ABOUT THE COMMITTEE ON COMMITMENT AND OBSERVANCE
ABOUT THE COMMITTEE ON COMMITMENT AND OBSERVANCE
About the Committee on Commitment and Observance
Committees on commitment and observance have existed in the Conservative Movement with different appearances and foci for many years reflecting Conservative Judaism’s commitment to a life of sacred observance. The Joint Rabbinical Assembly - United Synagogue Committee on Commitment and Observance was created in the fall of 1996 to underscore the importance of that commitment. Its mission statement is:
The Rabbinical Assembly and the United Synagogue formed the Joint Committee on Commitment and Observance because of the historic and continuing commitment of Conservative Judaism to shmirat mitzvot, the performance of God’s commandments. Its mission is to promote, within the lives of individual Conservative Jews, shmirat mitzvot that enhances our spiritual lives and makes us partners with God in the task of tikkun olam, improving an imperfect world.
The Committee will provide overall structures that will enable our congregations to educate and encourage individual congregants from different starting points of knowledge and commitment in the responsibility of shmirat mitzvot. In support of this, the Committee will collect, create, disseminate, and promote exciting materials and programs.
The Committee chose Shabbat as the starting point for promoting shmirat mitzvot. This Shabbat -- Experience the Joy campaign is the result of that decision. It reflects a high-level commitment by the Conservative Movement to promote Shabbat observance.
