Outreach to Jews from Eastern Europe (1999)

WHEREAS, a multitude of Jews from Eastern Europe settled in North America between 1976 and 1997, many of them settling in communities with strong Conservative institutions; and

WHEREAS, the Conservative Movements, its clergy and its institutions have many resources to offer Jews from these nations in the way of Jewish education, transformative Jewish experiences and supportive community; and

WHEREAS, much work remains to be done in the creation of effective models for culturally specific Jewish experiences which take into account the intellectual, cultural and spiritual sensibilities of Jews from the formerly communist nations of Eastern Europe,

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism calls upon the leadership of its affiliated congregations to identify and work with Eastern European Jews now living in their communities to create culturally sensitive initiatives. Such programs will provide feasible and compelling opportunities for Jews from Eastern Europe to participate more fully in the Jewish community and to grow in their knowledge of and connection to Judaism.