Jewish people from mourning their loved ones according to the ancient practices of […]
April 6, 2020

Q & A on Inyanei Pesach and the Coronavirus with Rav Willig

April 6, 2020 Click here to watch
April 2, 2020

Managing Anxiety in an Anxiety-Provoking Situation

April 1, 2020 – New York State Office of Mental Health Click here for more information The outbreak of COVID-19 around the world has led to […]
April 2, 2020

Coronavirus Divrei Torah Ideas for the Seder

April 2, 2020 – Rabbi Aaron Goldscheider A Quarantine Seder: 7 Insights to Uplift Your Seder This Seder night will be very different from years past. […]
April 1, 2020

Divrei Chizuk and Q&A on Pesach and the Coronavirus

April 1, 2020 The following is a summary from the Q&A session with HaRav Nebenzhal Shlita on פ“תש אדר ז“כ) March 22 2020) regarding the coronavirus. […]
March 23, 2020

Current Guidelines for Quarantine

March 23, 2020 Click here to read the current guidelines; please note these guidelines are subject to change.
January 29, 2020

Joint Statement by the OU and RCA on the Mideast Peace Framework

January 29, 2020 – The respective leaderships of the Orthodox Union, the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish umbrella organization, and Rabbinical Council of America, the nation’s largest […]
January 15, 2020

Firearms and the Faithful: Approaches to Armed Security in Jewish Communities

A Message from Michael Masters, National Director and CEO of the Secure Community Network. Click here to view recording of special update on matters of security […]
December 30, 2019

The RCA Condemns Latest Anti-Semitic Attack in Monsey, NY

December 30, 2019 – The Rabbinical Council of America, the leading membership organization of orthodox rabbis in North America, expresses its deep anguish and concern following […]
November 20, 2019

RCA Welcomes US Statement on Legality of Israeli Settlements

November 20, 2019 The Rabbinical Council of America, the leading membership organization of orthodox rabbis in North America, welcomes the announcement affirming, as a matter of […]
August 5, 2019

The Rabbinical Council of America Expresses Shock at Shootings in El Paso and Dayton

August 4, 2019 The Rabbinical Council of America, the leading organization of orthodox rabbis in North America, expresses its shock and dismay at the mass shootings […]
July 22, 2019

URGE YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS TO SUPPORT BIPARTISAN ANTI-BDS RESOLUTION

July 22, 2019 ACTION ALERT URGE YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS TO SUPPORT BIPARTISAN ANTI-BDS RESOLUTION BACKGROUND:Israel continues to face threats from the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) […]
July 8, 2019

Rabbinical Council of America and Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America Express Deep Concern over Closing of Centuries-old Synagogue in Poland

July 8, 2019 The Rabbinical Council of America, the leading body of Orthodox rabbis in North America, and the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America, […]
April 28, 2019

The Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America, Rabbinical Council of America (RCA) Express Sympathy to Family of Lori Gilbert Kaye, z”l, Murdered in San Diego Synagogue Attack

April 28, 2019 ~ 23 Nisan 5779 The Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America and the Rabbinical Council of America express their deepest sympathy to […]
April 25, 2019

Statement by Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America, Rabbinical Council of America on Terror Attacks in Sri Lanka

April 25, 2019 ~ 20 Nissan 5779 The Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America and Rabbinical Council of America express deep condolences to the families […]
March 15, 2019

RCA Condemns Attacks on New Zealand Mosques

March 15, 2019 The Rabbinical Council of America, the leading organization of orthodox rabbis in North America, mourns the loss of innocent lives in the massacre […]
March 14, 2019

Israel In the Media (1991)

RCA Urges Members and their Congregations to Actively Combat Media Bias Against of Israel Jun 1, 1991 — Whereas the media had a special mandate to convey […]
March 13, 2019

Fetus Sex Selection

Rabbinical Council of America Issues Halakhic Perspective on Guidelines of Fetus Sex Selection Sep 14, 1998 — Rabbi Moshe D. Tendler, Ph.D, Chairman of the Bio-Ethics Commission […]
March 13, 2019

