Social Justice

RAC.ORG

The Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, lead by Rabbi David Saperstein, is the Washington, DC, office of the Union for Reform Judaism (Union). The RAC has been the hub of Jewish social justice and legislative activity in the nation’s capital for more than 40 years. The RAC educates and mobilizes the American Jewish community on legislative and social concerns, advocating on issues from economic justice to civil rights to religious liberty to Israel.

The RAC’s work is mandated by the Union for Reform Judaism, whose 900+ congregations across North America include 1.5 million Reform Jews, and the Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR), whose membership includes more than 1,800 Reform rabbis. Representatives of these two organizations, as well as the Union’s affiliates, comprise the Commission on Social Action (CSA) and govern the RAC’s policy positions.

Shabbat Tzedek: 50 Years in Pursuit of Justice with the Religious Action Center

January 14-17, 2011
Raise your voice for social justice! Join congregations across North America in weaving a tribute to the RAC’s 50th Anniversary and the Reform Movement’s commitment to social justice into your Shabbat Shira and Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend programming.

For music and program ideas, take a look at the RAC's liturgical, historical, and programmatic materials, including resources specifically designed for cantors (featuring a program on “Music in the Civil Rights Movement” and a list of social-justice themed songs).

2010 Passover Message from Rabbi David Saperstein recounting his work on Health Care Reform

Election Guidelines

The RAC (Religious Action Center for Reform Judaism) document - dosandontsfinal – identifies the boundaries of political engagement for all not for profit institutions/organizations. The clear line of demarcation is partisanship. The ACC and synagogues run the risk of losing their not for profit status when they fail to abide by these guidelines. Please take the time in this month leading up to the general elections to acquaint yourselves with the details, encourage your congregants to vote, discuss issues (not people).