Domestic Violence (1993)

WHEREAS, there is an alarming increase in domestic violence; and

WHEREAS, Judaism teaches that all human beings were made in the image of God; and

WHEREAS, home should be a haven, the place where each person can count on being valued and protected; and

WHEREAS, violence in the family is not deserved, but is an abuse of power and is wrong; and

WHEREAS, both victims and perpetrators of domestic violence are often too embarrassed, ashamed, and/or humiliated to seek professional help; and

WHEREAS, a synagogue should be a place for teaching restraint, decency, and reverence.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that THE UNITED SYNAGOGUE OF CONSERVATIVE JUDAISM calls upon affiliated congregations to directly address domestic violence within the community and offer active support to those who have endured abuse, threats and humiliation; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that THE UNITED SYNAGOGUE OF CONSERVATIVE JUDAISM supports legislation that would provide funds to train police, prosecutors and judges and for education programs in schools to focus on all victims of domestic violence; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that THE UNITED SYNAGOGUE OF CONSERVATIVE JUDAISM encourages all synagogue professionals - rabbis, cantors, educators, and youth leaders - to be sensitive to the problem, and further encourages rabbis to speak on this subject from the pulpit in order to empower victims of domestic violence to contact the rabbi and/or seek other assistance.