RCA re-issues the Halachic Living Will

Mar 28, 2005 — Created a number of years ago in response to growing need, the RCA Living Will has become the standard for concerned Jews […]
March 13, 2019

Fire Safety in Jewish Community

RCA Reiterates Importance of Fire Safety on Shabbat and Holidays (Newark, NJ) May 17, 2005 — Whereas there have been many tragic fires caused by the […]
November 20, 2018

RCA Condemns Discriminatory Airbnb Policy in Judea and Samaria

Nov. 20, 2018 — The Rabbinical Council of America, the leading organization of orthodox rabbis in North America, protests Airbnb’s recent announcement to “remove listings in Israeli settlements […]
November 14, 2018

RCA-OU Statement Regarding Vaccinations

Nov. 14, 2018 – Orthodox Jewish parents, like responsible parents across the United States, overwhelmingly vaccinate their children against measles, mumps, rubella, polio and the other childhood diseases […]
November 8, 2018

The RCA Condemns Attack in Thousand Oaks, CA

Nov. 8, 2018 – The Rabbinical Council of America, the leading membership organization of orthodox rabbis in North America, joins a shocked nation as a gunman killed 12 people at a bar in […]
November 7, 2018

RCA Condemns Presumptuous Theological Justifications of Pittsburgh Massacre

Nov. 7, 2018 – The Rabbinical Council of America, the leading membership organization of orthodox rabbis in North America, notes that in the aftermath of the Pittsburgh tragedy […]
October 27, 2018

Joint OU and RCA Statement on the Synagogue Shooting in Pittsburgh

Oct. 27, 2018 – The Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America and the Rabbinical Council of America express their deepest sympathy to the families of those […]
October 15, 2018

RCA Thank You Letter to Ambassador Nikki Haley

September 17, 2018

The RCA Mourns the Murder of Ari Fuld by a Palestinian Terrorist

Sept. 17, 2018 –  The Rabbinical Council of America, the leading organization of orthodox rabbis in North America, expresses its profound grief and outrage over the murder […]
June 20, 2018

The Rabbinical Council of America on“zero-tolerance” separating children from their migrant parents when they cross the border.

Jun 20, 2018 — The Rabbinical Council of America joins dozens of Jewish organizations “to express our strong opposition to the recently expanded “zero-tolerance” policy that […]
June 18, 2018

Coalition of Pro-Israel Organizations Applaud New Bill Introduced in House to Protect U.S. Businesses from BDS Pressure

June 18, 2018 – The Rabbinical Council of America, the World Jewish Congress (WJC), The Lawfare Project (a legal think tank and litigation fund committed to protecting the […]
May 15, 2018

Letter of Thanks to President Trump Regarding the Move of the US Embassy to Jerusalem

January 8, 2018

2009 Convention Resolution: Importance of Day School Education Opposes Charter Schools, Urges Community to Increase Funds to Day Schools, and Urges Day Schools to Reduce Costs

The current global financial downturn has adversely affected Jewish communities far and wide. One potentially devastating result, for younger families, is the challenge of affording Jewish […]
December 6, 2017

The RCA Welcomes US Official Recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s Capital

Dec. 6, 2017 – The Rabbinical Council of America, the leading organization of orthodox rabbis in North America, commends President Trump and his administration for formally […]
November 28, 2017

2016 Resolution: Raising the Banner of Modern Orthodoxy

Whereas for generations, the Rabbinical Council of America, its members, and their communities have played, and today continue to play, an integral role in Jewish life […]
November 6, 2017

The RCA on the Sutherland Springs, TX

The Rabbinical Council of America, the leading organization of orthodox rabbis in North America, joins its fellow citizens in expressing its outrage over the massacre at […]
October 3, 2017

The RCA on the Las Vegas Massacre

The Rabbinical Council of America, the leading membership organization of Orthodox rabbis in North America, expresses its outrage and sadness over the senseless murder of 59 […]
October 2, 2017

2014 Resolution: Gun Violence in America

In response to the terrible proliferation of fatal shootings in the United States that result in part from Americans’ easy access to lethal weapons, a brief […]
August 22, 2017

An Open Letter to the Charlottesville Jewish Community

To the Jewish Community of Charlottesville, VA: As we usher in this Shabbat just one week after the violent and deadly racist and anti-Semitic events in […]
August 22, 2017

