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Frequently Asked Questions about the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism

The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism
Rapaport House
820 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10017-4504
(212) 533-7800

What is The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism?

The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, founded in 1913 as the United Synagogue of America, is the association of Conservative congregations in North America, today consisting of approximately 700 affiliated synagogues.

What are the United Synagogue's goals?

As described in the preamble to its Constitution, they are "The advancement of the cause of Judaism in America and the maintenance of Jewish tradition in its historic continuity; to assert and establish loyalty to the Torah in its historic exposition; to further the observance of Sabbath and the dietary laws; to preserve in the service the reference to Israel's past and the hopes for her restoration; to maintain the traditional character of the liturgy, with Hebrew as the language of prayer; to foster Jewish religious schools, in the curricula of which the study of the Hebrew language and literature shall be given a prominent place..."

When and where did the Conservative movement originate?

The Conservative movement began in Germany in the middle of the nineteenth century and centered around the Jewish Theological Seminary of Breslau, which was founded in 1854 and directed during its first two decades by Zecharias Frankel (1801-1875).

What prompted the creation of the Conservative movement?

The catalyst was a protest against the perceived excesses of the Reform movement, but the Conservative movement's founders were not interested in merely preserving Judaism exactly as they received it. They knew that a living organism cannot remain static, and that change, whether it leads to growth or to decay, is inevitable. They sought to guide Jewish life in a manner that would allow for necessary changes without destroying or impairing its essential tradition and historical continuity

Is there a body for the creation of Conservative Jewish law?

The Rabbinical Assembly's Committee on Jewish Law and Standards is the Conservative movement's authority on Jewish law. United Synagogue has both lay and rabbinic representatives on this body.

Are there rules that relate specifically to congregations?

Recognizing congregations' responsibility  to teach Judaism by example as well as by precept, and moved by the desire to guide congregations in standards of conduct that exemplify and reflect Jewish traditions and values, many years ago United Synagogue established its standards for congregational practice, which are reviewed annually and amended at biennial conventions as necessary.

How is United Synagogue structured?

United Synagogue is a grassroots organization. At its base are the affiliated synagogues, whose delegates elect the central officers and board of directors in odd-numbered years at the biennial convention. Congregations are grouped within geographic regions, where they elect their own regional officers and directors. The regions are the vehicle through which congregations can become directly involved in the work of the organization. Regional offices provide services and direction in all of the areas listed below.

What are some of the services United Synagogue offers its affiliated congregations?

How can I get involved?

We always look for feedback from members of our affiliated congregations. If you have suggestions, or wish to become more active in our work, please email or phone your regional office or write to the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, Rapaport House, 820 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10017; (212) 533-7800; info@uscjl.org.

Some Other Conservative Movement Organizations:

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