Chai Elul 5784 – September 22, 2024

#1) PROPOSAL TO FORM A NATIONAL FEDERATION OF PARENTS

The Rabbinical Alliance of America – IGUD proposes the launching of a National Federation of Parents to direct all educational institutions, with a set of guidelines for school educators and administrators, so that all curricula adhere to basic and fundamental ethical principles, known as “Family Values,” in protecting the development of our nation’s students. The National Federation of Parents will serve to correct and redirect our educational institutions away from the “woke agenda” in all forms or content, namely printed or live instruction. We envision the National Federation of Parents to be comprised of all who respect Biblical Values, which are the bedrock of our great American Republic. 

#2) RESPECTING THE AUTONOMY OF YESHIVA EDUCATION

“Do not touch My anointed ones, and do not harm My prophets. (Psalms 105:15) “Anointed Ones” — these are the children studying the Torah at School (Talmud Shabbat 119:2)

The Rabbinical Alliance of America – IGUD calls upon the City of New York and the Department of Education to cease and desist from all actions aimed at meddling with the educational curriculum in use at yeshivas and day schools throughout the five boroughs.

The separation of religion and state and the freedom for parental choice as it pertains to schooling and education, is a sacrosanct and inviolable right, and deserving of regard.

We call upon the New York City Council to legislate all possible financial support, i.e., busing, school lunch programs, grants for facility enhancements, and security to these schools that are independently educating law-abiding and productive citizens.

#3) A CALL TO JEWISH FEDERATIONS TO INCREASE FINANCIAL SUPPORT OF JEWISH DAY SCHOOLS & HIGH SCHOOL INSTITUTIONS

The RAA/IGUD applauds the vital work and philanthropy of the UJA Federation of Greater New York. Much good is done every day by the Federation’s social welfare programs in aiding the poor, people with disabilities, and the disadvantaged.

In prior annual convocations, the Rabbinical Alliance of America/IGUD– has called on JEWISH FEDERATIONS across the country to at once increase their budgetary support of YESHIVA DAY SCHOOL institutions by a minimum of 30%.

#4) IN SUPPORT OF THE OFFICE OF THE CHIEF RABBINATE 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. 

It is of necessity that the Chief Rabbinate remain the exclusive authority of all matters of GIYUR (conversion) and matters of religious identity and personal status, MARRIAGE & DIVORCE, as well as all matters of KASHRUTH as 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.

#5) IN SUPPORT OF THE STATE AND PEOPLE OF ISRAEL

With great concern, the RAA/IGUD calls upon all people of goodwill to raise their voices in support of Israel and the Israel Defense Forces in their struggle for survival. The year-long war has placed an unbearable burden upon the people of Israel. At present, tens of thousands of Israeli citizens are displaced from their homes in the south and north of Israel. Moreover, tens of thousands of reserve soldiers are absent from their families and businesses. Thousands of innocent Israeli civilians have been murdered and injured, and hostages taken as the world is mostly silent.

The RAA/IGUD supports Israel to vanquish HAMAS and HEZBOLLAH and the terrorist entity of the PLO. It is the moral and ethical right, as based upon the TORAH, to eradicate HAMAS and its supporters, and to bring the innocent hostages, now being held by the terrorists, home. 

It is not the purview of the RAA to interfere in political matters within Israel, however it is the responsibility of the RAA/IGUD to call for a cessation of the harmful and polarizing demonstrations that do not allow the government to focus on winning the war for all its citizens. We maintain that change is achieved through elections and not through the demonization of CHAREIDIM and Torah observant Jewry.

#6) A CALL FOR A MOMENT OF SILENCE IN ALL U.S. PUBLIC SCHOOLS

The RAA/IGUD reiterates its call to the administration and the Department of Education to support a nationwide directive for a Moment of Silence at the commencement of each school day — helping teachers and students to silently reflect on the Creator and faith in a Higher Being.

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.

#7) RECOGNITION OF THE ERETZ HAKODESH WORK in ISRAEL & DIASPORA

We are thankful that our esteemed member, Rabbi Pesach Lerner, has done and continues to conduct yeoman’s contributions to American and Israeli Jewry, through his work within the ERETZ HAKODESH SECTOR of the Jewish Agency. We wish him continued success in these endeavors.

#8) RECOGNITION OF THE COALITION OF JEWISH VALUES

The RAA/IGUD wishes to applaud once again the effective work of the CJV (Coalition of Jewish Values), a national organization being the voice of some 2,500 Orthodox rabbis, chaplains, and educators, (many of them members of the RAA) who serve with diligence coast to coast in these great United States of America.

#9) VOTING IN NATIONAL AND LOCAL ELECTIONS IS A RELIGIOUS DUTY

Adhering to the urging of our Torah Sages of yesteryear (Rabbi Moshe Feinstein, OBM) and current great Torah luminaries of our day, we call upon all citizens to register and to vote in the upcoming elections on November 5, 2024. Much will depend upon the outcome of elections vis a vis Israel, Family Values, and security of our institutions. It is a sacred duty to vote and encourage an administration that is in keeping with the Seven Universal Laws of Noah, that discourages abortion of a viable fetus, not posing a danger to its mother, as well as alternative marriage, and the disparagement of living a life of faith rooted in the belief of the Creator.    

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With blessings & prayers for a good & sweet New Year
with complete redemption with MOSHIACH, Amen.

Authored and submitted by Rabbi Yehoshua S. Hecht – Norwalk /Westport Connecticut
Member of the Rabbinical Alliance Presidium & Chai Elul Convocation Chairperson ###