2015 RCA resolution condemning racism

A reminder about the 2015 RCA resolution condemning racism. Please share with your communities. http://www.rabbis.org/news/article.cfm?id=105832 Oct 30, 2015 — Formally adopted by a direct vote of […]
January 30, 2017

2016 Resolution: Defending Religious Liberty

Whereas the United States and Canada have long assigned the highest priority to protecting freedom of religion, even when the tenets of minority religions have conflicted […]
January 30, 2017

RCA Condemns Attack on Quebec Mosque

The Rabbinical Council of America, the leading organization of orthodox rabbis in North America, condemns Sunday’s attack on the Quebec Islamic Cultural Center, an attack which […]
January 29, 2017

RCA and OU Respond to Executive Order

In response to the Executive Order signed Friday by President Trump, the RCA and OU reaffirm the principles of the joint statement we issued in December, 2015. We […]
January 26, 2017

2016 Resolution: Anti-Semitic Intimidation on North American College and University Campuses

Whereas in 2014, the last period for which figures have been released by the FBI, Jews were the objects of 57 percent of hate crimes against […]
January 26, 2017

2016 Resolution: World Jewry’s Responsibility to Strengthen Israel

Whereas the Land of Israel (Eretz Yisrael) is the eternal national homeland of the Jewish people, and the State of Israel (Medinat Yisrael) is the contemporary […]
January 18, 2017

2016 Resolution: Regarding the Seating of Men and Women on Airplanes

Whereas some Orthodox Jewish men, on their own or with the assistance of airplane personnel, ask women to move from their pre-assigned seats so that these […]
January 10, 2017

Help Save the Old Jewish Cemetery in Vilna

I don’t ordinarily get involved in signing petitions, but this is a matter that cries out for protest against the massive desecration that is about to […]
January 10, 2017

RCA Condemns Terror Attack at Armon HaNatziv

The Rabbinical Council of America, the leading organization of Orthodox rabbis in North America, expresses its outrage at the recent terror attack at the Haas Promenade […]
December 29, 2016

RCA/OU on Kerry UN Speech: Failing to Defend the Indefensible

The leaderships of the Orthodox Union (the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish umbrella organization) and the Rabbinical Council of America (the leading Orthodox rabbinic organization in North […]
December 27, 2016

2016 Resolution: Opposing Physician Assisted Death

Whereas some individuals facing terminal illness with significantly diminished quality of life express a desire to end their suffering and the suffering of their loved ones; […]
December 26, 2016

RCA Calls for Support and Visits to Israel in Response to UN Resolution

The Rabbinical Council of America, the leading organization of orthodox rabbis in North America, denounces the most recent United Nations Security Council Resolution which defines as […]
December 21, 2016

2016 Resolution: Caring for Those with Mental Health Challenges in Our Communities

Whereas psychological and psychiatric conditions are common sources of human suffering among all populations which can significantly impact the lives not only of those who have […]
December 14, 2016

Praying for Aleppo

As we watch helplessly from afar, a humanitarian catastrophe is unfolding in Syria and in particular the city of Aleppo. The New York Times reports ” […]
December 12, 2016

2016 Resolution: Supporting Converts Within Our Community

Whereas as the Torah commands us to “love the convert” (e.g., Leviticus 19:34, Deuteronomy 10:19); and, Whereas the Torah warns against the mistreatment of a convert […]
December 8, 2016

RCA President and Av Beit Din Sign Letter Regarding Yosef Mizrachi

Rabbi Gedalia Dov Schwartz (RCA, cRc, BDA), Rabbi Shalom Baum (RCA President) and other RCA members join other prominent Orthodox rabbis in letter criticizing Yosef Mizrachi […]
December 5, 2016

2016 Resolution: In Support of the Beth Din of America

Whereas the Beth Din of America is recognized as one of the most respected, professional and trustworthy batei din (courts of Jewish law), whose rulings are […]
December 5, 2016

2016 Resolution: Shabbat and Presidential Primaries / Caucuses

Whereas in some states, presidential primaries and caucuses have taken place on a Saturday; and Whereas Americans who observe the Jewish Sabbath are not permitted by […]
November 29, 2016

