NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire - February 4, 2009) -
The Central Conference of American Rabbis
(CCAR), which represents nearly 2,000 Reform rabbis, the world's
largest group of Jewish clergy, issued a statement calling for quick
Congressional action for funding family planning and comprehensive sex
education -- whether through a stimulus package or another vehicle.
The rabbis expressed concern that President Obama suggested removing this
kind of funding from the stimulus package before the U.S. House of
Representatives. Meanwhile, they applauded the President for immediately
lifting the "global gag rule," a move that will allow family planning and
sex education services to be available where needed around the world.
Following is the full text of the statement:
Central Conference of American Rabbis
Reform Rabbinic Leadership Calls for Quick Action on Family Planning and
Comprehensive Sex Education
Like President Barack Obama, the Central Conference of American Rabbis has
long held a strong commitment to women's reproductive health and freedom,
and to responsible sexuality education.
Jewish tradition teaches us that health care for all is a communal
responsibility.
Jewish tradition insists on truth, and so-called "abstinence-only
sex-education" violates the truth when it describes contraception only in
terms of failure rates.
Jewish law places saving life above almost every other commandment: the
availability of contraceptive care and comprehensive sexuality education
save lives.
We are grateful that, during his first week in office, President Obama
demonstrated the priority he places on these issues by revoking the "global
gag rule," thereby making family planning services available where they are
most needed around the world.
In the last week, some family planning advocates were disappointed, when
President Obama asked that family planning funding be removed from the
economic stimulus bill before the U.S. Representatives.
Whether enhanced funding for family planning and comprehensive, medically
accurate sex education is provided through a stimulus package or some other
vehicle, we call upon President Obama, his administration, and the
leadership of both Houses of Congress to assure that action is taken on
these critical issues in the opening weeks of this new Administration and
Congress.
Peter S. Knobel Steven A. Fox
President Executive Vice-President
To arrange a conversation with Rabbi Knobel or Rabbi Fox, please contact
Adria Greenberg at Sommerfield Communications, Inc. at 212-255-8386 or
adria@sommerfield.com
The Central Conference of American Rabbis, founded in 1889, is the oldest
and largest rabbinic organization in North America. As the professional
organization for Reform Rabbis of North America, the CCAR projects a
powerful voice in the religious life of the American and international
Jewish communities. Since its establishment, the CCAR has a rich history of
giving professional and personal support to Reform rabbis, providing them
opportunities for study, professional development and spiritual growth
beginning while they are still in seminary, through mid-careers, and into
retirement. The CCAR is uniquely positioned to meet the ongoing needs of
its 1,850 member rabbis (virtually the entire Reform rabbinate) and the
entire Reform Jewish community.
Contact Information: Media Contact:
Adria Greenberg
Sommerfield Communications, Inc.
212-255-8386
adria@sommerfield.com