Statements & Petitions

We, the undersigned Orthodox rabbis, respond with alarm to the 2021 Texas Senate Bill 8 which effectively bans abortions after six weeks of pregnancy (four weeks from conception).

Jewish law shows the utmost concern for life and potential life. Our communities are emphatically pro-natal, celebrating new lives and investing heavily in the education and moral development of our children. At the same time, there are cases where Jewish law requires aborting a pregnancy. Abortions are devastating, and we counsel them in situations where tragedy is nearly inevitable or has already occurred. But tragedies happen, and abortion is a medical procedure used by Jews since antiquity to mitigate dire outcomes and protect life.  Modern Orthodox, Religious Zionist Rabbis Condemning hate toward Arabs. 

We were heartbroken and horrified to see tens of young people who have been filled with hatred and violent attitudes toward Arabs as a group. These attitudes violate the most fundamental principle of the Torah that every human being Is created In the image of God and should be treated with infinite respect, love and justice.

We want to express our support for the High Court of Justice decision that Reform and Conservative conversions done in the state of Israel must be recognized by the Interior Ministry for citizenship purposes and full rights to make aliyah to Israel under the law of return. We support this decision because we share the broad Zionist commitment to Israel as both a Jewish and a democratic state. This decision strengthens the democratic character of the state by treating all Jewish denominations as equal in this particular matter.

It is clear then, that we must take all necessary measures to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 to ourselves and others. With the advent of the new vaccine, it is thus a biblically mandated imperative that all, with the exception of those advised otherwise by their medical doctor, be vaccinated.

We… echo the call of our Muslim allies to ICE to hold all of their officials accountable and ensure that Muslims at all ICE facilities have access to unexpired halal meals. This must include vetting new employees, training, and supervising all personnel more effectively, as well as disciplining and training those involved so that these violations of Muslim detainees’ rights are neither continued, nor retribution effected on any detainees insisting on their rights.

Torat Chayim is troubled by recent developments that Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) cannot and does not keep track of migrant children separated from their families… By depriving refugees and asylum seekers of basic protection, we rob them of their inherent human dignity.

We are Orthodox rabbis from Israel and the Diaspora who oppose unilateral annexation in Judea & Samaria / Palestinian Territories. The principle that all humans are created in the Divine Image and are thus deserving of dignity (Kavod Ha’Briyot) inspires and compels us to reject unilateral moves to impose Israeli sovereignty over area C… We call on Prime Minister Netanyahu to continue showing restraint and pursue a negotiated settlement.

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