Search JTA's historical archive dating back to 1923

Conservative Synagogues Oppose Federal Aid to Religious Schools

June 12, 1961
See Original Daily Bulletin From This Date
Advertisement

A firm stand against the granting of Federal aid or loans to private and religious elementary and high schools was taken by the United Synagogue of America at a meeting of its executive council, it was announced today.

In a resolution adopted at the meeting, the United Synagogue affirmed its endorsement of Federal aid to public schools and expressed support of the Thompson bill now before the House of Representatives. It stressed, however, the separation of church and state as “the staunchest safeguard against the involvement of the church in government or the government in church” and urged “a mutual hands-off principle.”

In recording its opposition to government aid to parochial schools, the United Synagogue, representing more than 700 Conservative congregations in the United States and Canada, expressed grave concern over the financial plight of the growing number of Hebrew day schools and yeshivot throughout the country, and called upon leaders of Jewish federations and welfare funds to include such educational institutions in their communal budgetary plans.

Recommended from JTA

Advertisement