Chai Elul Eve 5782 – September 13, 2022
by Rabbi Yehoshua S. Hecht – Convocation Chairman
#1) MANDATE A MOMENT OF SILENCE IN ALL PUBLIC SCHOOLS
The RAA reiterates its call to the Federal Government in Washington D.C. and the Department of Education, to support a nationwide directive for a Moment of Silence at the commencement of each new school day — facilitating teachers and students, to silently reflect on the Creator and faith in a Higher Being.
This will assist all citizens to lead a more exemplary life, resulting in respect and caring for others; knowing that there is an “Eye that Sees and an Ear that Hears” all our deeds and words.
As Rabbis and spiritual leaders of communities throughout the USA, we call for the Moment of Silence to be held at all public educational institutions beginning with elementary through university and college level, assuring the wellbeing of our children and adults.
#2) A CALL TO JEWISH FEDERATIONS & PHILANTHROPHIC FOUNDATIONS TO INCREASE FINANCIAL SUPPORT OF JEWISH DAY SCHOOLS & HIGH SCHOOL INSTITUTIONS
As in the past two convocations the Rabbinical Alliance of America – Igud Harabonim – calls on JEWISH FEDERATIONS across the country to immediately increase their budgetary support of YESHIVA DAY SCHOOLS institutions by a minimum of 50% for fiscal year 2022/23.
At last review, the UJA of Greater New York, the largest Jewish Federation in the USA, with hundreds of millions available in budgetary and philanthropic disbursements, has lagged significantly in providing funds in support of the Yeshivah Day School in the NY metro area.
#3) IN SUPPORT OF THE CHIEF RABBININATE OF ISRAEL
The Rabbinical Alliance of America – Igud Harabonim reiterates their wide-ranging support of the institution and office of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel headed by the venerable Chief Rabbi HaGaon Rav Dovid Lau and the venerable Chief Rabbi HaGaon Chacham Yitzchak Yosef; may they continue to lead Israel and the Jewish people in good health and success.
It is of necessity that the Chief Rabbinate remain the exclusive authority of all matters pertaining to GIYUR (conversion) and matters pertaining to religious identity and personal status, MARRIAGE & DIVORCE as well as all matters of KASHRUTH as indicated and codified in the Code of Jewish Law – Halacha.
The time hallowed and established heritage and customs of our people (Halacha) serves to unite and preserve the unity and integrity of the Jewish people of all backgrounds and levels of observance. In fact, these standards continue to unite the world Jewish community and keep at bay assimilation and intermarriage.
#4) THE LEGITIMATE VOICE OF AMERICAN JEWRY
The Rabbinical Alliance of America founded in 1942 recognizes a vibrant Jewish present, past and future. With misgivings, we must state that the current panoply of communal organizations, who claim their legitimacy from days past, do not reflect the Jewish concerns at present, nor do they represent authentic Jewish values. Their leadership are misinformed, misdirected and alarmingly also a liability for the Jewish people here in America and Israel. Support of American values – spiritual values – particularly family values, is essential.
The RAA is an authentic and responsible voice of the American Rabbinate addressing the Jewish community’s concerns. Matters that touch upon the SEVEN UNIVERSAL LAWS OF NOAH as they pertain to the social issues affecting society, are the guiding principles for the issuing of public statements. The opinions we espouse are those based exclusively upon Torah and Mitzvah loyalty.
#5) RECOGNITION OF THE ERETZ HAKODESH WORK in ISRAEL & DIASPORA
As the Rabbinical Alliance of America, marks its eightieth anniversary since its founding in 1942 -5702, we express thanks to the Creator for all His kindnesses.
We are especially thankful for our esteemed member Rabbi Pesach Lerner, a well-known and steadfast leader within the Jewish community. We are honored to recognize him for his yeoman contributions to American and Israeli Jewry, through his work within the ERETZ HAKODESH SECTOR of the Jewish Agency. We who are cognizant of his achievements for KLAL YISROEL, mostly behind the scenes, and of his wise and steady leadership, wish him many more healthy years so that the authentic Jewish voice continue to be heard, without rancor nor timidity.
With blessings and prayers for a good and sweet New Year and a year of redemption with Moshiach, Amen