2016 Resolution: Principled and Pastoral Reflections on Sanctity and Sexuality

Nov 29, 2016 — As rabbis of Orthodox Jewish communities, we are obligated to offer halachic, spiritual and emotional support to all of the members of our […]
November 29, 2016

2016 Resolution: Communal Funding of Jewish Education

Whereas Jewish education is and has always been essential to the perpetuation of our people and its sacred mesorah; and, Whereas many studies indicate a statistically […]
November 24, 2016

RCA Denounces Death Threats Against Reform Leaders

The Rabbinical Council of America, the leading organization of Orthodox rabbis in North America, is outraged at the hateful graffiti and threats of death and violence […]
November 23, 2016

Thanksgiving Message from the Rabbinical Council of America

The Rabbinical Council of America, the leading organization of Orthodox rabbis in the United States, calls upon all Americans to join us in expressing our feelings […]
November 14, 2016

The RCA Congratulates President Elect Donald J. Trump

The Rabbinical Council of America, the leading organization of Orthodox rabbis in North America, congratulates Mr. Donald J. Trump on his election as the 45th president […]
October 19, 2016

2016 Resolution: Supporting Israel in the Face of Violence

Whereas anti-Semitism is rampant in Palestinian society, incited by many Muslim political, cultural and religious leaders, among other causes; and Whereas as a result of this […]
October 11, 2016

RCA and OU Defend Free Practice of Religion

The Rabbinical Council of America and the Orthodox Union voice their concern regarding a US District Court decision which could further limit the free practice of […]
September 29, 2016

2016 Resolution: Expectations of Public Officials

Whereas public officials and the process by which they are elected are of foundational importance to the proper functioning of democratic nations; and, Whereas the electorate […]
September 28, 2016

On the Passing of Shimon Peres, z”l

The Rabbinical Council of America, the leading organization of Orthodox rabbis in North America, mourns the death of former Prime Minister and President of the State […]
September 23, 2016

RCA Protests Chief Rabbinate’s Decision on Converts

The Rabbinical Council of America strongly objects to the latest decisions of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel’s office rejecting the endorsement of leading rabbinic figures in […]
September 22, 2016

2016 Resolution: Requiring the Use of Prenuptial Agreements for the Prevention of Get-refusal

Whereas our tradition celebrates married couples living together in peace and harmony, in love and devotion all of their lives; and, Whereas the Torah recognizes that […]
September 6, 2016

RCA Mourns Death of Rabbi Shaar Yashuv Cohen

The Rabbinical Council of America, the leading organization of Orthodox rabbis in North America, mourns the death of Rabbi Shaar Yashuv Cohen, former Chief Rabbi of […]
July 3, 2016

RCA Mourns the Death of Elie Wiesel

The Rabbinical Council of America, the leading organization of Orthodox rabbis, joins together with Jews and others across the world in grief and reverence upon the […]
June 24, 2016

RCA Statement on Status of Convert in Israel

The Rabbinical Council of America, the leading organization of orthodox rabbis in North America, appreciates and supports the efforts of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel to […]
June 14, 2016

RCA Condemns Terror Attack in Orlando

The Rabbinical Council of America, the leading organization of Orthodox rabbis in North America, expresses its shock at the hate filled terrorist attack in Orlando that […]
June 9, 2016

The Rabbinical Council of America Condemns Palestinian Terror Attacks

The Rabbinical Council of America, the leading organization of Orthodox rabbis in North America, strongly condemns the terror attack in central Tel Aviv last evening and […]
March 15, 2016

Between Jerusalem & Rome

RCA Commemorates 50th Anniversary of Nostra Aetate March, 2016 The RCA has been involved in meetings with the Catholic Church for decades, guided by the principles […]
February 15, 2016

OU/RCA on the Passing of Associate Justice Antonin Scalia

Today, the leaders of the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America – the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish umbrella organization – and the Rabbinical Council of […]
January 19, 2016

RCA on Recent Murderous Attacks Against Innocent Israelis

The Rabbinical Council of America expresses its grief and outrage over the continued terrorist attacks perpetrated against innocent Israelis. The latest attacks include the brutal murder […]
December 24, 2015

