USCJ: Social Action/Public Policy

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SOCIAL ACTION/PUBLIC POLICY
Resolution Implementation Packets
To order, contact the Department of Special Projects/ Commission on Social Action and Public Policy, ext. 2618.

"The Abortion Controversy: Jewish Religious Rights and Responsibilities"
This packet explains Conservative Judaism's understanding of abortion in the light of Jewish law and tradition, as well as the current political situation, and the USCJ's position and efforts in this area. It contains programming ideas and a list of books and articles.

"Judaism and Smoking"
This packet is intended to help congregations begin a campaign to save lives by reducing smoking. It contains suggestions for education, prevention and smoking cessation programs, an article on smoking by a Conservative rabbi, and a list of organizations that can help you to find additional resources. We hope that you will mobilize your congregation's energies and resources for this life-saving work.

"Judaism, Courtesy and Civility"
This packet focuses on the issues relating to public and private discourse. It includes background material on courtesy and civility in Jewish tradition as well as program ideas and study discussion topics. It emphasizes the importance of choosing words carefully.

"Cults, Missionaries, and the Jewish Community-A Resource Guide"
This packet acquaints you with the resources available to educate the Jewish community to the danger posed by cults.

"Judaism and Health Care Reform"
This packet is intended to help you and your congregation become advocates for just, adequate health care reform. The material includes traditional Jewish sources, a contemporary text for study, suggestions for action, information about health care reform organizations, and additional resources for program planning.

"Judaism and HIV/AIDS"
This packet includes Jewish source material, programming ideas, and a list of resources available in both the Jewish and general communities.

EMERGENCY RELIEF
Conservative Movement Natural Disaster Relief Fund
The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, The Rabbinical Assembly, Women's League for Conservative Judaism, The Federation of Jewish Men's Clubs, and the Jewish Theological Seminary of America have established this ongoing fund to assist congregations and individual members in areas affected by such catastrophic occurrences as hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, storms, fires, etc. Requests for assistance should be directed to Sarrae Crane, Department of Special Projects, ext. 2614. Contributions should be made payable to the United Synagogue and sent to Natural Disaster Relief Fund, the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, Rapaport House, 155 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010.

ENVIRONMENT
"Environmental Handbook"
This publication provides educational material, concrete projects and initiatives for individuals or groups as well as a listing of Jewish environmental materials and organizations.
To order, contact the Youth Department, ext. 2319.

HUNGER
Operation Isaiah
Conservative Jews affirm their commitment to feed the hungry and care for the homeless by bringing foodstuff to the synagogue before Kol Nidre. Educational material for use in classrooms and informal settings is also available. For information on how to organize Operation Isaiah, contact the Education Department, ext. 2500.

UNITED SYNAGOGUE POSITIONS
Resolutions
Pamphlet of positions on Conservative Movement issues, topics of Jewish concern and public policy matters adopted by the United Synagogue at its 1997 Biennial Convention.
To order, contact the Department of Special Projects, ext. 2618.