Hekhsher Tzedek (2007)

WHEREAS, it is the stated mission of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism to motivate Conservative Jews to perform mitzvot encompassing ethical and ritual observance

WHEREAS, Kashrut is a core value of the Conservative movement

WHEREAS, we understand that kashrut teaches reverence for life and humane treatment of animals (See James M. Lebeau, Jewish Dietary Laws: Sanctify Life, New York, NY: United Synagogue of America, Department of Youth Activities, 1983, inter alia)

WHEREAS, the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism continues to express its commitment to social justice, including the 2002 Resolution, “Continued Responsibility for Social Action”

WHEREAS, Torah teaches us concerning the rights of workers, as in “The wages of a laborer shall not remain with you until morning (Lev. 19:13) and “You shall not abuse a needy and destitute laborer, whether a fellow countryman or a stranger…You must pay him his wages on the same day…for he is needy and sets his life on it; else he will cry to God against you and you will incur guilt.” (Deut. 24:14-15) and “Whoever keeps the salary from a worker is as if taking his/her life, and transgresses five negative commandments and one positive command.” (Shulhan Arukh, Hoshen Mishpat 339:2)

WHEREAS, Torah teaches us the importance of business ethics as in “You shall not falsify measures of length, weight or capacity. You shall have an honest balance, honest weights, an honest ephah, and an honest hin.” (Lev. 19:35)

WHEREAS, the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism continues to express its commitment to Environmental Protection, including the 2003 Resolution, “Environment”

WHEREAS, our commitment to kashrut is undermined and discredited by reports of worker abuse, animal cruelty and corrupt business practices within the kosher meat industry, much of which has been confirmed by the Joint Commission of Inquiry in its December 12, 2006, report to United Synagogue and the Rabbinical Assembly

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism stands fully behind the development of a Hekhsher Tzedek to be applied to the kosher food industry.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism supports the work of the joint Hekhsher Tzedek Commission comprised of representatives of United Synagogue and the Rabbinical Assembly.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Hekhsher Tzedek will evaluate kosher food manufacturers in the areas of

• Employee welfare, including fair wages, benefits, health safety
• Employee training
• Quality control and animal welfare
• Corporate accountability and integrity
• Environmental impact

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism calls upon member congregations to support Hekhsher Tzedek; to respond positively to the Hekhsher Tzedek Commission as it develops promotional and educational material and to encourage congregants to support and promote Hekhsher Tzedek.