RCA Condemns Calls for Revenge

The Rabbinical Council of America expresses its outrage over recent reports of the dancing, singing and celebration of the murder of Ali Dawabshe in the Duma […]
December 10, 2015

The Rabbinical Council of America and Orthodox Union Reject Religious Test for Immigration

The Rabbinical Council of America (RCA) and the Orthodox Union (OU) reject calls to limit immigration to the United States based on religion. Allen Fagin, executive […]
November 20, 2015

The Rabbinical Council of America Denounces Terrorist Murders of Ezra Schwartz and Other Innocents

The Rabbinical Council of America, the largest Orthodox rabbinical organization in North America, condemns the recent attacks by Palestinian terrorists which claimed the lives of five […]
November 16, 2015

RCA Condemns ISIS Terror Attack in Paris

The Rabbinical Council of America adds its voice to the condemnation of the terrorist attacks perpetrated in Paris which claimed the lives of more than 129 […]
October 31, 2015

2015 Resolution: RCA Policy Concerning Women Rabbis

Formally adopted by a direct vote of the RCA membership, the full text of “RCA Policy Concerning Women Rabbis” states: Whereas, after much deliberation and discussion […]
October 30, 2015

2015 Resolution: ORA; Kayama; and, Illegal Halachic Remarriages

Formally adopted by a direct vote of the RCA membership, the full text of “ORA; Kayama; and, Illegal Halachic Remarriages” states: Whereas the Rabbinical Council of […]
October 30, 2015

2015 Resolution: Combating the BDS Movement

Formally adopted by a direct vote of the RCA membership, the full text of “Combating the BDS Movement” states: Whereas the Jewish people has maintained a […]
October 30, 2015

2015 Resolution: “Torah Proclamation on Racism”

Formally adopted by a direct vote of the RCA membership, the full text of “Torah Proclamation on Racism” states: Whereas the Bible teaches that all humans […]
October 14, 2015

The Rabbinical Council of America Condemns Palestinian Terror Attacks

The Rabbinical Council of America, the largest organization of Orthodox rabbis, strongly condemns the terrorist violence against Israeli citizens and those who perpetrate it, as well […]
July 31, 2015

RCA Condemns West Bank Arson

The Rabbinical Council of America, the largest Orthodox rabbinical organization, strongly condemns the vigilante arson attack on a Palestinian home in Duma, a village in Samaria […]
July 31, 2015

RCA and OU Condemn Stabbings At Jerusualem’s Gay Pride Parade

The Union of Orthodox Congregations of America and the Rabbinical Council of America strongly condemn today’s stabbing of six people at Jerusalem’s Gay Pride Parade as […]
July 15, 2015

OU/RCA Statement: “We Have Assessed Proposed Iran Deal and Found it Wanting – Preparing to Mobilize Synagogues Across the U.S.”

In the wake of announcements by the government of the United States, its five negotiating partners and the Iranian regime of a deal with regard to […]
July 7, 2015

RCA Reasserts its Embrace of All Jews, Regardless of Belief or Observance

The Rabbinical Council of America, the largest association representing Orthodox rabbis, reiterates the well-known position of halachic Judaism, that all Jews, regardless of their observance or […]
June 26, 2015

RCA Protests Court Ruling on Same Sex Marriage

The Rabbinical Council of America expresses deep concern over today’s ruling of the Supreme Court of the United States regarding same-sex marriage. While recognizing the civil […]
June 24, 2015

13 Jewish Groups Call for Shabbat of Solidarity with African-American Community

In response to the racist shootings in Charleston, SC, a wide spectrum of Jewish organizations is coming together to call for a “Shabbat of Unity” as […]
June 18, 2015

RCA Condemns Arson of Church in Israel

The Rabbinical Council of America, the largest membership association of Orthodox rabbis, is appalled to learn about the heavy damage caused by arson of the historic […]
June 18, 2015

RCA Condolences to Emanuel AME Church, Charleston, SC

The following letter has been sent to the Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, SC, in the wake of the horrific shootings there: To the Members of […]
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