Resolution Against Family Violence (2005)

WHEREAS, family violence and sexual abuse occurs in every segment of the Jewish and larger communities; and

WHEREAS, devotion to Jewish tradition and religious observance has not always prevented violent behavior within the family; and

WHEREAS, Judaism asserts that every human being is created in God's image,

WHEREAS, a responsum of the Committee of Law and Standards (authored by Rabbi Elliot Dorff in 1995) concludes that "beating wives, husbands, or anyone else, and other forms of physical abuse, such as sexual abuse, are absolutely forbidden as we Conservative rabbis understand it;" and

WHEREAS, the same responsum of the Committee of Law and Standard asserts that "We ultimately do more for our own reputation as a community and for the Name of God, our covenantal partner, if we own up to the problems in our communities and try honestly to deal with them. "Hilul Hashem" then far from prompting us to try to hide the abuse that is going on among us, should motivate us instead to confront it and root it out.

NOW, BE IT RESOLVED that the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism publicly declares its commitment to eradicating family violence through preparation, distribution, and presentation of educational programs;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism calls on all member congregations to offer active support to those who have suffered from family violence.